The history of the LGBTQ movement has been lived — loudly and proudly — in the public spotlight, in the face of relentless opposition. Thousands marched on the U.S. Capitol to demand lesbian and gay rights in 1979. Forty-two million tuned in to hear Ellen DeGeneres declare, “I’m Gay” on her TV sitcom in 1997.
But millions more have made queer history in their own quiet, personal ways: living openly, supporting LGBTQ causes, and tying the knot in front of family and friends. For many, the process of coming out, finding friendship and love, and building community began in spaces hidden in place sight — in dive bars, leather bars, dance clubs, and taverns.
For a deeper dive into our collective past, journalist David Hunt talks with Art Smith, whose online archive, Gaybarchives, documents the storied history of the gay bar scene.
Journey back to the 1970s and 1980s and experience the specialized and often exclusive nature of gay bars post-Stonewall. Art Smith reveals how his project seeks to preserve the legacy of these influential venues, capturing the essence of a time when bars like the Hippopotamus in Baltimore were lifelines for many. As Daniel Jaffe recounts his eye-opening first night in Boston's gay scene, listeners will appreciate how these spaces once served as cultural classrooms, bridging generational gaps and fostering community connections. Join us in celebrating these establishments' transformative role in personal and collective journeys of self-discovery.
Links:
GayBarchives website
GayBarchives Facebook group

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David Hunt is an Emmy-winning journalist and documentary producer who has reported on America's culture wars since the 1970s. Explore his blog, Tell Me, David.