Queer Maps is an explorable archive built to preserve and share the diverse history of LGBTQ spaces, organizations and happenings in Los Angeles from 1871 through today. The site launched in 2019, with over 800 listings. Since then we've had over 50,000 unique visitors use the resource, with mentions in The Guardian and references from The New York Times and The Getty. It's been used in a class curriculum at USC, by creative directors and program curators, and its database was used to help the ONE Archives develop their Queer Terrains program. Queer Maps continues to be free to use.
Since the initial site launch, we've received feedback and suggestions on how to make the map more interactive, inviting, and easier to use. We are raising money to fund the following new features, as well as further expansion of the site, to launch officially this summer.
Queer Maps is project of the Fulcrum Arts' Emerge Fiscal Sponsorship Program. This project is completely reliant on donations from folks like you -- all donations are tax-deductible. Fulcrum Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization.
SEARCH
Search for specific spaces, keywords, street names, and more.
FILTERING
Toggle between different types of spaces while you browse, for a powerful new way to sort spaces.
CURATOR MAPS
Each month, a person of interest from the LGBTQ+ community will curate 5-10 meaningful spaces, to create an explorable "map-within-a-map."
We will see maps from Lillian Faderman (Author, Gay L.A.), Tom of Finland Foundation, Danny Jauregi (artist), and more...
SAVED LOCATIONS
You can save points of interest from the map -- without creating an account -- to your own personal "map-within-a-map." This information is stored using cookies, which allows browsers to remain anonymous.
MORE IN-DEMAND FEATURES:
- If you choose to allow it, the map will center itself based on your current location. If you don't allow it, the map will continue to default at the city center.
- Display multiple spaces that share the same address.
- Attribution/credit to show for all photos/descriptions.
- Clearer External Links
- Embedded videos
- Faster loading
- Secure browsing
- Capacity to expand to additional cities and countries, partnering with those doing the research in respective cities and featuring their work on this platform.
Making a site this robust takes time and is a true labor of love. And until now, the entirety of Queer Maps has been the work of very few dedicated volunteers. With your donation, we will also be able to expand the site, the depth of the research, and the breadth of our presence to include new cities. It will ensure the site remains free and available to all.
$12K - Finish and launch Queer Maps 2.0 with new features, interface, functionalities this summer. Support server, software, and operations for 1 year.
$25K - Support a small team (director, programmer, researcher) to maintain and grow the site for 1 year.
$50K - Outreach to researchers in other cities to expand the map beyond Los Angeles. Research and support writing for local grants. Support Curators with stipend.
$75K - Support storytelling and outreach via social media platforms: reels, TikTok, photos. Influencers using the growing archive to share compelling moments in our history, transformed into modern ways of communication.
$100K - Support public events and programming designed to connect with queer history and generate discussion around current queer spaces and operators. Identify and submit new historic-cultural queer monuments.
The funds will span the following four needs:
New Features: programmer costs to develop the above features, site maintenance, bug updates, infrastructural software and server costs
Archiving: researchers adding and updating information, conducting new research, generating links and correct citations
Programming: curators to provide thematic map curation, programmers for new public events to advocate for future queer spaces and learn from shuttered queer spaces
Outreach: telling stories of queer spaces on social media, developing collaborations and connections with new cities beyond Los Angeles
The funds will pay a fair rate to the above workers for their time to continue to make this site a vibrant, living resource.
Especially since the pandemic, we've watched queer spaces fight to survive while many have been forced to shutter. Despite hard-won fights for equal rights, we're seeing backlash against the LGBTQ+ community today. Is now a time to rest on the shoulders of those who fought for us, and just hope that everything works out?
We believe understanding our legacy, and the story of our visible history, is essential to our future. We're asking for your help to keep our legacy alive, present, significant, and informing the next generation of queer spaces.