Hidden among the pages of Maine's queer history lies an extraordinary treasure most people don't know exists: 43 different LGBTQ+ newspapers and newsletters dating from 1974 to 2016, all preserved and digitized at the University of Southern Maine. As Megan Mac Gregor reveals in this intimate Pride Month conversation, these publications weren't just news sources—they were community lifelines when mainstream media either ignored queer existence or reduced it to harmful stereotypes.
Journey with us through decades of underground publications that range from radical activist newsletters to mainstream-style newspapers complete with event calendars and classified ads. Discover how the very first issue of the Maine Gay Task Force newsletter launched with a call to action against negative media portrayals, showing how queer media has always been intrinsically tied to activism and resistance.
The story of the Wildstein Club at UMaine Orono offers a powerful window into student activism of the 1970s. As Maine's first university LGBTQ+ student group, they faced significant opposition yet persevered to organize the first Maine Gay Symposium—an event expected to draw 100 people that ultimately attracted 300. Through media controversies, legal challenges, and societal pushback, these young activists created enduring spaces for authentic representation.
Perhaps most moving is Howard Brown's reflection when speaking to these student activists: "They fight not for themselves, but for those coming to UMO in the future who will know pride, not shame. My generation knew only the shame and not the pride." This generational perspective reminds us how each wave of activism builds upon the last, allowing the next generation to dream bigger and reach higher.
The digitization of this historical collection preserves voices that might otherwise be lost to time. Dive into these archives to explore a rich tapestry of community-building, resistance, and self-determination that continues to shape Maine's LGBTQ+ community today. And if you're in Maine, come meet us at Brunswick Pride (June 14th) or Portland Pride (June 21st) to learn more about preserving these vital stories for future generations.

The collection is accessible to anyone in the public, we often get the question of 'is it only for USM students?' and the answer is a resounding no! It is for everyone! You can learn more and explore the digitized materials here.

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