Unveiling the Faith-Based Involvement of LGBTQ+ Activism

Often overlooked in mainstream narratives of LGBTQ+ history, the Midwest has been a rich tapestry of queer activism and community. Our Flyover Country exhibit sheds light on the groundbreaking work of LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations in the heartland of America.

A surprising theme emerging from this history is the crucial role played by faith leaders in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. From Chicago to Kansas City, clergy members have been at the forefront of advocating for equality and justice. For example, the president of the Society for Human Rights, the first chartered gay rights organization in the U.S., was a Black minister. The moderator of the first national meeting of homophile organizations was a United Church of Christ minister. Even a Roman Catholic Archbishop of Milwaukee wrote a letter to the Republican governor of Wisconsin in support of a groundbreaking anti-discrimination law.

You can bring this important history to your campus or community with Flyover Country. This exhibit is perfect for colleges and universities in the Midwest, as well as rural communities that may feel disconnected from the larger LGBTQ+ movement.

This exhibit challenges the stereotype of the Midwest as a conservative and homogeneous region. It demonstrates that queer history is everywhere, even in the most unexpected places. By sharing these stories, we can inspire future generations of LGBTQ+ activists and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.