Queer Stories Queer Spaces

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Queer Stories Queer Spaces Southern Illinois Histories and Queertographies

Queer Stories, Queer Spaces | Southern Illinois Histories and Queertographies
April 4 - October 31, 2025


Join us Friday, April 4, from 4:30-7pm CT, to celebrate the long 2 years worth of effort that was lovingly placed researching and compiling and designing this exhibit culminating in this collaborative execution. Hear the rich oral histories, experience the collective memories, and learn the facts and figures of our local queer community with an emphasis on the greater Carbondale Area in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the creation of Queer Stories, Queer Spaces | Southern Illinois Histories and Queertographies. This local oral history exhibition is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of community and guest curatorial committee members, SIU museum staff, and organizational partners. Special thank you to Billy Rogers, Director of Golden Rainbows of Illinois South (GRIS), who pursued bringing this project to life.

We are grateful to all who so generously shared their stories with us: Jody Bailey aka Jodie Santana, Robert Cerchio, Cynthia Clabough, Paulette Curkin, Hal Diebolt, Deb Endres, Paul Frederick, Helene Gliken, Steven Hale aka Blanche Dubois, David McCabe, Julie Phillips, Lawrence Pierson, Glen Poshard, Tim Rice, Billy Rogers, Allen Shelton, Steven St. Julian, William H. Thielen, Jimmy Wright, and Anthony Wyatt.

We encourage visitors to leave your queer histories in the Story Booth that is part of the exhibition! Resources will be available to find out how to get involved and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Visability is so important for keeping anyone's story alive as well as preserving our local history.