MOORHEAD — The local community is set to kick off PRIDE month with a significant historical presentation focusing on the LGBTQ+ experience in public spaces during the late 20th century. Retired Professor Larry Peterson, a member of the Red River Rainbow Seniors, will deliver a talk titled “Celebrating Togetherness: Same-Sex Dancing in FM” at 18:30 on August 5, 2023, in the Oak Room at the Hjemkomst Center. This event is free and open to the public.
Peterson’s presentation will delve into how LGBTQ+ individuals cultivated a sense of community and safety within local bars and dance venues at a time when societal acceptance was limited. His research spans from the earliest documented instances of same-sex dancing in 1975 to the closure of the I-Beam in 2011. “This history is essential in understanding the evolution of acceptance and community in our area,” Peterson noted.
Musical Reflections on Community
To enhance his presentation, Peterson will include special musical selections that reflect the atmosphere of the dance venues frequented by the LGBTQ+ community. He aims to illustrate the emotional significance these songs held for attendees, capturing a pivotal aspect of their social lives during those years.
Since retiring from North Dakota State University in 2016, Peterson has been actively involved with the Red River Rainbow Seniors, which is committed to advocacy, education, and social support for the 50+ 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Red River Valley. The organization emphasizes that every individual deserves to live with dignity and respect.
While this presentation marks the only official event hosted by the Hjemkomst Center for PRIDE month, the organization is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories of all residents in Clay County. For further information on other PRIDE month events, interested individuals can visit fmpride.org/events/.
Preserving Local LGBTQ+ History
Two years ago, the Hjemkomst Center launched the exhibit “At Last: 10th Anniversary of Marriage Equality in Minnesota,” which highlighted local stories from the day same-sex marriage became legal in Minnesota on August 1, 2013. Although the physical exhibit is no longer available, an online version can be accessed at www.hcscconline.org/atlast.
In a collaborative effort with the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS), the Hjemkomst Center has also worked to document LGBTQ+ spaces in Moorhead and surrounding areas. This initiative is accessible through an interactive story map found at storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ff9c23776f1d4b729caac2d034f2a09f.
Thanks to recently awarded small grants from MNHS, the Hjemkomst Center will continue its commitment to sharing important stories. The center has received $9,500 to hire an historian to research LGBTQIA+ history in Moorhead. Additionally, $7,000 was granted to document up to 20 oral history interviews regarding the legacy of Minnesota Native American community activist Gladys Ray. A further $10,000 grant aims to improve the organization of museum collections, enhancing community access.
The funding for these projects comes from the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s history, land, and culture. Through these efforts, the Hjemkomst Center aims to foster a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ community’s history and contributions within the region.
