The history of the LGBTQ movement has been lived — loudly and proudly — in the public spotlight, in the face of relentless opposition. Thousands marched on the U.S. Capitol to demand lesbian and gay rights in 1979. Forty-two million tuned in to hear Ellen DeGeneres declare, “I’m Gay” on her TV sitcom in 1997.

But millions more have made queer history in their own quiet, personal ways: living openly, supporting LGBTQ causes, and tying the knot in front of family and friends.

For many, the process of coming out, finding friendship and love, and building community began in spaces hidden in place sight — in dive bars, leather bars, dance clubs, and taverns.

For a deeper dive into our collective past, I interviewed Art Smith, whose online archive documents the storied history of the gay bar scene. Smith’s GayBarchives project includes a website, Facebook group and YouTube channel featuring interviews with more than 100 gay bar patrons, owners and employees. His e-commerce site offers T-shirts and other merchandise emblazoned with the logos of popular gay bars of the past and present.

While the number of gay bars has declined significantly in the past four decades, their impact on the LGBTQ movement is worth remembering and preserving. They were the places queer people protested police harassment, raised funds for AIDS services and held political strategy sessions.

“The bars were the foundation of our community,” Smith says.

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