Lambda Archives of San Diego will be hosting the “Proud to Serve” exhibit on temporary loan after it was featured at the first LGBT Pride ever held at North Island Naval Air Station. The exhibit will open at the Archives, 4545 Park Blvd. Thursday, July 2 at 5:30 p.m. It will open as part of the meet and greet for the new archivists.
The exhibit includes photos of LGBT veterans who for too many years were denied the right to serve openly. During Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Don’t Pursue (DADT) Jo Ann Santangelo created a photo essay of LGBT veterans to bring to life the need for open service for all LGBT service members. This exhibit has been seen throughout the country during and after DADT. The exhibit is dedicated to all the brave LGBTQ men and women service members who have previously served in silence.
The Executive Director of DOD Fed Globe, Lisa Kove said, “This (San Diego) is one of the largest military counties in the country and according to Wikipedia, the Department of Defense is the largest employer in the world so it’s important that we have this exhibit here.” Kove herself is a veteran with decades of military service and believes events such as the Pride event at North Island and this traveling exhibit will help foster even more diversity and acceptance in the armed forces.
Hours for the exhibit at Lambda Archives are Monday through Friday noon until 5 p.m., with later hours on Thursday until 9. “Archives tours are free and open to the public,” Walt Meyer, manager of the Archives said, “We hope many people in the community will get a chance to visit the exhibit and see the rest of the Archives.”
The exhibit will remain at the Archives until July 17 when it will be taken to Balboa Park to be displayed at the Pride festival Saturday and Sunday July 18 and 19.
