What Happens When Collective Queer Memory Is Neglected or Suppressed in Archives
Collective memory is the shared history that groups have about themselves. It includes personal stories, shared experiences, and cultural artifacts such as photographs, letters, diaries, and videos. In the case of queer communities, this memory often involves histories of oppression, marginalization, and resistance. But what happens when these memories are neglected or suppressed in archives? This can lead to a loss of community identity and culture, which has far-reaching effects.
One example of this is the exclusion of non-binary gender identities from traditional archive systems. Archivists have tended to focus on binary categories like "male" and "female," which do not reflect the lived experience of many people. As a result, archival practices have erased important parts of collective queer memory. Non-binary people have been left out of historical narratives, leaving them feeling isolated and disconnected from their heritage. New archival practices must emerge to rectify this situation.
Another way that collective queer memory can be lost is through censorship and suppression.
During the McCarthy era in the United States, many queer individuals were persecuted for their sexuality and gender expression. Their personal documents and belongings were seized by the government, including love letters, artwork, and diaries. These items were then destroyed or placed in restricted access collections where they remained hidden for decades. This silenced generations of queer voices and erased valuable pieces of collective memory.
Some archives may intentionally omit certain topics from collection because they find them uncomfortable or controversial.
Some institutions avoid collecting materials related to HIV/AIDS activism, queer politics, or sex work. While this might be understandable given sensitivities around these issues, it also means that communities' stories go untold. Without representation in archives, queer identity becomes less visible and more marginalized.
Some institutions lack resources or expertise needed to properly preserve queer materials. They may not have the funds to purchase special equipment or staff with knowledge about LGBTQ+ history. As a result, critical materials are not preserved, and important moments are forgotten. New archival practices should focus on developing relationships with historically underrepresented communities and ensuring that their memories are valued and protected.
The Importance of New Archival Practices Emerging From Lived Experience
Collective queer memory is essential for creating a sense of community and shared heritage. It helps us understand our past struggles and celebrate our successes. But when traditional archive systems fail to represent all members of the queer community, new approaches must emerge. One way to do this is by centering lived experience in archiving practices. By listening to and prioritizing individuals' perspectives, archivists can capture a more complete picture of queer culture and identity.
One approach is participatory archiving, which encourages people to contribute their own materials and help shape collections. This allows diverse voices to be heard and promotes a more inclusive view of history. Participatory archiving has already been used successfully in indigenous cultures to document oral traditions and cultural revitalization efforts. Similarly, it could be adapted for use in queer communities.
Another strategy is collaborative curation, where groups work together to create and manage collections. This approach involves active engagement from those who will benefit most from the collection - in this case, the queer community. Collaboration can also increase accessibility, as members can contribute and share their knowledge about the materials.
It can encourage intergenerational dialogue and create a sense of belonging within the community.
Digital media offer exciting opportunities for preserving queer memories outside of traditional institutions. Social media platforms like Instagram and Tumblr have become important spaces for sharing stories, photos, and artwork. These platforms allow users to connect with each other and preserve their own personal histories. Archivists should consider how they can support these platforms and help ensure that important materials are preserved for future generations.
Collective queer memory is essential to building a strong community. But when traditional archive systems fail to represent all members, new approaches must emerge. By prioritizing lived experience, collaborating with community members, and utilizing digital tools, archivists can create more inclusive and representative collections.
What happens to collective queer memory when archival institutions neglect or suppress it, and how can new archival practices emerge from lived experience?
When archival institutions neglect or suppress collective queer memory, it can lead to its erasure and loss of documentation that could be used by future generations. It also perpetuates the marginalization and othering of LGBTQ+ communities, as their contributions are not recognized and celebrated. To address this issue, there is a need for more inclusive archival practices that center on lived experiences and perspectives of individuals within these communities.