Gay Rights Historical T-Shirt Collection

The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York received its initial donation in fall of 2009. It has grown over the past years from a number of individual and community donations. Currently, the collection includes over 150 boxes of materials that include photographs, local organization records, multimedia materials, pamphlets, posters, clippings, awards, signs, banners, plaques, published materials, as well as an array of ephemera items.

The Gay Rights Historical T-Shirt Collection exemplifies the community collaboration involved in this growing collection. Textile material holdings range from the early 1980s and span the last thirty-six years of advocacy in the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, queer, and transgender community. Each items was donated by a member of the community, most as a single contribution.

Currently, the Gay Rights Historical T-Shirt Collection consists of around 139 unique t-shirts that were created for pride parades and gay rights activism; community organizations; national and local rallies; AIDs activism; local LGBTQ bars and support organizations; and as individual creations. Some t-shirts are original creations, not mass produced for an event, but instead created by a member of the LGBTQ community for a particular march or protest.

For more information on the Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York at SUNY Buffalo State, Archives & Special Collections please visit: http://library.buffalostate.edu/archives

Donate YOUR Shirts! YOU are our community. We strive to represent and document your experiences. Have one shirt? Have ten? Please DONATE them to preserve our history for future generations. Please visit our webpage or contact an archivist for additional information.

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These materials are currently hosted on both the national Wearing Gay History Project and the Digital Transgender Archive.

Wearing Gay History was founded to show both the distinctness and interconnectedness of queer identities across geographic lines; to bring visibility to smaller queer archives across the country; and to uncover often ignored history of diverse LGBTQ cultures. The project connects LGBTQ Archives around the country to display textile t-shirt materials related to the LGBTQ community. To learn more about the project, please visit http://wearinggayhistory.com/

The Digital Transgender Archive strives to increase the accessibility of transgender history by providing an online hub for digitized historical materials, born-digital materials, and information on archival holdings throughout the world. Based in Worcester, Massachusetts at the College of the Holy Cross, the DTA is an international collaboration among more than twenty colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private collections. By digitally localizing a wide range of trans-related materials, the DTA expands access to trans history for academics and independent researchers alike in order to foster education and dialog concerning trans history. To learn more about the DTA, please visit https://www.digitaltransgenderarchive.net/

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I Got the Power

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: I Got The Power!!!

Back Text: OUTspoken for Equality; Harnessing the Power for Change!; www.OUTspokenforequality.org

Description: Pink shirt with white lettering
The Kellie McCarthy Community AIDS Walk

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Kellie McCarthy Memorial AIDS Walk; Crew; 2005

Back Text: n/a

Description: Green shirt with white lettering; red ribbon image on front
True Colors

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: True Colors Pride 2005; AIDs Community Services

Back Text: Buffalo Pride 2005

Description: White shirt with Crayola crayon pack image
The Kellie McCarthy Community AIDS Walk

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Kellie McCarthy Memorial AIDS Walk; June 5; 2004; Delaware Park; Buffalo NY

Back Text: AIDS Community Services of Western New York; Volunteer

Description: Purple shirt with yellow lettering; sun image
Embracing Diversity, SGI-USA Buddhists

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Embracing Diversity; 2003

Back Text: SGI-USA Buddhists

Description: Pride 2003; Blue shirt with white lettering
Many Voices, Many Lives

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Many Voices, Many Lives; Voices

Back Text: Buffalo Pride 2003

Description: White shirt with white lettering outlined in black; rainbow image on front
PRIDE, 2006

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Pride '06; Buffalo, NY

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with orange and pink lettering; decorative designs behind words
Pride Buffalo

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Pride Buffalo

Back Text: n/a

Description: Grey shirt with black and maroon lettering; PG logo on front
The Kellie McCarthy Community AIDS Walk

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Kellie McCarthy Memorial AIDS Walk; Saturday June 7th; 2003; Delaware Park Lakeside

Back Text: Volunteer

Description: Maroon shirt with white lettering; ribbon outline
We are the Future

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: GLYS; We are the future! PRIDE 2003

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with blue lettering; rainbow colored stick figure outlines between writing
PRIDE, 2002

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Pride; 2002; Pride Buffalo; Brand New Day

Back Text: n/a

Description: Yellow shirt with black lettering; outlines of two figures dancing on front
The Kellie McCarthy Community AIDS Walk

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Kellie McCarthy Memorial AIDS Walk; Saturday June 1; 2002; Delaware Park Lakeside

Back Text: AIDS Community Services of Western New York; Volunteer

Description: Red shirt with white lettering; ribbon image on front
Vagina Dialogues

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Vagina Dialogues; The Queer Review; The Fringe; Toronto's Theatre Festival; Summer 2002

Back Text: Presented HAG Theatre; Visit Hagtheatre.org; Fringetoronto.com

Description: Red shirt with black lettering
Buffalo's Dyke March

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Buffalo Dyke March 2001; First Ever

Back Text: I am not one woman, I am many. -Alexis De Veaux

Description: White shirt with black and purple bubble lettering; image of leg and hand
One Community, Many Visions

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Pride Buffalo; One Community. Many Visions.

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with black and maroon lettering; PB logo on front
One Community, Many Visions

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Pride Buffalo; One Community. Many Visions.

Back Text: Pride Buffalo; One Community. Many Visions.

Description: Pink shirt with black and white lettering; PB logo on front and back
PRIDE, 2001

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Pride Buffalo; One Community. Many Visions.

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with black and maroon lettering; PB logo on front
The Kellie McCarthy Community AIDS Walk

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Kellie McCarthy Memorial AIDS Walk; Saturday June 2nd, 2001; Delaware Park Lakeside

Back Text: AIDS Community Services of Western New York; Volunteer

Description: Red shirt with white lettering
The Underground, 2001 New Years

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Underground; Niteclub; 2001

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with blue lettering
AIDS Walk 2000

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: AIDS Walk; a pledge walk to benefit AIDS Community Services; June 4; 2000

Back Text: AIDS Walk; Thank you

Description: Yellow shirt with blue lettering; front has images of a family in the sun; back contains logos from supporters
AIDS Walk 2000

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: AIDS Walk; a pledge walk to benefit AIDS Community Services; June 4; 2000

Back Text: AIDS Walk; Thank you

Description: White shirt with blue lettering; front has images of a family in the sun; back contains logos from supporters
Amethyst Women

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Amethyst Women; a natural high

Back Text: n/a

Description: Black shirt with pink lettering; image of two hands in the middle of a circle
And Sometimes…

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: And sometimes

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with black lettering; photo of seven woman; symbol
Bisexual Pride!

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Bisexual Pride; National Bisexual Network

Back Text: n/a

Description: White with black lettering; two triangles overlapped; one pink one blue; overlapping in purple
Buddies Nightclub, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Buddies; Buffalo

Back Text: Number 11

Description: Maroon shirt with white lettering; v-neck; sports league shirt
Buddies Nightclub, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: More Buddies

Back Text: More Buddies

Description: Gray shirt with maroon lettering; collared; back has flame images
Buffalo's Community Picnic, 3rd Annual

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: 3rd Annual Picnic & Games; Buffalo; July 31st; 1988

Back Text: n/a

Description: Yellow shirt with black lettering
Buffalo's Community Picnic, 4th Annual

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: 4th Annual Picnic and Games; Buffalo

Back Text: n/a

Description: Blue shirt with black lettering; image of the state of NY and symbol
Buffalo Underground

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Buffalo Underground

Back Text: n/a

Description: White tank with back lettering; front has images of two buffalo heads
Café Rumors, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Café Rumors; Cathode Ray; Staff

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with black lettering
Cathode Ray, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Cathode Ray; Buffalo Staff

Back Text: Cathode Ray

Description: Maroon shirt with white lettering; collared
Club 153, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Club 153; 153 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY

Back Text: Club 153; 153 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY

Description: Black shirt with yellow lettering; long sleeve
Club Marcella, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Club Marcella

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with gold and black lettering; crown image
Come out and VOTE

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Come Out & Vote

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with rainbow lettering
Come out, come out, wherever you are!

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Underground; Niteclub; 274 Delaware Tony's 1st Divorce Party

Back Text: Come out come out wherever you are!

Description: White shirt with blue lettering
Compton's Too, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Compton's Too

Back Text: Sherril 1

Description: Red jersey with white lettering; black and white stripes
Do you know who I am?

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The Underground Divas

Back Text: Do you know who I am? If you do, send me to 274 Delaware

Description: Gray shirt with black lettering
Dredluv

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Dredluv Enterprises

Back Text: "Stimulate our Minds, Free our Spirits, Build our Tower of Strength." -Dredluv; www.dredluv.com

Description: White shirt with black and red lettering; image of half a naked woman on back with a ring in the shape of two female symbols
Friends

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Friends

Back Text: n/a

Description: Green shirt with rainbow thread script; collared
Frustration, Secrecy, Anger

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Pride Buffalo

Back Text: n/a

Description: Image of an eye and hand; pupil is a rainbow with words like confusion and fear surrounding
Gay Bingo

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Gay Bingo; AIDS Plus Fund of WNY; Gladys Over

Back Text: n/a

Description: Black shirt with red and blue lettering; image of a woman with red hair
GLCC Center

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: GLCCenter

Back Text: n/a

Description: Black shirt with purple lettering; purple house image
GP=Global Pride

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: GP=Global Pride

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with green lettering; pink triangle
Hero = Activist

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Hero = Activist

Back Text: OUTspoken for Marriage; www.OUTspokenformarriage.org

Description: White shirt with black lettering; rainbow flag with stars on back
Hero = Me

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Hero = Activist

Back Text: OUTspoken for Marriage; www.OUTspokenformarriage.org

Description: White shirt with black lettering; rainbow flag with stars on back
I Am What I Am

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: I Am What I Am; M.C. Compton's 5th Anniversary

Back Text: n/a

Description: Maroon shirt with grey lettering; image of a girl sitting on a moon
Ignorance=Fear

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Ignorance=Fear; Silence=Death; Fight AIDS; Act Up

Back Text: n/a

Description: Black shirt with white lettering; see no evil; hear no evil; speak no evil images; red pinned ribbon
Joey's on Allen, Buffalo, NY

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Joey's on Allen

Back Text: Sleeve; www.barware1.com

Description: Grey shirt with purple lettering; outline of a man with rainbow suspenders
Life Memorial Park

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Life Memorial Park; For Buffalo; Let Us Never Forget

Back Text: n/a

Description: Grey shirt with white lettering; black and pink large square
Millennium March on Washington

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: The March; the Rally; the Festival; Millennium March on Washington

Back Text: n/a

Description: White shirt with purple stitching; rainbow image of Washington D.C.
Pink Symbols

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: n/a

Back Text: n/a

Description: Blue shirt with pink lettering; various gender symbols
Positively Lesbian

LGBTQ Historical T-Shirt Collection, The Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archive of Western New York

Front Text: Positively Lesbian; Act Up; Fight Back! Fight AIDS!

Back Text: n/a

Description: Grey shirt with black lettering; black triangle

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