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Front cover of an issue of the magazine Transvestia, with images of transvestites

Transvestia

Cartoon of New York City scene in front of restaurant
Detail from: Columbia fun maps, Mapping the Gay and Lesbian World, Manhattan (1992)

Seen = Community

Living a closeted life can be isolating, and even after a person begins to identify as LGBTQ+ to other people, finding friends, dates, and safe spaces can be challenging. Finding, building, and celebrating community are some of the most important ways that LGBTQ+ people have sought to be seen.

Items in this section demonstrate how LGBTQ+ communities have been rendered visible to themselves. From travel maps that highlight queer bars and bookstores to magazines that facilitate communities of shared readership, these pieces provide ways to find accepting, accommodating, and affirming places and people.

Items in Seen = Community

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  • Cartoon of New York City scene in front of restaurant

    Seen = Community Introduction

  • Front cover of an issue of the magazine Transvestia, with images of transvestites

    Transvestia

  • Image of magazine cover with a drawing of a drag queen.

    Drag Queens

  • 1980s Map of Brooklyn-Queens that shows Gay hangouts

    The Gay & Lesbian Map & Guide of Long Island including Brooklyn & Queens

  • A fold-out printed map of Manhattan with many advertisements for LGBTQ+ businesses.

    Columbia Fun Maps, Mapping the Gay and Lesbian World: Manhattan

  • Photograph of two issues of a magazine: Original Plumbing: trans male quarterly

    Original Plumbing

  • Cartoon of New York City scene in front of restaurant

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