Quad Cities Pride in Memory maps LGBTQ+ history in the QCA


From Sharon Wren at WHBF's OurQuadCities.com

An Augustana College geography professor is working to ensure key moments and places in Quad Cities LGBTQ+ history aren’t forgotten.

Professor Chris Strunk has created an interactive digital Story Map with narrative, oral history videos, places and information. The Story Map documents key moments and places of LGTBQ+ history in the Quad Cities that were gathered by the Quad Cities Pride in Memory (QCPIM) steering committee. The Story Map is available to the public on the QCPIM website. A form is available on the website so people to submit additional materials for inclusion.

“Strunk and Augustana students have been collaborating with Pride in Memory over the last five years. “Pride in Memory is a terrific example of community-led research,” Strunk said. “The stories in these oral histories demonstrate the wealth of experience and resilience that exist in this community. The project was a great opportunity for students to connect with and learn from older generations.”

"I am so impressed by the work being done by Augustana staff and students,” said Rev. Rich Hendricks, QC PIM Chair. “We must tell our stories now more than ever. First, to preserve them for history before they disappear. Second, because we are experiencing an unprecedented amount of governmental persecution in the LGBTQ+ community today and people need to be inspired again about equality for all.”

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