Introduction
Craig Rodwell founded the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookstore in New York in October 1969, which became a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ literature and community engagement. This space was crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the LGBTQ+ population during a time of considerable societal repression.
Fred W. McDarrah's Legacy
Fred W. McDarrah was a prominent photographer who not only captured the Beat movement in the 1950s but also played a pivotal role in documenting the cultural shifts in New York over decades. He worked for the Village Voice for 50 years, bringing to light the lives and struggles of marginalized communities. By the late 1960s, McDarrah shifted his focus towards the burgeoning LGBTQ+ rights movement, capturing its milestones and everyday realities, thereby solidifying his legacy as an influential chronicler of this history.
Sip-In at Julius’s Bar (1966)
Historical Context: In response to a discriminatory law that prevented gay men from being served drinks by bartenders if they were seen with another man, four gay men initiated a 'sip-in' at Julius's Bar. This act of civil disobedience aimed to spotlight and challenge the oppressive laws in place.
Key Figures: The sip-in included notable figures such as Dick Leitsch, who was a major activist; Craig Rodwell, a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community; John Timmons, a vocal advocate; and Randy Wicker, an influential organizer.
Photographic Moment: McDarrah's documentation of this event captured a poignant interaction between the bartender and patrons, symbolizing the broader struggle for social acceptance and civil rights that LGBTQ+ individuals faced during this tumultuous time.
The Stonewall Inn (1969)
Historical Context: The Stonewall uprising erupted on June 28, 1969, in response to a brutal police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community. This event marked a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
Significance: The uprising sparked a six-day series of protests and clashes with law enforcement, becoming a watershed moment in LGBTQ+ history and igniting a global movement for rights and recognition.
Documentation: McDarrah's photography not only captured the chaos of the uprising but also conveyed the emotional intensity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, providing a visual narrative that illustrated the fight for liberation and justice.
Curatorial Focus: Marilyn Satin Kushner
Curatorial Vision: Marilyn Satin Kushner, the curator of McDarrah’s exhibit, emphasizes the critical importance of chronicling LGBTQ+ history, which spans from the 1950s to 1993, reflecting on its complexities and milestones.
Impactful Events: The exhibition includes key events leading to the executive order for domestic partnerships issued by Mayor David Dinkins in 1993, showcasing the ongoing fight for legal recognition and rights.
Emotional Resonance: The exhibit offers reflections on the fervor of the 1970s civil rights movements, culminating in the Pride parades as a vital expression of liberation, celebration, and identity.
HIV/AIDS Crisis and its Impact
The intersection of 1970s activism with the AIDS crisis in the 1980s resulted in an ongoing climate of fear, grief, and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community. McDarrah extensively documented the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a powerful installation illustrating the personal and communal losses suffered due to the epidemic. This quilt not only served as a memorial but also a call to action for awareness and compassion during a time when stigma and discrimination prevailed.
Pre-Stonewall Portraits
In his earlier work, McDarrah portrayed notable figures such as James Baldwin, W.H. Auden, John Cage, Robert Rauschenberg, and Susan Sontag. These portraits reflect a vibrant, albeit often overlooked, artistic and intellectual community that predated the Stonewall uprising, offering insight into the rich tapestry of queer lives and narratives.
Conclusion and Exhibition Details
Kushner believes McDarrah's body of work serves as a vital visual narrative of LGBTQ+ history, capturing emotions and experiences that words often fail to express.
Exhibition Duration: "Fred W McDarrah: Pride and Protest" is on display at the New York Historical Society until July 2025, showcasing McDarrah’s profound impact on the documentation of LGBTQ+ history.
Future Plans: Plans for an extension dedicated to queer history reflect the ongoing significance of the LGBTQ+ community in New York and highlight the importance of inclusive narratives in historical scholarship.
