The Full Moon Rising tree planting crew in June 1978. (Image: Gladys Campbell Papers, Eugene Lesbian History Collection, Coll 914, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)
MNCH New Exhibit to Highlight Eugene Lesbian History
Lexie Briggs, Communications and Marketing Specialist
A new exhibit at the UO’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History invites people to learn about Eugene’s historic lesbian community from the women who created and sustained it.
“Outliers and Outlaws—Stories from the Eugene Lesbian History Project” puts a new spotlight on local queer history. The exhibit opens Saturday, Jan. 28, and runs through 2023.
Hundreds of young women identifying as lesbians came to Eugene in the 1960s through the 1990s. Exhibit organizers say they founded organizations central to the city and provided leadership for community service agencies. They created lesbian magazines, music, films, dance performances, theater and art. As a community, they influenced Oregon’s political landscape and contributed to the national LGBTQ movement.
“In many ways, the city of Eugene as we know it today exists thanks to these women,” said Ann Craig, associate director of administration at the museum. “Do you remember Mother Kali’s bookstore or the Riviera Room? Eugene’s lesbian community is one of the things that makes this a special place.”