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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

This LGBTQ History Month we’re asking our supporters to donate $5 on Fridays to help save at risk Southern LGBTQ history. You can give $5 once or set up a monthly donation. To give, visit invisiblehistory.org/support, Venmo @IHPDonate, or PayPal @InvisibleHistories All links in bio

Flyer featuring banners and a fan from Invisible Histories archives.

This LGBTQ History Month we’re asking our supporters to donate $5 on Fridays to help save at risk Southern LGBTQ history.

You can give $5 once or set up a monthly donation. To give, visit invisiblehistory.org/support, Venmo @IHPDonate, or PayPal @InvisibleHistories

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy LGBTQ History Month! What better way to celebrate than to make plans to attend the grand opening of our new archival space in Charlotte, NC! Visit the link in our bio or invisiblehistory.org/open for more information. We hope to see you there!

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Campaign for Southern Equality @southernequality.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It’s heartbreaking to see @invisiblehistories.bsky.social leave Alabama due to political hostility, but we’re thrilled to welcome this vital organization to North Carolina. Read more about Invisible Histories: buff.ly/WN3YE90

alabamareflector.com

After attacks, Alabama-founded LGBTQ+ history nonprofit moves to North Carolina | Alabama Reflector

The non-profit organization, which archives and researches southern LGBTQ+ history, began collecting items in 2018.

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QZAP - The Queer Zine Archive Project @qzap.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We're so excited for our friends at @invisiblehistories.bsky.social new archive space in Charlotte, and of course dismayed that the legislators in Alabama can't seem to get their heads out their asses.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Rest in peace our hillbilly queen, Dolly Parton

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Alabama Reflector @alabamareflector.com · 24/08/2026

Via Andrea Tinker: Invisible Histories was founded in Birmingham to archive and research southern LGBTQ+ history. But amid funding concerns and after a series of attacks from conservative politicians and media in the Alabama, it moved to North Carolina. ow.ly/fONr50ZCImy

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Jessica Cheeri @cheerijessie.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Article's got the whole story about why the southern US LGBTQ archive @invisiblehistories.bsky.social is moving from Birmingham Alabama to Charlotte North Carolina.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Want to help us stock our in house LGBTQ library? Visit our website and scroll down or click the link in bio. Thank you to our friends at Park Road Books in Charlotte, NC!

Library book drive. Want to help stock our LGBTQ library? Visit invisiblehistory.org and scroll down. Thank you to our friends at Park Road Books. Invisible Histories.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

This June we gave a talk at Robinson Bradshaw lawfirm and what a great time it was! Josh spoke about lesser known Southern LGBTQ legal history. Thank you Robinson Bradshaw for having us! Are you interested in having us give a talk at your place of work? Email us and we can set something up.

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Julie @kvarko.northsky.social · 28/07/2026

F!&k yeah, Charlotte. So much good queer resistance has been there. Proud to say it’s where I’m from. Watch for @invisiblehistories.bsky.social ‘s grand opening of the new space on November 14!

youtube.com

Charlotte is now home to one of the South's largest LGBTQ archives

YouTube video by WFAE News

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🏳️‍🌈Dame Musset🏳️‍🌈 @damemusset.myatproto.social · 23/07/2026

14 years passed before Chambliss was convicted of the murder of Denise McNair, one of four little girls who died in the bombing. It took guts for Pete Smith to testify. During the trial he stayed, in secret, with my suitemate at BSC because of threats against him. It's good to see him remembered.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Want to schedule a research visit to the archives? We are now accepting requests for limited individual visits from Aug 3- Oct 29, 2026. We will begin general open hours in Feb 2027. Archives are located in Charlotte, NC. Complete form below or in profile: forms.gle/bAyeMeZLFst669Tj8

Appointment requests open from Aug 3-Oct 29, 2026.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

The space is almost ready! Hold the date for November 14, 2026. We will be hosting our grand opening at our new location in Charlotte, NC. More information will be sent out shortly. Want to stay up-to-date? Sign up for our emails on our website.

Save the date. November 14, 2026. Grand opening. Public Opening of New Invisible Histories Archive of Southern LGBTQ History.
Charlotte, NC
More information coming soon.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Trans badass, Petric "Pete" Smith, talking about working with the FBI to convinct his uncle, KKK member Robert Chambliss, in the 1963 Birmingham 16th St Baptist Church bombing.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

What do The Gays love (besides basic human rights of course)? T-shirts! And we've got more than enough to prove it. These pictures represent an incredibly small percentage of our t-shirt collection. Which one if your favorite? Should we try to do a reprint of any of these?

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Our archives aren't only manuscripts and paper items. We have a large selection of textiles, objects, and other items that you can explore. Here is a small sampling of our textiles.

Black leather vest with multiple patches, tags, and pins.

Black and gold masculine gown laid across a table.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Our archives aren't only manuscripts and paper items. We have a large selection of textiles, objects, and other items that you can explore. Here is a small sampling of our headpieces and jewelry. Most of this is from LGBTQ Mardi Gras balls and drag performers.

Tables featuring a silver sceptor, a wine chalice, silver earrings, and a bird head headdress.

A very brightly colored necklace on a table.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

In early June we hosted our second group visit to the new archival space. Thank you to the Costume Society of America for making time to stop by at the end of your symposium. We loved having you!

A group of people stading and talking in a very gay conference space.

The same group of people standing in the Invisible Histories archive while co-founder Josh Burford shows off items in the collection.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Even though we've been focusing primarily on getting the new space ready for full open visitor hours the work of archival preservation never stops. Just last week Josh spent some time cleaning and restoring some of the pieces in our collection.

A white, hella gay man with silver hair sits at a table cleaning an award.

Another angel of said white, hella gay man with silver hair sitting at a table cleaning an award.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Only one week left to support our 2026 Give OUT Day campaign! This year we're raising $2500 to save Southern LGBTQ history and make sure our histories are safe for generations to come. Visit bit.ly/ihgod26 or our bio to donate today.

We're raising $2500 this Give OUT Day. Give at https://bit.ly/ihgod26

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

This June we are keeping you SOAKING in LGBTQ history by sharing some of the amazing people working to keep Queer and Trans history safe and accessible. Want to show your Pride this month? Then give these folks a follow! @_leatherarchives_ @nashvillequeerhistory @stlouislgbthistory

Photos representing the leather archives, nashville queer history, and st louis lgbt history

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Did you know that the Mississippi Gay Alliance worked with local affirming ministers to provide marriage ceremonies and certificates for same sex couples in the 1970s and 1980s? These marriages held no legal value but were symbollic as a community action and a personal statement by the individuals.

1970s and 1980s gay marriage certificates in Mississippi with three screenshots of the top of marriage certificates made by the Mississippi Gay Alliance

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Discontinued FoOoOods! 👻🎃 @discontinuedfoods.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Great Ice Creams of the South (1984-1988): A line of ice creams based on "famous Southern dessert recipes", including chunks of real fruit and other mix-ins. Check this thread to learn about all the varieties!

A black and white newspaper ad, with an image of an ice cream carton with a pastoral Southern scene and the words "Banana Puddin'" The copy notes that "it's the ice cream with a distinctively Southern accent"

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

We are gathering news articles related to academic/state censorship of marginalized history/topics in classrooms, projects, studies, funding, archives, exhibits, and libraries. If you know of any please post them below. Thank you!

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Throughout June we will be sharing cool LGBTQ history accounts we think you should be following. This PRIDE month make sure you're dripping in Queer and Trans history by following and supporting the folks ensuring our at risk histories live on! @gerberhart @faulknermorganarchive @queerhistoryboston

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Nicole Rizzuto @fluentisona.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Join me in giving to Invisible Histories on Give OUT Day 2026! Their work is essential to preserving Southern LGBTQ+ history, which is vital work, especially now.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Today's the day! Give OUT Day 2026 starts today and we're raising $2,500 to help support the preservation of at risk Southern LGBTQ history. Visit the link below or in our bio to support our work. Happy Pride! bit.ly/ihgod26

Give OUT Day giving starts today! https://bit.ly/ihgod26

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Invisible Histories is raising $2500 this Give OUT Day and early giving starts today! Visit bit.ly/ihgod26 if you'd like to donate. Every dollar helps save Southern LGBTQ history!

Invisible Histories is happy to announce we will be participating in Give Out Day this year! Early giving starts today. https://bit.ly/ihgod26

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Article from the Sept 1982 Alabama Forum detailing the legal case of Baker v Wade that challenged sodomy laws. After winning locally, an appeals court reversed the lower court decision after the 1986 Bowers v Hardwick case (out of Georgia) that sustained sodomy laws until Lawrence v TX in 2003.

The Alabama Forum September 1982 article. Anti-Gay Law Overturned in Texas: TX penal code 2106 making it illegal for two people of the same ginder (spelling in text) to perform sexual acts was found unconstitutional by a US Disctrict Court in Dallas. Don Baker vs Henry Wade (Dallas County District Attorney) case.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A sample of workshops from the 1990 16th Annual Women's Music Festival held in Indiana.

Workshops include: women of color, women and money, writer's conference, spirtuality conference, coming out issues, legal affairs for lesbians, codependence and addiction, feminism and ecology, and relationships.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

A letter sent to the Sandifer House in Jackson, MS in May, 1990. The Sandifer House was a home for HIV positive men who were not being properly cared for by medical institutions.

Letter reads: Would you please send me information about the AIDS virus so I can show it to my mother and father? Thank you!

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

The space is coming together and starting to feel like a real, working archive. We cannot wait to welcome you. The best thing about a community based archive? We exist for YOU. Also thank you to the phenomenal Anthony Brummett for the incredible art design.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

With the move to the new space, we have had to cancel our normal June programming. But we want to make sure you're dripping in LGBTQ history so we're featuring LGBTQ history, archive, and museum accounts that we think you should follow all month long. Tell us in the comments, who do you follow?

A very gay flyer that says "who do you follow? tell us in the comments all the LGBTQ history, museum, and archive accountrs you follow!" Invisible Histories

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Want a way to push back against censorship, misinformation, and anti-DEI policies and sentiments? Then visit your local independent knowledge keeper. Your support is critical for the survival of these organizations and you’ll learn about your local community. A win-win!

Fight fascism. Visit you local independent archive, museum, or library. Want a way to push back against censorship, misinformation, and anti-DEI policies and sentiments? Then visit your local independent knowledge keeper. Your support is critical for the survival of these organizations and you’ll learn about your local community.
A win-win!

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Think your materials are too messy to submit for preservation? Have no fear! This is part of one of our co-founder's (Maigen) collection and it came to the space as if a tornado and a chaos goblin had a baby. We will work with you to get them properly sorted!

A white cabinet in a grey room with two white bankers boxes and one brown bankers box. The boxes read: Maigen Personal, Maigen Professional, Maigen Ephemera.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

The spave is coming along slowly but surely! We've ordered furniture and will be hosting multiple groups in late May. Stay tuned for appointment only hours and then the public opening in late 2026.

Brown and white bankers boxes sitting on black shelves in a room with grey walls

A white desk with various archival materials like folders and t-shirts being processed

Large orange and green shelves with a small assortment of arvhival grade boxes and a disco ball

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Making banners and signs for an event, organizing, or program? We highly encourage you to make them by hand! Read on to learn why you should make banners by hand not have them printed on plastic.

Make Banners Not War
If you’re making a banner or sign, we encourage you to make it by hand out of paper and fabric, not plastic.
Keep Reading to Learn Why

Handmade items are more meaningful. Particularly in the era of “AI,” an item made by a human hand transfers something special to those who hold it.

They can last longer. With the correct materials like thick felt, canvas, and permanent inks, textile can be saved and reused for many years.
Plastic is difficult to archive because it degrades, smells terrible, and can harm other items. Paper and textiles can be archived for hundreds, even thousands of years.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

We have several free zines, guides, and publications on our website to help you learn more about Southern LGBTQ history, community based archiving, and public history! Check them out on our site on Zines, Guides, and Resources under the Resources tab. invisiblehistory.org

Collage of zines from Invisible Histories including Dirt in a Cog, Memorial Archive, Weather Prepared, and How to archive a Protest.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Check out this great piece from @conversationalist.org on people working to preserve at risk histories!

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

We're working to make digitally accessible this phenomenal set of interviews recorded by Donna Smith about LGBTQ people in the South. Stay tuned!

a bankers box full of cassette tapes with white labels

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Sometimes your day is filled with industrial shelving and sparkles. These neck pieces were donated by Carol Gilliand and were wore at the 2015 Mystic Krewe of the Druids Bal Masque in Tuscaloosa, AL.

an orange shelf with two large bejeweled neck pieces hanging from them

a close up of the beading of the neck pieces

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

The shelves were installed today and we're so excited to get these archives up and ready for you to explore!

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Today we're working on a small digitization project. The Miss Vulcan pageant was an amateur drag pageant held in Birmingham, AL in the 1990s. Thank you for the donation from David Allison who won Miss Vulcan 1996 as Rhonda Rooter.

A photo of a box filled with VHS tapes titled Miss Vulcan 1995, Miss Vulcan 1996, Bad Seed - Pride Birmingham '97 - South Park 12 episodes (lol), and a Grace Jones tape.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Like many, we have been affected by reduced funding opportunities. If you are able, please support our efforts to actively preserve highly at-risk Deep South LGBTQ history by donating at invisiblehistory.org or @IHPDonate on Venmo.

We remain committed to our promise of always being an active, living archive. As such, we are planning two large community collecting trips this year.

We will visit Mississippi in the spring and Florida in the winter.

These trips help ensure that the rich and diverse LGBTQ history of the Deep South is not forgotten.

If you are able, please support our efforts to actively preserve highly at-risk Deep South LGBTQ history by donating at
invisiblehistory.org or
@IHPDonate on Venmo.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

The relocation of the archives from Birmingham to Charlotte is bittersweet. While we're exciting for what's to come, we will deeply miss many phenomenal people in Alabama. AIDS Alabama and CEO Kathie Hiers are one of these.

Image reads: THANK YOU AIDS Alabama and Kathie Hiers. A very special THANK YOU to AIDS Alabama & CEO Kathie Hiers for believing in Invisible Histories and letting us be your neighbor in Birmingham. We literally could not have made it without their support. We are excited for this new chapter but sad to be leaving the amazing people in Birmingham.

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Invisible Histories @invisiblehistories.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

We're moved! The archives have been relocated from Birmingham to Charlotte, shelves have been ordered, and we're working to get the space set up to open to the public later this year. Stay tuned and get ready to come drown yourself in Southern gay history!

Photo of an office room with wood floors and a ceiling fan. Stacked within the room are numerous boxes including bankers boxes, moving boxes, and archival grade boxes.

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Connall MacLennan @connallmaclennan.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

I had a great time presenting my research related to gay and lesbian migration to Atlanta during the 1970s at the Queer History South virtual conference today! The team at @invisiblehistories.bsky.social have done an amazing job at organising this important and timely conference 🏳️‍🌈

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Internet Archive @archive.org · 20/02/2026

🧵 Curious how researchers, journalists, and artists dig into the web’s past? 🌐 WAYS OF WORKING WITH THE WAYBACK MACHINE shows how the #WaybackMachine opens up a world of discovery and creativity. Learn more ⤵️ www.internetarchive.eu/2026/02/18/w... 1️⃣/5️⃣ #WebArchives #DigitalResearch

Promotional slide captioned “Ways of Working with the Wayback Machine, 9 February 2026, Internet Archive HQ,” with Internet Archive Europe and Wayback Machine logos at the top. The slide includes a photo of about ten adults seated in a bright room with large windows and wooden floors, arranged in a casual circle discussion. To the right is a graphic of a magnifying glass over a document icon.

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