LGBTQIA+

Karl Allquist was diagnosed with HIV in 1989. He kept a journal documenting his life with HIV from 1989-1991. Karl died in 1992 from HIV/AIDs related complications. In 2004, Atlanta History Center interviewed Karl’s surviving partner, William “Bill” Penn. From Karl’s journal and Bill’s recounting of their relationship, we have a glimpse into life with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s.

Kenan Research Center collections document a wide range of historical themes and topics about the history of the Atlanta region.

Second Sunday was an important discussion group in Atlanta. It was an affirming group for Atlanta’s Black gay and bisexual men who wanted to discuss issues unique to them in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 

Formed in June 1972, the Atlanta Lesbian/Feminist Alliance (ALFA) was established to increase lesbian visibility and solidarity, and to provide means for women to exist outside of society’s sexist institutions. The Kenan Research Center has recently processed several visual collections related LGBTQ+ history, which include photographs related to ALFA.

The rebellion which reverberated from New York City down to Atlanta and the subsequent five days of protests jumpstarted the gay rights movement.

As Atlanta History Center works to make history available and accessible to all, a key component is women’s history. This initiative is made possible by Emily Bourne Grigsby whose bequest endows support for the research, interpretation, and presentation of the role of women in the South.

An unidentified performer in drag cabaret at the Cheshire Bridge Club in 1972.

Diamond Lil performs in a drag cabaret at an un identified Atlanta venue in 1971.

The story of any Olympic Games includes the efforts of civic activism on the part of residents of the host city. Atlanta was no different.

Kenan Research Center preserves extensive primary source holdings for the study of Atlanta.