The “LGBTQ” acronym is a relatively recent development in queer activism and scholarship.ĭespite its limitations, our microsite uses this contemporary framework to discuss LGBTQ historic places, events, and people. Though the terminology continues to evolve, we chose to use the acronym LGBTQ-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning and/or Queer-because we feel that it most broadly incorporates members of non-heteronormative communities. We welcome your feedback as we expand on our work to promote and preserve LGBTQ historic places. We recognize that there are many different interpretations of, and a sensitivity to, various terms and how they are applied. Words that are common among community members and scholars today may have had vastly different meanings (or not existed at all) in the past. One of the key challenges in understanding LGBTQ history is deciphering changes in word choice and language over time.
