The State Library of NSW wants you to give them a call and add your pride story to the historic record when it launches its new Pride hotline on March 2.
Pride Line is a dedicated phone number where anyone can ring up and record a voice message with their thoughts, feelings and experiences to become part of the State Library’s LGBTQI+ collections.
“Everyone’s pride story is important, and they deserve to be visible in the Library’s collection so that future generations know we were here, proud and queer,” says Damien Webb (he/him), co-curator of the Library’s new exhibition Pride (R)evolution.
“For generations much of our history has been hidden or ignored by libraries and museums and has instead been kept safe in community archives, shoeboxes and personal collections,” says Damien. “For many of us, our stories have remained unheard.”
The Pride Line can be called any time and from anywhere across the state on 02 9273 1212 (normal call costs apply). Recorded messages can be anonymous.
“We hope this means more people will feel comfortable to take part, and we see a wonderfully diverse range of multi-generational queer voices and experiences – individuals, businesses, social groups and political movements – coming through.”
The State Library has been collecting LGBTQI+ material since the 1970s. The new Pride (R)evolution, one of Australia’s largest ever queer exhibitions, shines a spotlight on little-known LGBTQI+ heroes and stories drawn from the collection, along with newly commissioned pieces from queer and trans writers and artists.
Pride Line continues this collecting legacy by offering a new generation a direct way to place their stories in the collection, alongside pioneers like William Yang (1943–), celebrated photographer and storyteller; Doris Fish (1952–1991), legendary drag queen, artist and writer; and designer and artist Allan Booth (1959–1990).
Visitors to the Pride (R)evolution exhibition can call the Pride Line for free from the dedicated phone booth at the entrance to the Library’s Mitchell Building (Level 1).
The State Library is encouraging everyone, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or age, to share their story. With each new message, the collection will grow and evolve to create a dynamic and inclusive representation of the LGBTQI+ community in NSW.
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Pride Line will operate 24 hours a day from Thursday March 2 until Sunday July 9.
For more information, visit: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/prideline
