Preserving Northwest Louisiana Queer History
Last year, Professor Rachel Johnson of Centenary College in Shreveport reached out to the Archives Project and asked if we could help her gender studies class document Shreveport queer history. We enthusiastically agreed and the result was an oral history with AIDS activist Robert Darrow. You can hear the oral history interview here, as well as see a treasure trove of documents and ephemera related to the Shreveport chapter of ACT UP. We have renewed our collaboration with Professor Johnson for the coming year. Executive Director Frank Perez recently visited the class virtually and spoke with students about documenting Northwest Louisiana queer history. We are excited to see what the students unearth this semester. That material will eventually be added to our website.
2025 Programming Focus
Our programming focus this year is Louisiana Queer Arts. At our annual membership meeting on June 5, we will launch a four-day celebration of queer visual arts in Louisiana. The program will feature an artist’s fair showcasing 40 queer artists from around the state, an exhibition The Faerie Playhouse’s collection of John Burton Harter paintings, a film screening of George Dureau: New Orleans Artist, partial screenings of current queer films in production, and several panel discussions. Louisiana Queer Arts will take place over four days (June 5—8) at several locations throughout New Orleans. Stay tuned for more details.
Meet Our New Board President
Guy LaMothe first became involved with the Archives Project several years ago as a volunteer. He eventually joined the board and for the last few years has served as Vice President. Guy has been a New Orleans cheerleader since arriving in 1992. Guy’s love of history and zeal for authenticity keep him connected to the Crescent City’s vibrant culture. Armed with a BA in History (’92) and a Master’s from Harvard Divinity School (’97), Guy was Ordained into Protestant ministry (’98), serving congregations over a twenty years period. As a practiced public speaker and a licensed tour guide ambassador, Guy now leads neighborhood walking tours; seeking to accurately portray the history, culture, and architectural heritage of New Orleans in ways that build greater understanding, increase civic enthusiasm, and convey current relevance. As a perpetual student of history, Guy is committed to preserving Queer history in all its diversity. He resides with his husband in their restored Faubourg Marigny home.
Your Help is Needed
Preserving our history costs money and your financial support is needed. Would you please consider becoming a recurring monthly donor or making a one-time gift to the Archives Project? Giving is easy here and all gifts are tax deductible. All gifts are welcome and any amount will help. Thank you for your support!