The Greater Dayton LGBTQ+ Her/History Project

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have a story, memorabilia or know of a pivotal person, place or event that has been instrumental in LGBTQ Dayton area history over the last 50 years.

The Greater Dayton LGBTQ+ Her/History Project is under way to honor pivotal LGBTQ people, places and events in the Miami Valley over the last 50 years. This year, 2019, is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in NYC which were pivotal in the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. But, it wasn't only the people at Stonewall who helped advance our movement toward greater equality. People across the country -- including in places like Dayton, Ohio -- helped the movement as well.

A collaborative effort led by a steering committee and headed by local activists engaging with various organizations across the community to identify and recognize important people, places and events in Miami Valley LGBTQ+ history. The committee includes Sue Elam, Melissa Rodriguez and Lisa Jordan Ailes and organizations such as Rainbow Elder Care Of Greater Dayton, the Greater Dayton LGBT Center, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County, Dayton Metro Library, and Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County.

We are in the process of gathering recorded stories and memorabilia, culminating in an event to honor our local history in October, which is LGBTQ History Month. Afterward, the material will be aired on local radio/TV, displayed in area libraries and, ultimately, archived at Wright State University with a goal of educating our larger community and emerging generations of people about the history and contributions of our LGBTQ+ residents.

Stonewall 50 New York Public Library