Raise your hand if you’re endlessly interested in history but easily exhausted by reading. C’mon, I cannot be the only one. Luckily, there’s a crop of Instagram and Twitter accounts sharing historical photos, stories, and resources in bite size doses perfect for afternoon scroll sessions. Here are a few of my favorite Twitter and Instagram accounts to follow to learn more about LGBTQ history.
Making Gay History
I’ve talked about Eric Marcus’ podcast Making Gay History on the blog before, but you can also follow along on Instagram for even more historical moments. You’ll get bitesize clips from the interviews featured in his podcast along with extra photos and even more stories.
The History Project
The History Project is an organization that’s working to document, preserve, and share the history of the LGBTQ community in the Boston area. Aside from history lessons in 280 characters, their Twitter account shares interesting articles and updates about their ongoing work and events. They also maintain a collection of over 1 million documents including photos, buttons, and publications that you can often get a peek at.
NYC LGBT HistoricSites Project
Exploring NYC’s famous and historic sites is one of my favorite things to do in the city. I especially appreciate it coming from a much younger city like Austin. The NYC LGBT HistoricSites Project is one of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow. It’s always fun to see old photos of the places I pass each day and learn more about important events that have happened there. You can even take your explorations further and follow along on their curated tours available on their website.
Queer as Fact
Queer as Fact is another history podcast that takes things a step further with their Twitter account. Get a deeper dive into episodes and discover the resources they use for research.
lgbt_history
Matthew Riemer and Leighton Brown, the authors behind the history book We Are Everywhere, also curate this Instagram account with short history lessons and old photos.
LGBTQCollaboratory
The LGBTQ Collaboratory connects scholars, activists, and archives across Canada, the US, and the UK. Follow them on Twitter for more behind the scenes info, updates on events, and connections to other LGBTQ historians.
h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y
From pop culture to high art, @h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y is a fun account that features old photos, publications, and gay rights movement memorabilia. The account’s founder, Kelly Rakowski, is also behind the new personals style dating app, Lex that I’ve featured on the blog before.
Queer Bible
Queer Bible features original essays and artwork from inspiring LGBTQ+ people that celebrate their LGBTQ+ heroes. While the Instagram gives you short snippets and a visual overview of the work, their website provides longer form pieces and deeper dives into these stories.
I love discovering new accounts that can take me beyond #ads and thirst traps, which are your favorites to learn more online? Tweet me and let me know!
