Linda Evans - LGRRC and LAGANZ

This summary describes an audio recording in which Linda Evans, a curator from the Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand (LAGANZ), reflects on the significance of the arson attack on the Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre on its 30th anniversary. The recording was made on September 10, 2016, in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, with Linda Evans being interviewed by Gareth Watkins.

The Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre, established in 1977 under the National Gay Rights Coalition, was an essential archive for the coalition's resources, archives from various groups, serials, newsletters, and the archives of the Pink Triangle, a critical source of news and information in the New Zealand LGBT community during the 1970s and 1980s. This center also played a crucial role during the homosexual law reform campaign and specialized in HIV/AIDS information.

The interview delves into the historical background of the resource center, which was housed in an old building alongside other activist groups and resources pertinent to the community. Suffering an arson attack in September 1986, the attack was perceived as targeted and related to anti-gay sentiments that were particularly stirred up by the homosexual law reform campaign earlier that year. While no one was physically harmed, the fire destroyed valuable ephemeral material and other archives, highlight the vulnerability of such collections.

Following the attack, safety and security of the archives became a priority, leading to the formation of an arrangement with the Alexander Turnbull Library for the secure housing of the collection; however, this also meant that access to the material became more regulated and less informal than before.

Discussing the broader scope of archiving rainbow materials, Evans emphasizes the importance of preserving the history and visibility of LGBT communities for both present and future generations. Focus is given to the methods, challenges, and considerations in collecting and safeguarding sensitive material, particularly in the digital age, where much community interaction occurs online.

LAGANZ, as a community trust, continues to actively acquire and archive material spanning the breadth and variety of LGBT experiences in New Zealand, including manuscripts, posters, photographs, audio-visual collections, and recordings of key events such as the first lesbian conference. Various community archives have contributed to LAGANZ, enhancing its reach and historical narrative.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Linda Evans

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