Daughters of Bilitis Collection
We’ve recently added a new gallery to our website featuring the New Orleans chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis. The collection consists of copies of the organization’s newsletter, GAY-LA, from 1975—1977. You can read the newsletters here. The Daughters of Bilitis will be the subject of a public program on October 15 at the Williams Research Center. The program will honor Sharon Dauzat, the longtime leader of the New Orleans chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis, a lesbian social and civil rights organization. Dauzat previously donated her collection of photographs, t-shirts, papers, and a scrapbook documenting lesbian life in New Orleans from 1967 through the 2000s. The Dauzat collection will be on display at the October 15 event, which is being co-sponsored by the Archives Project and The Historic New Orleans Collection. Stay tuned for details.
Up Stairs Lounge Plaque Dedicated
The new Up Stairs Lounge commemorative plaque was dedicated on June 22. A large crowd turned out for the ceremony and participated in a second-line parade that ended at Crossing for a reception. Click here for a photographic essay on the dedication ceremony which appeared in French Quarter Journal. The Archives Project is proud to have been a part of the replacement committee, which included Rev. Lonnie Cheramie, Robert Fieseler, Jimmy Gale, Ryan Leitner, Frank Perez, and Courtney Sharp. The plaque is located at the site of the Up Stairs Lounge, 604 Iberville Street in the French Quarter. Learn more about the Up Stairs Lounge fire here.
Orion Couling Fundraiser
Huge thanks to Archives Project member and local tour guide Orion Couling, who created a Birthday Fundraiser on Facebook for the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. The fundraiser raised $2,538.00 for our organization. Couling also led a queer history tour in conjunction with the Up Stairs Lounge plaque dedication. Couling is pictured above (center, blue shirt) with his tour group. Thank you to Orion and to all who donated. We appreciate your support!
A Bright Spot in the “Big, Beautiful Bill”
The budget bill recently passed by Congress slashes federal support for essential services while making it harder for organizations to secure funds from wealthy and corporate donors. But at the same time, it includes a provision that has the potential to strengthen grassroots fundraising: The 90% of taxpayers who don’t itemize will now be able to deduct up to $1,000 (or $2,000 for joint filers) in charitable contributions each year. Starting next year, if you are one of the 90% of U.S. taxpayers who don’t itemize, you will now be able to deduct up to $1,000 (or $2,000 for joint filers) in charitable contributions each year. The Archives Project needs your financial support. Please consider becoming a recurring monthly donor. Giving is easy here.
