Each June marks the celebration of Pride Month, as a way of acknowledging those leaders and organizations defending, advocating and promoting the rights and causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and + communities.
Our global community of #ArchivesUnited includes archives of all types, and on this day, we want to highlight initiatives and organizations collecting, safeguarding, digitizing and making accessible archival resources related to the LGBTQI+ community, their tireless fight and their contribution to history. Their efforts are crucial to continue the advocacy and defense of the rights of these communities as we are witnessing the adoption of anti-LGBTQI+ laws, and the criminalization of those individuals identifying as LGBTQI+.
Many archives have created special collections to highlight the history of the LGBTQI+ community, telling stories from the last several decades. Being able to look back at the past helps us to prepare for the future. In this way, archives are important to help us defend our rights and to preserve society’s collective memory, ensuring that certain moments are not erased.
Archives enable us to undertake a wide range of roles that enable communities to take root and flourish, from enabling education and research, providing entertainment and leisure, to protecting human rights and confirming identity. #ArchivesUnited means valuing all kinds of archives and stories, preserving diverse histories and ensuring that everyone feels included in the stories that are told.
We want to join them in celebration and in advocating for #ArchivesUnited all over the world.
Josée Kirps
ICA President