Wednesday, Oct. 26, Lambda Archives of San Diego will celebrate LGBTQ History Month by hosting a talk by Lillian Faderman, a prolific author and internationally renowned scholar of lesbian and LGBTQ history and literature. Faderman will provide a glimpse into the stories in her new book, The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle, which gives an overview of the history of the movement for LGBTQ rights and liberation from the 1950s to the present. The Economist called The Gay Revolution “the most comprehensive history to date of America’s gay-rights movement,” and the Washington Post declared the book to be “the history of the gay and lesbian movement that we’ve been waiting for. Faderman researched part of The Gay Revolution at Lambda Archives and she has also been researching her upcoming biography of Harvey Milk at the Archives.
Faderman is a professor emerita of California State University, Fresno, and has received multiple honors for her work in lesbian and LGBTQ history and literature. The New York Times named three of her books – including The Gay Revolution – to its “Notable Books of the Year” lists, and she has received awards from many national LGBTQ and literary organizations, including Lambda Literary, the American Library Association, and ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. Faderman currently resides in San Diego with her wife.
“We’re so honored to host Lillian Faderman at the Archives this month,” said head archivist, Jen LaBarbera. “Her work in telling the history of our movement has been unmatched, and we’re excited to share some of those stories at this event. Especially with so much on the line for the LGBTQ community this election season, understanding our history as a movement is more important than ever.”
This special Out At the Archives event will begin at 6pm with a VIP meet and greet with Lillian Faderman. The VIP ticket package includes a signed copy of The Gay Revolution, a light reception, and a chance to talk directly with the author. The program will begin at 7 pm on the main stage of Diversionary Theater at 4545 Park Blvd. After the talk, additional books will be available for purchase and Dr. Faderman will be available for a short book signing. Faderman is generously donating her time and expertise, so all proceeds from the event will benefit Lambda Archives’ mission to collect, preserve, and teach the LGBTQ history of the San Diego region. Tickets are limited and available at http://diversionary.org/. The theater, lobby, and Archives are wheelchair accessible. The Archives is happy to arrange other accessibility accommodations upon request.
