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Unboxing Queer History

Unboxing Queer History

Written by: Gerber/Hart Library and Archives
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Unboxing Queer History is a podcast from Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, one of the largest LGBTQ libraries & archives in the world. Each episode in Unboxing Queer History focuses on a different story from inside Gerber/Hart’s collections and archives. The episodes range from discussions of the importance of collecting LGBTQ+ erotica to Chicago lesbian bar history and include interviews with community leaders, volunteers, researchers, and local historians.

SEASON TWO of Unboxing Queer History was co-created by Erin Bell and Jen Dentel; produced by Akaelah Flotho, Anna Mason, Quinn Rose, Hannah Viti, and Chijioke Williams; and edited by Bill Healy and Mara Lazer. Artwork by Mere Montgomery and Music by Mara Lazer. Major funding for Season Two of Unboxing Queer History is provided by the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, with additional meaningful funding from supporters of Gerber/Hart.

SEASON ONE of Unboxing Queer History was created by Ari Mejia, Jen Dentel, and Erin Bell. Produced by Ari Mejia with Hannah Viti. Artwork by Mere Montgomery & theme music by Danny Robles. Episode on People Like Us Books was co-written by Jules Gordon and episode on Lorrainne Sade Baskerville was co-produced by Alyssa Edes. Season One was funded by a "My Library Is... " grant from RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System)

2022
Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Sacred Remains: Traces of Queer Spirit
    Dec 2 2025

    Chicago has a rich history of queer religious groups. This episode explores the layered, often-hidden spiritual lives of queer and trans people with a special focus on voices from Chicago. Through oral histories and archival fragments, this episode chronicles the rituals we've remade, the faiths we've reclaimed, and the traces of spirit we continue to carry.

    Produced by: Hannah Viti, Edited by Bill Healy

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    55 mins
  • “Guardians of our History”: A Love Letter to Grassroots Archiving
    Nov 18 2025

    Answering the call to fill the archives, several heroes take matters into their own hands to address the shortcomings of larger institutions. Interviewees include Frencia Stephenson (We Are Everywhere), Antonio Santos (Gage Park Latinx Council), Patric McCoi, Rainn Thomas, Caryn Robinson, and Parker Haines. Through grassroots archiving initiatives and partnerships, community history projects engage with stories and people that have been ignored, and celebrate the multifaceted, intersectional LGBTQ+ history of our community.

    Produced by: Akaelah Flotho, Edited by Mara Lazer

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    27 mins
  • Silences in the Archives
    Nov 18 2025

    Archives are meant to be places where history and facts are preserved for future generations – these records educate the community, remind us of our roots, and validate our existence. But there are gaps in the archives; a loss and a deafening silence from the missing voices. How do we address this? And what are LGBTQ+ historical repositories like Gerber/Hart, ONE Archives, and the GLBT Historical Society doing to right these wrongs?

    Produced by: Akaelah Flotho, Edited by Mara Lazer

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    28 mins
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