Black LGBTQIA+ people have always shaped Washington, DC on the front lines, behind the scenes, and in the heart of community.
For too long, our stories have been underdocumented, overlooked, or erased. BlaqLGBTHistory exists to change that. We are building a living digital archive that reflects the truth of our presence, the impact of our people, and the brilliance of our cultural legacy.
From the activists who organized in the shadows of the Capitol, to the DJs who soundtracked our joy on the dance floor, this project is about naming, remembering, and honoring it all.
What We’re Preserving:
- Personal stories of identity, resistance, joy, and transformation
- Cultural spaces like clubs, bookstores, and community centers that shaped belonging
- Oral histories from elders, organizers, and everyday changemakers
- Archival materials including flyers, photos, protest signs, and ephemera
- Moments in time that may never have been captured in history books—but live on in us
Why It Matters
When we preserve our legacy, we protect our truth.
We make space for future generations to learn who we were, how we lived, and why our voices matter.
This is more than documentation, it’s liberation through memory.
How You Can Help
We’re actively collecting stories, images, and contributions from the community.
If you have materials, memories, or leads you’d like to share, visit our [Get Involved] page.
Let’s preserve what’s been saved, and reclaim what’s been lost.