MOORHEAD — The local community is set to reflect on the history of LGBTQ+ spaces during a presentation marking the beginning of PRIDE month. Retired North Dakota State University (NDSU) professor Larry Peterson will deliver a talk titled “Celebrating Togetherness: Same-Sex Dancing in FM” on August 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. This event will take place in the Oak Room at the Hjemkomst Center and is free to the public.
Peterson’s presentation aims to illuminate how LGBTQ+ individuals found refuge and connection in local bars and public venues during the late 20th century, a time when societal acceptance was often lacking. His research covers the history of same-sex dancing from 1975 until the closure of the I-Beam in 2011. The talk will feature musical selections that capture the essence of the dance venues, providing insight into their significance for the community.
Advocacy and Education for LGBTQ+ Seniors
In addition to his historical insights, Peterson is a member of the Red River Rainbow Seniors, an organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and support for individuals aged 50 and older within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Red River Valley. He emphasized the organization’s mission to ensure that all members of the community can live with dignity and respect.
While this is the only official PRIDE event hosted by the Hjemkomst Center, the organization is committed to sharing the stories of all residents of Clay County. For those interested in additional PRIDE month events, more information can be found at fmpride.org/events/.
Documenting LGBTQ+ History in Minnesota
The Hjemkomst Center previously showcased the exhibit “At Last: 10th Anniversary of Marriage Equality in Minnesota,” which celebrated local marriages that occurred on August 1, 2013, the day same-sex marriage became legal in Minnesota. Although the physical exhibit has closed, an online version is available at www.hcscconline.org/atlast.
In collaboration with the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS), the organization has also worked to document LGBTQ+ spaces in Moorhead and nearby communities. This initiative is accessible through an interactive story map at storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ff9c23776f1d4b729caac2d034f2a09f.
Recently, the Hjemkomst Center received important funding through small grants awarded by the MNHS. The center was allocated $9,500 to hire a historian to conduct research on LGBTQIA+ history in Moorhead. Additionally, $7,000 was designated to document oral history interviews of the legacy of Minnesota Native American activist Gladys Ray, while $10,000 will go towards improving museum collection organization for better community access.
These grants, funded through the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, support projects dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s rich history and heritage, ensuring that the stories of the LGBTQ+ community continue to be told and celebrated.