Ben Egerman on queer archives, a little gay and trans history, preserving generational memory

By now you probably know I’m a big fan of archives, histories, biographies and exploring the queer past that has remained obscured for far too long. During my latest Sunday chat, I invited Ben Egerman to join me to discuss his “gay little history zines” and other historical work.We talked about the sapphic love stories that more people should be aware, a transgender horse thief, the Black drag and ballroom scene of West Baltimore and so much more.And no, in case you’re wondering: We did NOT coordinate our stripes! Fun fact: I attended a production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Friday night, and Ben told me he has his tickets and is excited, in part, because André De Shields, who portrays Old Deuteronomy in the show, is from West Baltimore. I can’t recommend seeing this show enough: it’s pure queer joy!Ben explained how he got started at the William Way archive in Philadelphia as well as the Lesbian Herstory Archives in New York City. And I mentioned my first experience at the ONEArchives in Los Angeles. Plus, we talked about the fragility of some queer archives because they have been destroyed and lost to history (and how Leslie Lohman Museum has a valuable archive that contains a trove of unique materials)“We don’t have access to generational memory as queer folks,” Ben explained. “In the same way as other ethnic, racial or language-based communities do… For queer people, your family is not usually a safe place for your document, and you have to actively seek to create those linkages.” Ben offered advice for those who may want to keep their own paper and photos and other ephemera safe and potentially donate them to an archive. Plus, he told us how he’s collecting and keeping good documentation of his own research and materials. He also mentioned checking out the Queer Stories Preservation Project. Among other resources, they also provide a link to an easy template to create your own zines. I also want to shout out Queer Archivist on Substack as a great resource.Other books mentioned or referenced during our conversation: * Amos Badertscher: Images and Stories* Gay New York by George Chauncey* When Brooklyn Was Queer by Hugh Ryan* The Love That Dares: An Anthology of Queer Love Letters* Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington by James Kirchick* Loving: More photographic history of men in love, 1850s-1950s (podcast episode)* Gertrude Stein: An Afterlife by Francesca WadeAnd in case you want to download the PDF of any of the zines that Ben’s created, he makes them available on the website. Here’s a link to the “Pansy Craze” one that we discussed.Big scoop of the chat: I was excited to learn that Ben has been working on a book about queer Baltimore and when the book is available I’ll be sure to share more details. Plus, his next zine will be about John Waters and the “queer weirdos of the Baltimore suburbs” became counterculture icons.Thanks to everyone who joined us for this live chat!Our next big Substack LIVE will be on April 19 when I chat with author Marisa “Mac” Crane about their amazing novel, A Sharp Endless Need.If you want to get your own copy of The QLP Quarterly zine, it’s easy: Come to one of our upcoming events or upgrade to become a Catalyst Member to support The Queer Love Project’s mission. I’ll mail you a copy and a T-shirt (like the one I’m wearing in the video). Calendar of upcoming events: * April 25 at The Porch in Nashville* May 2 Jerry will be at Open Secrets Live* May 4 QLP contributors read at Elyssa Maxx Goodman’s Miss Manhattan series* May 9 at the Rainbow Book Fair in New York City* May 12 Jerry will be reading at Must Love Memoir’s reading series * June 7 at Asbury Book Cooperative during Asbury Park Pride in NJFor more queer books that you might enjoy, visit our curated Bookshop.org shelves.The Queer Love Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Queer Love Project at queerloveproject.substack.com/subscribe