The LGBT Pride flag ripples in the wind in front of the state office building in downtown San Diego. Photo by Chris Jennewein
The LGBT Pride flag ripples in the wind in front of the state office building in downtown San Diego. Photo by Chris Jennewein

An organization dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of gays and lesbians in San Diego announced Wednesday that it has established a historian-in-residence program.

The first person to hold the title for Lambda Archives of San Diego will be Lillian Faderman, a former professor at Fresno State University who studies LGBT history and literature. She’ll hold the title for two years.

“We are very honored to partner with Lillian Faderman as the first Lambda Archives of San Diego historian-in-residence,” said Jen LaBarbera, the organization’s head archivist. “Dr. Faderman has inspired my own work as a steward of our community’s stories and I am thrilled to work with her to further the mission of collecting, preserving and teaching LGBTQ history.”

Her most recent book, “The Gay Revolution,” was placed on the New York Times “Notable Books of the Year” list.

“I am really honored to be Lambda Archives’ first Historian in Residence,” said Faderman, who now lives in San Diego. “I’m excited about helping Lambda Archives communicate the importance of knowing the tremendous history of LGBTQ struggles and victories, and of preserving that history for future generations.”

Lambda Archives plans to provide Faderman with priority access to the its archival collections, library, and online resources; the opportunity to present public lectures and the chance to present works-in-progress to a select audience.

She has agreed to offer five free, public lectures over the course of her term; conduct a more intimate seminar about LGBT history; and contribute to Lambda Archives’ newspaper column.

The term can be extended for two years on mutual agreement.

–City News Service