Queer Pioneers: LGBTQ+ History Exhibition
In a groundbreaking tribute to the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the Harnett Museum of Art at the University of Richmond presents the “Queer Pioneers: LGBTQ+ History through the Photographs of Robert Giard” exhibition. This thoughtfully curated collection, on display from Aug. 29 to Dec. 8, sheds light on the trailblazers who have paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community’s progress.
Robert Giard, an American photographer, used his lens to capture the essence of over 600 LGBTQ+ pioneering activists, writers, and scholars during the late 20th century. For this exhibition, 25 of Giard’s evocative portraits have been carefully selected to narrate the LGBTQ+ rights movement’s journey. It begins in the 1920s during the Harlem Renaissance and traverses significant milestones, including the Stonewall Uprising and the Culture Wars of the 1990s.
The exhibition is curated by Hunter O’Hanian, a respected figure in LGBTQ+ art and history projects, known for his roles at the Stonewall National Library and Archive and the Leslie Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art. O’Hanian will host a lecture on Giard’s work on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. in Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts, followed by a reception.
What’s even more remarkable is that the University of Richmond Museums is making this exhibition accessible to all, with no appointments required for entry. The current hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. They plan to announce expanded open hours soon on their website.
“Queer Pioneers” not only offers a glimpse into the past but also serves as a reminder of the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing struggle for equal rights. As we celebrate Pride Month and recognize the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, this exhibition is a testament to the power of visibility and representation.
Robert Giard’s photographs capture the spirit of those who dared to stand up and fight for LGBTQ+ rights, making it an essential experience for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this inspiring journey at the Harnett Museum of Art this fall. Your visit will not only be a celebration of the past but a commitment to a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
For more information about directions, exhibitions, and programs, visit museums.richmond.edu. Join us in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community’s rich history and the strides we continue to make toward a more inclusive society.
Sources:
- University of Richmond. (2023, August 25). University of Richmond Museums New Exhibition Pays Tribute to LGBTQ+ Rights Movement. University of Richmond.
- Castellani, K. (2023, June 2). City Hall pays tribute to LGBTQ+ community and Pride of Richmond. Richmond Times Dispatch.
- Image Credit: P.A. Gormus, Jr.