Unsung Hero Behind the Queer Archives priding BC since the 70’s
As the founder of the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives, Ron Dutton has dedicated decades to preserve the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community for generations to come. The archive, now digitalized, serves as a repository for historical documents, publications, and other materials that document the experiences and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. We should remember these contributions by such heroes which often gets overlooked.
Vancouver, BC – March 26, 2024
CONTACT: Deiveek Agarwal (he/him), Media Relations Coordinator, BC Gay And Lesbian Archives, agarwald21@mytru.ca
HISTORY
- Ron Dutton founded the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives in his home.
- Dutton’s personal dedication in archiving was from a concern that the historical significance of LGBTQ+ activism and culture was at risk of being lost due to the focus on immediate action rather than preservation.
- Gay liberation Front spearheaded the initial movements in the early 1970s.
- Following the pioneer, a wave of Queer organizations appeared like the Gay Rights Union, the Gay Alliance Toward Equality, Lesbian Mothers’ Defense Fund, etc. contributing to the act.
- 31st December 2017, Ron Dutton closed the main archive. He placed it under the City of Vancouver Archives who then digitized the materials.
ABOUT
- Community archives, like the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives, fill gaps left by traditional archives, which historically marginalized LGBTQ+ voices due to societal prejudices.
- Most government archives are – over a hundred years and Academic archives are at least 50 years old, highlighting most were not inclusive and were maintained with every type of prejudice in mind.
- The term ‘Transestors’ rings a deep connection with people because it recognizes and pays tribute to LGBT predecessors whose lives and contributions have paved the way for later generations.
CHALLENGES
- Most Community Archives are run by volunteer, resulting in instability due to their lack of funds.
- When these archives first stared, society viewed queers as a criminal, religion labelled them evil sinners, and psychology called them mentally ill.