by lex charles
This October, San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community is taking center stage—literally and historically.
In celebration of National LGBTQ History Month, the LGBTQ Historic Task Force, in partnership with Lambda Archives of San Diego, the San Diego History Center, and the San Diego Museum Council, will debut a remarkable exhibition chronicling the city’s rich queer past.
The LGBTQ Historic Exhibit opens Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in the San Diego City Hall Lobby (202 C Street), where it will remain on view through Wednesday, November 5. Admission is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting took place on October 15, with community leaders, city officials, and longtime activists expected to attend. The event promises not only a celebration of history but also a moment to honor those who helped pave the path toward equality.
.
A Tapestry of Courage and Community
The exhibit showcases artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that together trace decades of LGBTQ life in San Diego—from early activism and cultural milestones to the fight for AIDS awareness and modern-day triumphs. Every image and object offers a glimpse into the resilience and creativity that have defined generations of queer San Diegans.
“A community that does not know its history—or the leaders who came before it—cannot truly understand its path forward,” says Nicole Murray Ramirez, San Diego City and County Commissioner and longtime community advocate. “This exhibit is about remembrance, recognition, and renewal.”
Among the exhibition’s many highlights:
- Archival materials and rare photographs chronicling pivotal moments in San Diego’s LGBTQ movement.
- Profiles of trailblazers and activists whose courage shaped local and national conversations about equality.
- A curated collaboration between Lambda Archives, the San Diego History Center, and the San Diego Museum Council, ensuring that each display offers both education and inspiration.
.
Stories That Refuse to Fade
For Susan Jester, member of the LGBTQ History Exhibit Organizing Committee and founder of AIDS Walk San Diego, the project is deeply personal.
“This exhibit is a powerful reminder that LGBTQ people have always been here,” she says. “We are your neighbors, your coworkers, your family—and our history will never be erased.”
Jester’s words echo the mission of the exhibition itself: to highlight that queer lives are not a recent addition to the city’s story, but an integral part of its social, cultural, and political fabric.
Visitors will see how activism and artistry are intertwined. From early Pride marches to landmark legislation, from local drag culture to civic leadership. Each display underscores how far the community has come—and how vital continued visibility remains.
.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
As LGBTQ+ representation continues to evolve, exhibitions like this one remind us that history is both a celebration and a call to action. They invite new generations to connect with their roots, honor the heroes who came before, and take inspiration from their courage.
By placing this exhibit in City Hall, organizers are sending a powerful message: LGBTQ history isn’t niche or hidden—it belongs at the heart of civic life.
Whether you’re a lifelong San Diegan or new to the city, this exhibition offers an opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate the people who helped shape the inclusive community San Diego continues to build today.