The history of Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community is as colorful and diverse as its representatives. Several entities around the state maintain collections of Ohio’s LGBTQ+ story including the Ohio State University Libraries and the Ohio History Connection—both located here in Columbus.
Statewide & Columbus-Based Resources
Gay Ohio History Initiative (GOHI)
Ohio History Connection – Statewide initiative preserving and sharing Ohio’s LGBTQ+ history.
https://www.ohiohistory.org/gohi/
GOHI Research Guide
Curated pathways to LGBTQ+ archival, print, audiovisual, and museum-object collections in Ohio.
https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/LGBTQ
Columbus Historical Society – LGBTQ+ Collection
Documents LGBTQ+ life, activism, and policy history in Columbus.
https://www.columbushistory.org/lgbt-collection
Regional & Community Archives Across Ohio
Ohio Lesbian Archives (Cincinnati)
Grassroots lesbian/feminist archive documenting queer life, activism, and culture in Southwest Ohio.
https://ohrolesbianarchives.org (If temporarily down, overview article: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/lesbian-archive-lgbtq-history)
Cincinnati Public Library – LGBTQ+ Local History Resources
Historic documents, local publications, and community materials.
https://cincinnatilibrary.org/research/lgbtq/
Cleveland Public Library – LGBTQ+ Collection Guide
Historic periodicals, books, and community reference materials.
https://cpl.org/lgbtq/
Kent State University – LGBTQ+ Archives Guide
Campus and regional collections documenting queer student activism and Northeast Ohio LGBTQ+ history.
https://libguides.library.kent.edu/lgbtq
University of Akron – LGBTQ+ Resources
Archival and contemporary materials related to LGBTQ+ history in the Akron area.
https://libguides.uakron.edu/lgbtq
University of Cincinnati – Archives & Rare Books LGBTQ+ Guides
Materials documenting Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ community and activism.
https://libraries.uc.edu/libraries/arb/research/lgbtq.html
Miami University (Oxford) – LGBTQ+ Studies Resources
Historic documentation, scholarship, and campus activism.
https://libguides.lib.miamioh.edu/lgbtq
Bowling Green State University – LGBTQ+ Collections
Collections related to queer studies, culture, and identity in Northwest Ohio.
https://libguides.bgsu.edu/lgbtq
Aware of other organizations/institutions preserving the history of Ohio’s diverse LGBTQ+ community? Please contact info@stonewallcolumbus.org with information or questions.
