For the first time, both Providence, Rhode Island, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are on the verge of recognizing significant LGBTQ+ landmarks. This initiative aims to honor the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in these cities, marking a pivotal moment in the preservation of queer history.
Key Takeaways
- Providence is set to add its first LGBTQ+ landmark to the National Register of Historic Places.
- Pittsburgh’s Donny’s Place, a historic gay bar, is nominated for city historic designation.
- Both initiatives aim to preserve LGBTQ+ history and prevent the loss of significant cultural sites.
Providence’s LGBTQ+ Landmark Initiative
In Providence, the Providence Preservation Society (PPS) has received nearly $75,000 from the National Park Service to research and nominate a site associated with LGBTQ+ history for the National Register of Historic Places. This project is a response to the lack of representation of LGBTQ+ sites in Rhode Island’s historical records.
The initiative will involve:
- Researching Up to 50 Properties: A consultant will be hired to survey and document the histories of various sites.
- Community Engagement: The project will prioritize input from individuals with lived experiences in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Potential Sites: Possible locations include significant gathering places, residences, and routes of historic events like the first gay pride march in 1976.
Pittsburgh’s Donny’s Place
In Pittsburgh, the nomination of Donny’s Place as the city’s first LGBTQ+ historic site highlights the bar’s cultural significance. Operating from 1973 until its closure in 2022, Donny’s Place served as a vital community hub for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Key aspects of Donny’s Place include:
- Cultural Anchor: The bar was a gathering place for generations of LGBTQ+ individuals, hosting events from drag shows to community fundraisers.
- Historical Significance: It played a crucial role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and served as a recruitment site for early HIV/AIDS studies.
- Preservation Efforts: The nomination seeks to honor the legacy of its late owner, Donald R. Thinnes, and prevent the building’s demolition amid proposed housing developments.
The Importance of Recognizing LGBTQ+ History
The recognition of LGBTQ+ sites in both cities is essential for several reasons:
- Cultural Preservation: It helps preserve the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, which have often been overlooked.
- Community Identity: These landmarks serve as symbols of resilience and identity for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
- Educational Opportunities: Recognized sites can provide educational resources for future generations, fostering understanding and acceptance.
Conclusion
The initiatives in Providence and Pittsburgh represent a significant step towards acknowledging and preserving LGBTQ+ history. By recognizing these landmarks, both cities are not only honoring the past but also paving the way for a more inclusive future. As these projects unfold, they will undoubtedly inspire similar efforts in other communities across the nation.
Sources
- Providence will get its first LGBTQ landmark on the national historic register, The Providence Journal.
- Polish Hill bar nominated as Pittsburgh’s first LGBTQ historic site | 90.5 WESA, 90.5 WESA.
