Description
Queer Nation was a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) grassroots local organization first established in New York,
which then proliferated into many other chapters across the country including: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston.
The organization was well-known for its confrontational actions and public protests and was initially formed by former members
of ACT UP, a non-profit organization that fought HIV/AIDS discrimination. The collection encompasses correspondence, budgets,
propaganda materials, press contact information, membership lists, newsletters and photographs.
Researchers who would like to indicate errors of fact or omissions in this finding aid can contact the research center at
www.chicano.ucla.edu
Background
Queer Nation was a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) grassroots local organization first established in New York,
which then, proliferated into many other chapters across the country including: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston.
The organization was well-known for its confrontational actions and public protests and was initially formed by former members
of another group: ACT UP, a non-profit organization that fought HIV/AIDS discrimination. Queer Nation emerged because of the
need to visibly denounce and counteract acts of violence and stereotypical portrayals of LGBT people in the media. While prior
to the 1990s, the word "queer" conveyed a negative connotation and was considered a pejorative against sexual minorities,
the group was able to re-appropriate the term and adopt it as a word of action.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Chicano Studies
Research Center Library and Archive for paging information.