Richmond is an old place, at least in American terms. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have always been a part of its history. This exhibit, published originally on OutHistory in 2013, is dedicated to all those who challenged the norms of society, who lived free and honest lives, and who moved us forward--maybe just a little, but always forward.

An essay by historian John D'Emilio "On Teaching Religion and Homosexuality in the U.S.," and six chronologies on religion and homosexuality in the United States. First published on OutHistory in 2014.

OutHistory is pleased to publish an original essay by historian Douglas M. Charles discussing the research for his 2015 book Hoover’s War on Gays: Exposing the FBI’s “Sex Deviates” Program (University Press of Kansas).

An essay, originally published in The Advocate in 1989, about U.S. President Grover Cleveland's sister Rose and her partner.

A 2023 interview about the documentary film-in-progress Sally, which focuses on lesbian feminist author and activist Sally Gearhart.

A memoir detailing the struggles of Gary Miller's childhood and youth in San Diego and Kansas City before turning to his subsequent political and community service in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Roseville, CA. Published originally on OutHistory in 2015.

The growth of gossip magazines and tabloids during the first half of the twentieth century was partially fueled by the industry's embrace of sensational topics such as murder, violence, crime, and corruption. But no subject seemed to attract more attention than sexuality, especially sexual practices constructed as "abnormal" by the publications' authors and editors. As a result, gossip magazines and tabloids became a cultural spotlight that helped expose a variety of sexual identities, practices, and subcultures previously hidden from public view. First published on OutHistory in 2017.

An exhibit featuring the texts of state laws, beginning with a California statute adopted in 2011, that mandate LGBT history education in public schools. Published originally, with the research assistance of Sara Slager, on OutHistory in 2023. Updated in 2024.

To honor the 40th anniversary celebration of the Stonewall Riots in June 2009, OutHistory for the first time published nine pages of New York City Police Department records created early on the morning of the rebellion’s starting date, June 28, 1969. These were obtained by Jonathan Ned Katz via a New York Freedom of Information Law request. In June 2019, Tim Fitzsimmons, a reporter for NBC News, published one completely new and other old but differently redacted documents based on a FOIL request for Stonewall police reports. They are all republished here.

This essay, which reflects on teaching gay and lesbian history at San Francisco State University and Santa Clara University, was first published in The Journal of American History 93, no. 4 (March 2007): 1192-1199. Copyright Organization of American Historians. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.