LGBT Museum – History Brings Our Story And Us Together

It was fortuitous that my first visit to the only LGBT museum in the nation will also be with my first cousin, Arthur Leddy, who is an out gay man like myself. It was great to share that moment with him as relatives because we now shared a bond in another family, our LGBT one.

The museum is not large but it is filled with a lot of rich, historical material that there is a reverence that one immediately feels when you walk into it. I felt like I was in a place where I can feel the shoulders of those who have gone before me that I stand on now who paved the way for the progress in gay rights that I enjoy in my life.

I know that my architect friend, Steve Const, was instrumental in the design of the museum which created a wonderful flow and openness to the space.

The displays , historical data and pictures also brought a sense that we are indeed a people of a shared past, present and future. You cannot help but be touched by what you see and hear. The LGBT experience, with all its struggles, is also a celebration of the human will and ability to endure and persevere.

It also gave me a resolve to continue to do my part to further the cause of equality and understanding. The tapestry of history shows that despite the darkness of bigotry and devastation of AIDS, our people have survived and thrived.