Stepping onto American soil for the first time, I carried with me the weight of a culture where discussions about homosexuality were often shrouded in silence and stigma. It was both thrilling and intimidating for me as a Nigerian student who had just moved to the US to try to balance my identity with American culture.

Nigeria, a country with strong religious beliefs, strongly opposes homosexuality, viewing it as a Western corruption. This is demonstrated by the 2014 passage of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which imposes harsh penalties for both homosexual relationships and any kind of public expression of same-sex affection or LGBTQ+ affiliation. Anyway, such discriminatory laws are not unique to Nigeria, as many African nations still criminalize gay sex, albeit with varying degrees of severity.

I first became really immersed in LGBTQ+ narratives at the American Heritage Center, where I found comfort in the stories preserved in its archives. I was particularly drawn to Bennett Hammer’s extensive collection of newspaper articles from the middle of the 20th century that detailed how society in America viewed queerness.

Hammer, an educator and LGBTQ+ advocate from Albuquerque, New Mexico, collected gay-related articles from 1970 to 2009, creating the “Hammer Archives.” This collection, sourced from local and national papers, preserved the dominant discourse on LGBTQ+ issues during the civil rights movement and was used by various stakeholders for advocacy, research, and education.

As I read through the articles, I couldn’t help but notice the startling similarities between Hammer’s account of LGBTQ+ hardships in America and my own country. The enactment of harsh laws aimed at the queer community, the pervasiveness of violence and prejudice, and the valiant efforts of human rights advocates struck a deep chord with my own experiences from my native country.

A key period in LGBTQ+ history, the years 1963 to 1975 saw a rise in activism and a period of thunderous silence that culminated in historic events such as the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Looking through the Hammer clippings collection during this period, kept at AHC, provided me with all the information needed to understand the beginnings of LGBTQ+ advocacy during this revolutionary period. The hardships and victories of those who dared to question social conventions are powerfully shown in these archives, opening the door for a more inclusive future.

Famous incidents such as the Stonewall Riots are iconic moments in the history of the LGBTQ+ community, spurring a movement for change and assisting in the establishment of organizations devoted to this cause. Through historic demonstrations and grassroots movements, people publicly advocated for equality and challenged prejudice. The collection offers a diverse assortment of stories and artifacts that provide light on the complex nature of LGBTQ+ activism at the time.

Upon examining the advancements achieved during the 1960’s–1990’s period, it is apparent that the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality remains unfinished. Even with great progress, there are still issues that need to be raised and pushed upon. Researchers can respect the heritage of prior activists and empower themselves to advocate for a more just and inclusive society by using resources such as the Hammer clippings. We can only successfully navigate the present and work toward a future where everyone is accepted and cherished for who they are by having a thorough understanding of the past.

Upon reading about the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals documented in the collection, my mind went back to the LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria, including arbitrary arrest, harassment, and physical violence. I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the people whose experiences were shared by others in different countries. I was deeply moved by the recent resolutions passed by the African Commission, which demanded that African governments guarantee LGBTQ+ people’s access to HIV services and put an end to violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This provides a glimmer of hope for LGBTQ+ persons in an otherwise unfriendly environment.

In the end, I am often reminded of the ability of narrative to unite people and spark change as I negotiate the challenges of being LGBTQ+ in a society that still struggles with acceptance and understanding. Hammer’s collection is a proof of the queer communities’ ongoing tenacity and a reminder that fights for justice and equality are universal and transcend national boundaries.

Ultimately, my experience at the AHC is a voyage of self-awareness, camaraderie, and hope, more than it is a scientific expedition. And as I keep navigating the nexus between identity and belonging, I’m appreciative of the chance to understand the experience of these group of people and struggle to make the world a more compassionate and inclusive place.

To explore more of these powerful stories, visit the AHC’s Virmuze exhibit “A Different Kind of Spotlight: How the Media has Portrayed Queerness Throughout the Decades.” This exhibit showcases materials from the same Bennett Hammer collection that provided comfort and connection during my research. Through newspaper clippings, editorials, and comics from the 1980s and 90s, you can witness firsthand how media coverage evolved from fear and controversy to greater understanding and acceptance—a journey that mirrors struggles for LGBTQ+ equality worldwide.

Post contributed by AHC Graduate Assistant Samson Olaoye, a student in the University of Wyoming’s American Studies program.