We the People: LGBTQ+ Rights
LGBTQ+ rights have been fought for in the streets, courtrooms, and legislatures, as well as in more private settings, person to person. These rights include protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender expression, recognition of marriage and the rights that come with it, and access to gender-affirming care.
Each June, Pride serves as a commemoration of the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. What began in New York City is now recognized all over the state and the world. It is both a protest and a celebration.
Highlights
In 2007, Erin Davies discovered that her Volkswagen Beetle, parked just down the street from the New York State Museum and sporting a small rainbow sticker, had been spray painted with the words “fag” and “urgay.” Rather than immediately removing the graffiti, Davies took the car on a 58-day trip through the United States and Canada, documenting other hate crimes, as well as her experience driving the vehicle and interacting with people. A year later, the car was given a rainbow wrap. Davies and the Fagbug ultimately toured all 50 states, produced two documentaries, and made numerous stops at colleges, universities, and community Pride events.
Gift of Erin Davies, New York State Museum H-2018.17.1
Gift of Erin Davies, New York State Museum H-2018.17.2
Organizations like the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club in Albany, NY, worked to build representation in government that would support LGBTQ+ rights.
New York State Museum Collection
Passage of marriage equality in New York was considered key to the success of the measure on the federal level. Many national organizations supported efforts in New York.
New York State Museum H-2018.25.2
March on Albany, April 29, 1990
The New York State Lesbian and Gay Lobby was a lead advocacy organization working for passage of LGBTQ+ supportive legislation in New York State.
New York State Museum H-2024.4.18
In 1994, the 25th anniversary of Stonewall, a portion of Gilbert Baker's mile-long rainbow flag was unfurled in front of the New York State Capital.
New York State Museum H-2024.45.76
Additional Resources
Oral Histories from the Pride Center of the Capital Region
To commemorate the Pride Center’s 50th anniversary in 2020, the New York State Museum partnered with the Center to collect oral histories from members of the community, ultimately resulting in the creation of a panel exhibition and recorded interviews.