Lambda Archives of San Diego
  • About
    • Mission & History >
      • Lesser-Known LGBTQ+ History
    • Racial Equity Statement
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Sobre Nosotros
    • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
    • Volunteer
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    • Logos
  • Search Our Collections
    • Archival Collections
    • Document Collection Finding Aids
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    • Digital Collections - San Diego State University
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    • Archived Lambda Archives Newsletters
  • Programs and Projects
    • Presentations and Workshops
    • Community Historian-in-Residence​
    • Community Programs >
      • Queer Stories: Identity, Substance Use, Recovery, and Beyond
      • Internships >
        • Intern projects
      • Youth Programs
      • Documenting LGBTQ Events in San Diego
    • Digitization Projects
    • Community History Timelines
    • Events
    • Guided Tours of LGBTQ+ History
    • Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Fund
    • Oral History Project >
      • Trans Policing Disparities Project
  • Visit
    • Visit the Archives
    • Schedule A Research Appointment
    • Virtual Tour of the Archives
  • Donate
    • Donate Material Collections
    • Support Our Work
    • Planned Giving
  • Blog

​Events

Upcoming Events

Click here to see upcoming events in our queer literature series

Other upcoming events

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Join us on Friday, October 3rd for a Variety Show & Mini Market Fundraiser - have fun and support local LGBGQ+ history!

5-10 pm | Flash tattoos by @chainesaw, art, & crafts in the Lambda office

8-10 pm | Variety Show at the @clarkcabaret

Bonus | Stay after the show for the Clark Cabaret's friday night karaoke at 10pm!

Tickets for the Variety Show & Mini Market fundraiser can be found here.

This event is 18+ 
We hope to see you there!



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​Join us on Thursday, October 30th, for a 
screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year! The screening will be held at Cinema Under The Stars, and this is a fundraiser to benefit Lambda Archives of San Diego. This is a sober event! Get ready to do the Time Warp again as we celebrate this iconic film's milestone. Join us for a night of singing, dancing, and dressing up as your favorite characters. Don't forget your fishnets and high heels! Grab your friends, grab some popcorn, and get ready for a night of absolute fun. Let's toast to 50 years of this cult classic together under the stars. See you there!
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Purchase Tickets Here!​


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​Lambda Archives is creating a library of in-classroom projects and activities, developed by local LGBTQ+ educators & students, that utilize Lambda Archives' historical materials and meet the requirements of the FAIR Education Act (Senate Bill 48) and California Content Standards. We want to ensure that the projects we create are made with your input, so that they best suit your needs and those of your students.


Join us for the first in our series of educator symposiums on October 22nd, 5-6 pm, where we'll:
  • Connect with other local LGBTQ+ educators (allies welcome as well)
  • Learn about Lambda's Curriculum Project and different ways to get involved
  • Meet with the manager and student interns working on our curriculum project to ask questions, provide input, and more.
  • Learn about Lambda's research tools and resources
Fill out this form to join us for the first symposium, share your availability for future symposiums, and/or sign up to stay updated about this project.






​Established in 2023, 
Circa: Queer Histories Festival is a month-long, LA County-wide programming series showcasing the trailblazing histories and vibrant cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ communities through the lens of present-day challenges and triumphs.

Lambda Archives is proud to be a part of this important event by hosting a virtual panel discussion with Dr. TJ Tallie to share his work and research: "Whose World Whose Home" delves into queer Black life in San Diego. 

Join us for this virtual discussion by submitting your RSVP today! 

​​https://bit.ly/CircaLASDbit.ly/CircaLASD



Past Events

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Whose World, Whose Home: Uncovering San Diego's Queer Black Futures and Histories

​We're excited to invite you to a powerful evening of discovery and celebration:

WHOSE WORLD, WHOSE HOME: Uncovering San Diego's Queer Black Futures and Histories
When: Thursday, July 10th at 6:30 PM
Where: Diversionary Theatre
Cost: FREE (but seating is limited!)
Tickets: Reserve your tickets HERE

​In collaboration with San Diego Black Pride, please join us for an unforgettable evening exploring Black Queer San Diego history that has never been told in this way before. For the past year, our Community Historian in Residence, Dr. TJ Tallie, has been delving deep into our archives, uncovering the powerful stories of Black Queer San Diegans from 1988 to 2002.
His groundbreaking research examines how the Queer Black community navigated, defined, and transformed our city during decades of profound social and cultural change. This important archival work draws from activist papers, community newspapers, and firsthand accounts to foreground Black queer voices in our local LGBTQ+ history.
Featured Panelists:
  • Dr. TJ Tallie (Community Historian in Residence)
  • Jordan Daniels
  • Joshua Dunn
  • Rayyon Robinson
  • Amber St. James
  • Miki Vale
We are also honored to welcome Phyllis Jackson, who will be doing a special reading of selected writings from Marti Mackey. This is a rare opportunity to hear stories that have shaped our community and continue to inspire our future. Don't miss this chance to connect with San Diego's rich queer Black history and the incredible people who lived it.

​Reserve your FREE ticket today! Seating is limited, so please secure your spot as soon as possible using this link. We can't wait to see you there for this meaningful evening of history, community, and celebration.

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Writing as Resistance: A Celebration of Queer Literature.

​We’re excited to announce our Spring exhibit and event series Writing as Resistance: A Celebration of Queer Literature. Literature has always been a powerful tool of resistance--and in this time of increasing book bans, censorship, harmful policies, and other attacks, we aim to amplify Queer voices past and present, to highlight the resistance work that’s been done and continues to happen in our communities.

Join us for the exhibit’s book fair-style opening reception on April 6th, to learn about local Queer literature and literary spaces past and present, and to check out books from our expansive lending library! All attendees will receive a special edition Lambda Library punch card, with incentives for checking out and returning books. Make sure to RSVP here.

Then come back to dive further into resistance writing & Queer literature during our 6-week workshop series!
Events include:
The following webinars:
  • Writing as Resistance Webinar - featuring Omkari Williams, Bestselling author of Gold Nautilus Award-Winning Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World without A Bullhorn
  • Journalism as Resistance Webinar
In-person workshops on the following topics:
  • Poetry
  • Zine-Making
  • Book Binding & Art Books
  • Journaling/Personal Writing
  • Self-Story & Autohistoria-Teoría
  • Children’s Literature for Families
  • The Path to Publishing & Other Distribution Methods
Open Mic / Show & Tell - Finale Celebration

Join us on April 6th and follow our Instagram or check our website's “events” page for details on the event series and to RSVP.

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INCON Intergenerational
​Connection Event​

Lambda Archives, in partnership with North Park Seniors and The Empathy Archive, invites you to an afternoon of intergenerational connection and community storytelling.
April 26, 2025
North Park Senior Housing, 4200 Texas Street, San Diego, CA 92104
12:00 - 2:30 PM
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RSVP Here: https://bit.ly/incon2025
Come share space across generations with:
  • Community talking circles
  • Pop-up oral history recordings
  • Crafting & creativity
  • Snacks & drinks will be provided.
​Intergenerational work is an important aspect of preserving LGBTQ+ history. By bringing LGBTQ+ youth and elders together, we honor lived experiences and amplify histories across generations.

Our partner, The Empathy Archive, centers youth voices by helping young people document and share their experiences with racial and sexual discrimination. Their work empowers youth to reclaim their narratives and spark social change through educational dialogue.

Together, we’re bridging generations to preserve, protect, and uplift LGBTQ+ stories. 

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Writing as Resistance: Using Our Voices to Speak Out Webinar Featuring Omkari Williams

Join us on Sunday, April 13th from 1-2:30 PM for a webinar as part of our literary series. The webinar, "Writing as Resistance: Using Our Voices to Speak Out" will feature bestselling Gold Nautilus award-winning author, Omkari Williams. Omkari is the author of "Micro-Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World (Without a Bullhorn). We'll be chatting with Omkari about her book, her path to writing as resistance, and more about how we can all make a difference in the current moment. Please RSVP here.

Community Art Workshop

Join Betty Bangs, Lambda Archives, and our hosts Libélula Books on May 8th for a Community Art Workshop. Supplies, food, and beverages will be provided. Some of the art created at this workshop will be donated to Lambda Archives and added to their Queer Artists Project collection for preservation. This event is free and open to the public.
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Oral History Workshop Featuring Zanne!

Join us on Monday, March 25th, 2024
For the first in a series of workshops that are free, open to the public, and available to community members of all ages. This workshop will focus on building basic skills to develop and execute an oral history project. We will also be joined by local artist, Zanne, for a screening of "Celebrating So Many Women at 35" - a tribute to the song, music video, and women's community of 1989 at The Flame.
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Queer History Workshops/Presentations for Our Safe Place and Intersections

August 8: 3:30-5:30pm - Queer Buttons and Ephemera
September 26: Queer Punk History
October 24: Queer Horror History
November 14: Learning from our Elders
December 12: Journaling is Gay!

For more information, contact: Angela Favela (she/ella) - [email protected] - 760-271-5186
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​LGBTQ+ History Month Guided Tour of Hillcrest

​Join Lambda Archives on a guided tour of Hillcrest to explore the LGBTQ+ History of our local “gayborhood.”

Hillcrest East
​Wednesday, October 16th, 6pm

​​Hillcrest West
​Saturday, October 26th, 10:30am
Join Us On Both Tours
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​Claiming Space: Queer People of Color on Identity, Power, and Resistance

Date: October 26th, 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: WNDR Museum, 422 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101


In Partnership with Lambda Archives of San Diego and WNDR Museum are proud to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month throughout October!

Join us for an exhibit featuring oral history recordings from LGBTQ+ BIPOC community members and a live reading from selected writings from Marti Mackey's "Det's Daughter" column. 
Purchase Tickets Here
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Coming Out Monologues

Thursday, October 10
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Diversionary Theater 4545 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116
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In collaboration with San Diego Pride and Diversionary Theatre, join us for a night of sharing stories & getting civically engaged! Hosted by The Sabrosa Lady Blanca.
RSVP Here
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​Queer in STEM: A Historical Quandary

Thursday, October 10
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
HomeLab at UCSD 9310 Athena Circle, Ste. 100 San Diego, CA 92037


Hosted by the San Diego Chapter of the American Chemical Society, this event will showcase and support the visibility of queer history in San Diego with a focus on its relation to the science community at large. Enjoy the evening with a dinner-social hour at HomeLab UCSD, the largest biotech accelerator on the US West Coast, followed by a keynote address from Lambda Archives. Proceeding the address, we will finish the night with a panel session of featured queer folx in STEM.
Get Tickets Here
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​REIGN OF REVOLUTION: The Haus of St. James Experience Exhibit and Opening Reception

Join us for the opening reception of "Reign of Revolution: the Haus of St. James Experience", an electrifying exhibit that celebrates the art of drag, activism, and liberation. Step into the glamorous world of San Diego's legendary Haus of St. James as we showcase a dazzling collection of gowns, photographs, and rare ephemera from this iconic drag house. Known for their bold artistry and unwavering commitment to justice, the Haus of St. James has reigned as both style icons and revolutionaries in the fight for equality. Don’t miss this chance to experience drag as you’ve never seen it before—fierce, fearless, and revolutionary! This event is free and open to the public, but donations are gladly accepted!
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​Dear Bruce

Saturday, October 12
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
The Studio Door 3867 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103


Secret Letters and Candid Moments: Unlocking Hidden Stories of Passion from the Past. The Studio Door and Lambda Archives of San Diego are celebrating the 30th anniversary of LGBTQ+ History Month with DEAR BRUCE—an intimate showcase featuring letters, drawings, and artworks exchanged between San Diego historian Bruce Kamerling and artists Paul Cadmus and Robert Miles Parker. Curated by Nicole Verdés from Lambda's collections with additional historic documents and artwork from San Diego History Center courtesy of San Diego History Center, Jeffrey D. Shorn + Charles S. Kaminski Trust. Lambda Archives will be giving a presentation on Saturday, October 12 at 11 AM. 
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LGBTQ+ History Month With the San Diego Wave F.C.

Sunday, October 13th, 5 pm

On Sunday, October 13th, the San Diego Wave F.C. will be donating a portion of ticket sales to Lambda Archives. Lambda will also be getting a videoboard shoutout during halftime in recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month. To score your tickets and discounted parking, use the links below.
San Diego Wave Tickets
Discounted Parking
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​LOVE IN THE STRUGGLE: The Jess Jessop Letters

Conceived, Curated, and Directed by Jesse Marchese

Produced by Diversionary Theatre and Lambda Archives

Jess Jessop was an early activist in the San Diego LGBTQIA+ community. He co-founded the San Diego LGBT Center and the Lesbian and Gay Historical Society of San Diego (now Lambda Archives), organized the first openly LGBT political support in the city, and worked with the Names Project Tour when the AIDS Quilt came to San Diego in 1988. Join us for a theatrical reading of some of his most moving and profound letters, all treasures from our collection, that reveal his groundbreaking activism and powerful legacy. Get your tickets today!
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"Join us on September 15th for Erotica Collaging! This is a 21+ event where we will be creating wall art, cards, buttons, bookmarks, and more using images from our vast Erotica collections. This event is free and open to anybody 21+ - RSVP today
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Join us at the Clark Cabaret on July 18th at 6 pm for

Pride is a Protest: Sign Making Workshop

You are not just making signs; you are contributing to the history of Pride. If you need space and supplies to make a sign for Pride this year, we've got you covered! We will have images from our collection on hand that feature protest signs from past Pride events that you can recreate to use throughout Pride weekend.
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LGBTQ+ Student Showcase Opening Reception

​RSVP Form
Date: Sunday, June 30th
Time: 11am - 2pm
Location: 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116 (Clark Cabaret/Lambda Archives)

​Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Reception + Pride Kick-Off

RSVP Form
Date: Tuesday, July 2nd
Time: 6pm - 8pm 
Location: The Soap Factory, 2995 Commercial Street, San Diego, CA 92113

Thank you to the sponsors of this year's Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Event and Pride Kick-Off:

Catrina Jones
Conor P. McLaughlin, Ph.D
Jen LaBarbera
​Joe Fejeran
Mark D. Maddox
Michael Van Lyon
Nicole Verdes
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Local Queer History: a Spotlight on Zines

Join us on May 23rd for a collaborative event between Lambda Archives, Particle FM, and Burn All Books where we will be sharing local queer history and a spotlight on zines from our collection.

Zines have been invaluable tools for communication, community-building, and cultural expression within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during times when mainstream channels of communication were inaccessible or unwelcoming. Seats are limited - reserve your spot today!
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​FOLLOW US

LOCATION

​4545 Park Blvd.
Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92116-2668
619-260-1522
[email protected]
​

DONATE

Financial support is essential to the preservation of our collective and individual history. Your tax-deductible donation helps us maintain and grow our remarkable collection of LGBTQ+ history. Thank you!

One-Time Donation

$25 $50 $100 $250 Custom

Monthly Recurring Donation

$10/mo $25/mo $50/mo $100/mo $250/mo

Annual Recurring Donation

$120/yr $300/yr $600/yr $1200/yr $3000/yr
Manage My Subscriptions

Recurring donations can be cancelled at any time

​© Lambda Archives of San Diego. All rights reserved.
  • About
    • Mission & History >
      • Lesser-Known LGBTQ+ History
    • Racial Equity Statement
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Sobre Nosotros
    • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
    • Volunteer
    • Duplications & Permissions
    • Copyright & Take Down Policy
    • Logos
  • Search Our Collections
    • Archival Collections
    • Document Collection Finding Aids
    • Oral Histories
    • Photographic Collections
    • Digitized LGBTQ Newspapers
    • Digital Collections - San Diego State University
    • Library and Book Collections
    • Archived Lambda Archives Newsletters
  • Programs and Projects
    • Presentations and Workshops
    • Community Historian-in-Residence​
    • Community Programs >
      • Queer Stories: Identity, Substance Use, Recovery, and Beyond
      • Internships >
        • Intern projects
      • Youth Programs
      • Documenting LGBTQ Events in San Diego
    • Digitization Projects
    • Community History Timelines
    • Events
    • Guided Tours of LGBTQ+ History
    • Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Fund
    • Oral History Project >
      • Trans Policing Disparities Project
  • Visit
    • Visit the Archives
    • Schedule A Research Appointment
    • Virtual Tour of the Archives
  • Donate
    • Donate Material Collections
    • Support Our Work
    • Planned Giving
  • Blog