ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - It is one thing to know Atlanta has a rich LGBTQ+ history. It is another to know the stories that make up that history.
Atlanta History Center’s Keenan Research Center has been documenting those stories through diaries, photographs, and videos for decades.
“Karl Allquist just worked for a computer company. In 1989 he contracted HIV,” said Paul Crater, Vice President of Collections and Research Services at the Atlanta History Center.
This is an entry from his diary.
“Found out today, it is definite, what we thought...still can’t bring myself to stay or write the words,” said Crater, reading Carl’s diary.
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Karl died at 55. His entries are part of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ history. A history that has been documented for decades through photographs, diaries, and letters.
“The Kennan Research Center has been collecting materials related to Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community since 1989. We were the first archival institution in Atlanta to do so,” said Crater.
The collection shows moments of political activism, moments where entertainment and performance took center stage, and many moments of community — when people came together to be unapologetically themselves.
“The materials in this bay illustrate the history of PRIDE week in Atlanta, that dates back to the early 1970s. For example, we have photographs from the first PRIDE parade in Atlanta,” said Crater. “There is Black gay pride celebrations.”
From publications to photos of house parties and shows to protests.
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The pieces of the collection make a powerful statement about the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and the many voices that make up Atlanta’s story.
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