Academy Forum: Collecting Queer—An Inside Look at the World of LGBTQ+ Rare Books, Archives and Ephemera

In partnership with the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and the GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archives, renowned queer historian and book dealer Gerard Koskovich joins acclaimed archivist and collector Lisbet Tellefsen to discuss the importance of rare and historic LGBTQ+ archives, books, periodicals, posters and ephemera. They’ll share materials from their personal holdings and offer helpful tips for individuals and institutions looking to start or enrich their own collections.

Representatives from ABAA members Bolerium Books and Mark Funke, Bookseller will showcase materials for sale at the SF Fair. One of the items will be the original cover art for the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ science fiction novel “The Left Hand of Darkness'' by Ursula K. Le Guin.

The evening will prepare participants to discover their own treasures at the ABAA California International Book Fair coming up February 9–11 at Pier 27 in San Francisco.

6:30pm — Doors Open, mingling & drinks

7:00pm — Program Begins

8:00pm — After Reception

8:30pm — Event Ends

TO ATTEND

Academy Forum events are open to all. Please reserve your general admission spot for this limited-capacity indoor event.

TICKETS

• Academy Members may reserve up to (6) tickets FREE
• $20 General Public

MEMBERSHIP

The Academy is currently accepting new membership applications. If you are interested in becoming a Member and enjoying all of the associated perks and benefits, please click here to learn more.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Gerard Koskovich

Gerard Koskovich is a San Francisco–based public historian, curator, and book dealer. He has published widely in English and French on queer history, preservation and heritage, archives and museums, and book-dealing. He has given talks at universities, museums, conferences and community groups in the United States, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Koskovich is a founding member of the GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archives.

In addition to his work as a public historian, Koskovich is a private dealer in books, periodicals, ephemera, archives and related materials. He specializes in LGBTQ culture, sexuality, women’s history, social movements, and French history and popular culture. His clients have included the Centre Pompidou in Paris; the Wellcome Library in London; and the university libraries at Cornell, Harvard, Michigan, Princeton, Stanford and Yale. Gerard is a full member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers.

Lisbet Tellefsen

Lisbet Tellefsen is an Oakland-based archivist, collector and curator. Her archives and collections focus on late 20th century political African Americana with specializations including the Angela Davis, Black Panther Party, the Young Lords, Black LGBT arts & culture and political graphics. As an archival consultant, she has worked on numerous film and television projects and her archive is a frequently used resource for academic research, film/media projects, and exhibits.  Over 100 objects from the Tellefsen collection now reside in the permanent collections of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., SFMOMA and the Oakland Museum of CA. In 2012, the Lisbet Tellefsen Papers were acquired by Yale University. Tellefsen is a former board member of the GLBT Historical Society and she curated an exhibition about Angela Davis at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in 2018.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and food items are available for purchase. Our menus can be found here. Academy Social Club Members receive certain beverages complimentary. Ask your bartender or host for details.

CLUB INFORMATION (FOR MEMBERS)

The Club will also be open during regular hours for Members and their guests not attending this event.

SAFE SPACE

The Academy is a safe space for all—in particular members of our LGBTQ+ community. We encourage you to learn more about our safe space principles & policies by clicking here.

ACCESSIBILITY

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. The event venue has an accessible entrance and restroom facilities. Please contact us if you have questions or specific requests regarding access.