Historian Charles H. Ford will discuss his new book about LGBTQ+ history in Virginia during a free presentation at the Library of Virginia this month.

Charles H. Ford

 

The talk will focus on “Queer Virginia: New Stories in the Old Dominion,” which Ford co-edited with Jeffrey L. Littlejohn. Registration is required at lva-virginia.libcal.com. 

The book chronicles how LGBTQ+ Virginians have fought discrimination and advocated for their rights throughout the state’s history. It includes stories ranging from a Black transgender woman who faced severe discrimination in Loudoun County during the 1930s to the history of Norfolk’s Hershee Bar, a longtime lesbian gathering place. 

“The volume reveals generations of widespread prejudice and oppressive laws and the inspiring resilience that queer Virginians brought to this struggle,” according to a news release from the library. 

Ford is a professor of history at Norfolk State University and co-author of “Elusive Equality: Desegregation and Resegregation in Norfolk Public Schools.” 

The presentation runs from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the library, 800 E. Broad St. For more information, visit lva.virginia.gov.