Celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month

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LGBTQIA+ History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history. This month celebrates marginalized voices and stories, helping us to better understand the complexities of identity, resistance, and resilience. LGBTQIA+ History Month is not only about remembering the past, but also about inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice.

At Sonoma County Library, we are proud to support and amplify the stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals. This year, we partnered with LGBTQI+ LEGACY, Sonoma County, to present Rainbows by the River, a program highlighting the rich LGBTQIA+ history of the Russian River area. We also continue to collect stories from our local queer community through our digital archives project, Here + Queer, Sonoma County, preserving these narratives for future generations. Through these efforts, we aim to honor the legacy of those who paved the way for progress while fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Check out this recording of the Rainbows by the River event that took place earlier this year. The queer community shared its memories of West County, and we heard beautiful stories that will now be immortalized in the library’s digital archives.

Share your pride. Reclaim your history. Connect with your community.

Here + Queer, Sonoma County collects, archives, and amplifies the histories of Sonoma County’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities. Throughout history, LGBTQIA+ people have fought for equality, representation, and dignity in society.

Here + Queer strives to uncover the rich and dynamic stories of queer culture and activism, documenting the struggles and joys of queer life.

This project accepts digital content in the form of personal narratives, essays, anecdotes, photographs, creative works, audiovisual material, and more. The project actively seeks submissions from all ages and backgrounds, from all time periods in Sonoma County history. Anonymous submissions are supported, as well as submissions in English and Spanish.

Your stories will empower, enrich, and deepen our understanding of queer communities.

Upload & Share Your Experiences

Books and More

Check out these recommended books our librarians have created for you:

eBooks, Streaming Media and More

LGBTQIA+ Stories and Experiences:

Pride (un)Book Club for Teens

In this unbook club, there is no assigned book! Everyone reads whatever book they like that centers LGBTQIA+ voices. This is a safe and inclusive place for LGBTQIA+ teens (and allies).

Fridays, 3:30-4:30 pm,
October 4, 18 & 25 and November 1
Cloverdale Regional Library

*Virtual Queer Book Club: Zami

Join us for an inclusive event for queer families and allies focused on celebrating the importance of family, diversity, and community. Recommended for ages 3-8 years.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 6-7 pm
Virtual Event

Family is a Rainbow Storytime

In this unbook club, there is no assigned book! Everyone reads whatever book they like that centers LGBTQIA+ voices. This is a safe and inclusive place for LGBTQIA+ teens (and allies).

Saturday, October 12, 10:30-11:30 am
Rincon Valley Regional Library

*LGBTQ Genealogy Event

Stewart Traiman, professional genealogist, will tell stories of LGBTQ ancestors in the historical context of LGBTQ rights. He will focus on finding research clues in genealogical records to find ancestors that may have been lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. For teens and adults.

Saturday, October 19, 11 am-12:30 pm
Virtual Event

Pronoun Advocacy Workshop

Join us for a youth-led Pronoun Advocacy Workshop! We will share our stories, brainstorming what to do in different scenarios, and discuss advocacy tactics. For ages 14 & up.

Tuesday, October 22, 5-7:30 pm
Central Santa Rosa Library

Pride Book Club for Teens

Meet with other teens to discuss books centering LGBTQIA+ voices! Free copies of the books will be available. This is a safe and inclusive space, and all teens 9th-12th grade are welcome (including allies).

Friday, October 25, 4-5 pm
Sebastopol Regional Library

Understanding Gender Identity and Supporting Trans Youth

Panelists include transgender youth and adults who will share their perspectives. Facilitated by local author and mother Janna Barkin, a passionate advocate for transgender youth rights. For teens and adults.

Tuesday, November 12, 6-7:30 pm
Rincon Valley Regional Library

Family is a Rainbow Storytime

Join us for an inclusive event for queer families and allies focused on celebrating the importance of family, diversity, and community. Recommended for ages 3-8 years.

Thursday, November 14, 10:30 - 11:30am
Cloverdale Regional Library

Saturday, November 30, 11 am-12 pm
Guerneville Regional Library