This exhibit is the second in a series of exhibits created in honor of a new page on the OSU Queer Archives website created to showcase the LGBTQIA+ rare books within the rare books collection, and can be found in the display case outside of the reading room on the 5th floor of the library!

While the first exhibit “Celebrating Pride 2024 Exhibit: The spectrum of representation in SCARC’s rare books collections” — which was on display throughout summer of 2024 — was looking at different types of queer representation in rare books, this exhibit features books that were written by Oregonians, published in Oregon, or contain events or themes from Oregon.

Included below is a picture of the display as well as a copy of the statement about the display:

Queer Books Written By and For Oregonians

These materials from the rare books collections include a songbook, comic, magazine, and books that contain queer themes and topics surrounding the central theme of Oregon. Some of these are associated with Oregon just through the author being born here, such as with Gale Wilhelm’s books The Strange Path and We Too Are Drifting. Some are written about events in Oregon such as It Could Happen to You and Queer Corners. And some have parts of the story that take place in Oregon, such as Come Out Comix or Turned On Woman’s Songbook.

These materials come from SCARC’s rare book collections, and are available for all to use. Access to materials is provided by appointment only; email scarc@oregonstate.edu to set up an appointment.

~Jozie Billings, Student Archivist, 2023-2024