SAN DIEGO – In celebration of National Coming Out Day, and in honor of the political achievements of the local LGBT community, Lambda Archives of San Diego (LASD) will be hosting an open reception of its latest exhibit, 20 Years at the Table, Oct. 11 from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
The exhibit, currently open, showcases election posters and political ephemera from the campaigns of nine local openly LGBT elected officials of the last two decades. An array of materials, including buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs, campaign flyers, invitations to fundraisers, T-shirts, photographs, and newspaper clippings, chronologically portray this unique San Diego history.
The exhibit accompanies the theme of this year’s gala fundraiser for the organization, held September 6th at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Called “Heroes, Pioneers, and Trailblazers,” the gala is the primary annual fundraiser for the nonprofit, whose mission is to “collect, preserve and teach the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the San Diego and Northern Baja California region.” Elected officials honored that evening were former State Senator Christine Kehoe, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, San Diego Interim Mayor Todd Gloria, former Chula Vista Mayor Steve Padilla, former Coronado Councilmember Frank Tierney, former San Diego Councilmember Carl DeMaio, San Diego Unified School District Board Vice President Kevin Beiser, and County Supervisor Dave Roberts. The honorary chair for the gala was Dr. Al Best, who, in 1979, was the first openly gay candidate to run for San Diego City Council.
The Friday, Oct. 11 reception will include light refreshments and a brief program. Local officials currently scheduled to attend include Atkins, Beiser, Gloria, and Roberts. Tours of the archives will be given throughout the evening.
For more information, visit the event FaceBook page, “20 Years at the Table: Exhibit Reception on National Coming Out Day,” at https://www.facebook.com/events/329967147150032/, or Lambda Archives online at lambdaarchives.us. RSVPs requested by Wednesday, Oct. 9 at info@lambdaarchives.org, by calling the archives at 619-260-1522, or on its FB event page.
The exhibit is scheduled to close at the end of this year. Until then, it can be seen at Lambda Archives, 4545 Park Blvd, Suite 104. Admission is free. Please call LASD at 619-260-1522 for open hours.