The State Library NSW is calling for people to add their pride story to the library’s historic record with the opening of a new hotline.
Co-curator of the Library’s Pride (R)evolution exhibition, Damien Webb said the Pride Line was a dedicated phone number where anyone could ring up and record a voice message with their thoughts, feelings and experiences to become part of the State Library’s LGBTQI+ collections.
“Everyone’s pride story is important, and they deserve to be visible in the Library’s collection so that future generations know we were here, proud and queer,” Mr Webb said.
“For generations much of our history has been hidden or ignored by libraries and museums and has instead been kept safe in community archives, shoeboxes and personal collections,” he said.
“For many of us, our stories have remained unheard.”
Mr Webb said Pride Line would operate 24 hours a day until 9 July and could be called from anywhere across the State on (02) 9273 1212.
He said recorded messages could be made anonymously.
“We hope this means more people will feel comfortable to take part, and we see a wonderfully diverse range of multi-generational queer voices and experiences – individuals, businesses, social groups and political movements – coming through,” the Co-curator said.
“The State Library is encouraging everyone, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or age, to share their story,” he said.
“With each new message, the collection will grow and evolve to create a dynamic and inclusive representation of the LGBTQI+ community in NSW.”
Mr Webb said the State Library had been collecting LGBTQI+ material since the 1970s and the new Pride (R)evolution, one of Australia’s largest ever queer exhibitions, shined a spotlight on little-known LGBTQI+ heroes and stories drawn from the collection, along with newly commissioned pieces from queer and trans writers and artists.
He said Pride Line continued this collecting legacy by offering a new generation a direct way to place their stories in the collection, alongside pioneers like William Yang (1943–), celebrated photographer and storyteller; Doris Fish (1952–1991), legendary drag queen, artist and writer; and designer and artist Allan Booth (1959–1990).
Further information on the Library’s Pride Line can be accessed at this PS News link.
