Local history informs the present, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. It can provide seekers with a sense of pride and purpose, and it provides crucial context as we attempt to understand the origins of our current cultural climate. Local history is still unfolding today, and if we do not take care to document it, we run the risk of losing it forever. While it is colorful, surprising, and ever-unfolding, Westchester LGBTQ+ history is not necessarily well-known by its residents. In the spirit of education and celebration, this project was born out of a desire to change that.
More information:
Origins
With the invaluable help of a grant from the Richard and Marylee Salomon Fund For Journalists, Westchester-based librarian (and alum of Pelham Memorial High School and SUNY Purchase) Allee Manning was able to kickstart this long-simmering project in 2023.
This website was first launched on October 11, 2023, in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, and will continue to be updated regularly.
Funding
At this time, funding comes from the Richard & Marylee Salomon Fund for Journalists. And (when that runs out), our own pockets! If you are interested in donating money to support aspects of this project, donating services (such as web/graphic design, social media content creation, marketing, grant writing or research help), please do not hesitate to reach out.
(That said, a donation to The LOFT, Center Lane, or any other organization working to better the lives of LGBTQ+ Westchester residents in ways that are urgent and immediate would be equally appreciated!)
Looking ahead
Among the goals of this project is to fill gaps in the collective memory when it comes to LGBTQ+ life in historic Westchester. Insights from members of the public are invaluable in making this happen. If you have any knowledge of Westchester LGBTQ+ history that you would like to share, or if you would like to be interviewed as an individual in the LGBTQ+ community with ties to Westchester, please email westchesterlgbtqhistoryproject@proton.me.
Transparency
Please be advised that this website is by no means exhaustive, and is intended to be continually updated as new research is conducted. Changes to the factual record will be noted with updates.
Those involved with this project are constantly working to improve it, and to include voices that have been the most marginalized.
To review edits made on pages to see how the research has been shaped over time, viewers are encouraged to view the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine captures.
Content contributors:
Scott Havelka, Director of Contracts and Compliance at The LOFT, has provided many contacts and access to archival material, helping further the reach of the project in immeasurable ways.
Zach Perrin, a high school student and intern, was responsible for the critically important work of creating transcriptions for several of the original oral histories and providing additional research.
Lev Craig provides a great deal of technological assistance and transcription services, in addition to general research and support.
Erika Peiffer helps with designing social media posts.
Cassie Paul creates citations for research sources.
Susan Pinchiaroli generously provided access to her documentary film “Stutz” and research material.
The Grinton I. Will Public Library’s Creative Studio, particularly Michael Walsh, provided space and resources necessary for audio recording, and the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library also provided after-hours space for audio recording.
Beloved Donors:
In January 2024, the Westchester LGBTQ+ History Project began accepting donations in the form of supplies necessary for our education/outreach initiatives, as well as our oral history recording needs. The following people are thanked graciously for their support in the form of donated materials. (Individuals who have donated to this campaign and any future campaigns will also be recognized in subsequent promotional materials, commemorative book plaques, and in other ways. Stay tuned!)
Annie Bingaman
Yvette Christofolis
Kyra Darnton
Rena DeLevie
Charlotte Friedlander
Felicia and Pete Holst
Donna and Ken Lempit
Amy Mackin
Angela Manning
Maddie Manning
Evangelia Martin
Laura Martin
Sara Morrison
Ali Moss
Elizabeth Rella
Robin and Vincent Rella
Tena Riddle
Joanna Riesman
Michael Sabatino and Robert Voorheis
Amelia Sherry
Jill Vaccaro
June Wai
Quotes from our oral history participants:
“I love to see young gay couples walking down the street holding hands, it means so much to me to see that. But, I want them to know how they got that right to walk down the street.”
Robert Voorheis
“We have to continue to fight the good fight. We have to continue to advocate. We have to continue to educate. We have to do the various things like legislate, litigate, demonstrate. Every once in a while we can celebrate, but we can’t stop. We have to persist.”
Joann Prinzivalli
The Westchester LGBTQ+ History Project 