Using the search tool ArchiveGrid is a great way to start exploring related materials about a person or a topic in a broad sense – keeping in mind that individual collections may not be digitally accessible, and are likely be found in multiple geographic locations. A search for the HIV/AIDS activist group ACT UP, for example, yields results from the organization’s individual chapters across the United States, as well as the ACT UP Oral History Project, and personal papers at various institutions.

This is a useful compilation of all LGBTQIA Archives in the United States and Canada.

The Digital Transgender Archives is an online portal through which you can find linked archival materials, in one searchable location. There does not exist (at this time) an equivalent portal for other LGBTQ identities or topics.

Navigating archival resources can be a challenge - feel free to be in touch  at library@gc.cuny.edu

If you're interested in reading more, try our excellent Archival Resources Guide - note the tab on finding digital archival materials. NYPL's Research Guide also helps point to the LGBTQ content across their various collections. Here's a great blog post on the topic, by librarian Donna Davey.

Curious about LGBTQ CUNY history? Check out our page for CUNY LGBTQ archival resources at the Graduate Center, LaGuardia, and Queens College.

Tip - As you can see in the left-hand sidebar, there are many archives around the world relating to LGBT topics. By entering a zip code into ArchiveGrid, you can get a sense of which archives might be nearby - and adding a keyword to the search will help you identify relevant materials.