There’s no need to be a content specialist to research queer history, but it is always helpful to have a general sense of the historical context for an era. Before researching a topic, it can be beneficial to know:
Searching records may require a combination of modern and historical search terms. This may include search terms and phrases that are harmful and offensive.
Library catalogs and archival finding aids generally use modern language to describe queer and/or gender diverse individuals and communities; however, there are cases where historical language may be retained in order to preserve context. Depending on the topic, you may need to use a combination of historical and modern terminology to ensure a comprehensive search.
Subject headings that may be used to describe queer and gender diverse materials include:
Digital collections such as newspaper archives often allow for full-text searches of materials, though full-text transcriptions are not always accurate. In these cases, modern terms such as gay, transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming are unlikely to produce relevant results during time periods when these terms were not widely used.
When searching modern records, terms and phrases may include:
For more examples of terminology, see the GLAAD Media Reference Guide.
When searching historical records, terms and phrases may include:
Archival research concerning queer and gender-diverse individuals, communities, and establishments is frequently challenging, as there may not be explicit documentation of queerness, especially in pre-20th century records. Researchers may need to rely on subtle references or allusions that are up for interpretation.
A similar principle holds true when researching actions against queer individuals and communities; explicit homophobic or transphobic motivations are not always explicitly documented. Language many be coded and require further contextualization.