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“Preparing for Gay Liberation Front Dance at Alternate University, 1970.” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

by Maria Sofou

New York Public Library recently announced the release of more than 180,000 digitized items, historic maps, botanical illustrations, unique manuscripts, photographs, ancient religious texts and many more to the public, available as high-resolution downloads. “The release of more than 180,000 digitized items represents both a simplification and an enhancement of digital access to a trove of unique and rare materials: a removal of administration fees and processes from public domain content, and also improvements to interfaces — popular and technical — to the digital assets themselves,” the Library’s announcement explained.

Among the online collection, there is a section dedicated to LGBT history that contains rare historical images, never before available to the public. From images from various gay rights demonstrations during the 1970s to portraits of gay and lesbian writers like Allen Ginsberg and Sapphire, this collection is a real treasure trove of gay right history.

Psychiatrists looking at “Gay Proud and Healthy” display 1971-1972. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“Gay Liberation Front marches on Times Square, New York City, 1969 [2].” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

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“Kady Vandeurs and Marsha P. Johnson at gay rights rally at City Hall.” April, 1974. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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Gay Liberation Front pickets Time, Inc. [18]” 1970. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“A gay rights demonstration, Albany, New York, 1971.” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“A gay rights demonstration in Albany, New York, 1971.” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“Gay couple. 1972.” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“Hudson Street, Greenwich Village, N.Y. John and friend.” 1981. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“Germantown couple on porch #1” 1977. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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Penalties for Sex Offenses in the United States” 1964. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“Quentin Crisp. NYC.” Portraits of Gay and Lesbian Writers, 1986. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library.

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“Allen Ginsberg with his own portrait of Burroughs.” Portraits of Gay and Lesbian Writers, 1986. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library.

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“Homosexuals are Different” 1951-1976. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“Sapphire. NYC.” Portraits of Gay and Lesbian Writers, 1986. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library.

Style: "1826769"

“Lilli Vincenz” 1966. Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

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“Graffiti on restroom wall, Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookstore, 1969 October.” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“The Government Has Blood on Its Hands (Back of a T-shirt).” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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AIDSgate.” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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“Control [Why Make AIDS Worse Than It Is?]” Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

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via SBS