Cincinnati's Forgotten LGBTQ+ History is Taking Center Stage
This week, local writer and historian, Jacob Hogue, celebrated the recent release of his book "Cincinnati Before Stonewall: The Untold Queer History of the Queen City", opens a new window with a book signing and author talk at the Covington Branch of the library. Did we mention that Hogue is also a KCPL employee?
Drawing on years of archival research, newspaper accounts, court records and personal stories, the book uncovers the rich and often overlooked LGBTQ+ history of Cincinnati from the early 1800s through 1969.
"There were decades of activism that led to that moment [Stonewall]," said Hogue. "Cincinnati had an activist organization here two years before Stonewall. It was finding stories like that that slowly let me know I had a book here."
From queer civil war soldiers to drag kings and queens who performed throughout the city (and beyond), Hogue's author talk brought to life extraordinary figures in Cincinnati's history who may have overwise been forgotten. You'll learn about all of that and more in his book.
"They didn't play by society's rules and that meant you were forgotten," said Hogue. "Throughout my book, you'll encounter many stories of people who should not have been written about. People who risked everything to be who they were."
As Pride Month nears, we invite you to join us at the library for these upcoming events that will also explore LGBTQ+ history in both Cincinnati and Kentucky (including another author talk opportunity with Hogue):
- From the Archives: An LGBTQ+ History of Kentucky with Josh Porter, opens a new window – Thursday, June 11 at Covington Branch – As part of the America250 Speaker Series, join Josh Porter of the Faulkner Morgan Archive as he presents an LGBTQ history of Kentucky, including artifacts, photos, and stories from the FMA collection.
- Author Talk: Cincinnati Before Stonewall, opens a new window – Tuesday, June 16 at Erlanger Branch – Another opportunity to hear Jacob Hogue speak on his new book. Pizza lunch will be provided to registrants.
- Freedom & Pride: Stories of Black Voices and Queer Identity with Kareem Simpson, opens a new window – Friday, June 19 at Covington Branch – Join us for a powerful Juneteenth and Pride celebration that uplifts Black voices, queer identity and the enduring power of storytelling.
- Voices of Queer Kentucky: An Afternoon with Missy Spears, opens a new window – Thursday, June 25 at Covington Branch – Join us for an engaging and inspiring afternoon with Missy Spears, Executive Director of Queer Kentucky, as we explore the power of storytelling, advocacy and community in shaping LGBTQ+ life across the region.
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