Schätze aus dem Archiv – Dokumente und Erzählungen zu lesbischer Geschichte

The Kölner Frauengeschichtsverein e. V. (Cologne Women's History Association) began documenting the history of lesbians around 30 years ago. It began with leaflets and minutes from the beginning of the New Women's Movement in Cologne, which were handed in by activists, many of whom were lesbian lovers. The first lesbian group in West Germany was founded by Gertraut Müller. This group can be traced, as can the "rival" groups of the Uris (always-already-lesbians) and the Movies (feminists who had become lesbians through the women's movement). The political lesbian group of the 1990s and the enrollment of lesbians in the Gay Liberation Front can also be traced.

In 2001, two city tours on lesbian history were created, which are regularly offered by the Women's History Association. Posters and flyers reflect a lively outing. Lesbian magazines call up changing discourses. Interviews with lesbian and queer protagonists reveal whether their desires were particularly relevant to their lives or whether they were barely mentioned. Today, the holdings and collections are used by staff and users for articles, wiki pages, a queer audio walk or for readings.

On this evening, we will show sources, tell stories about the material, answer questions and offer a short quiz on lesbian history.