In this podcast Roger Swanson talks about the history and purpose of LAGANZ - The Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand.
Summary
In this podcast, the existence and importance of the Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand (LAGANZ) are discussed in an interview featuring Roger Swanson, conducted by Wai Ho. LAGANZ was established as a repository for materials relating to the lesbian, gay, transgender, intersex, and the wider queer community, with the goal of preserving their history. It serves as a research resource and a means for these communities to narrate their own stories, in contrast to past mainstream depictions that were often negative. The archive originated from the National Gay Rights Coalition in the 1970s, which began collecting materials to support the campaign for equality and legal recognition of relationships. These collections grew through political activism, such as the Homosexual Law Reform campaign in the mid-1980s, which was a tipping point for the LGBT movement in New Zealand.
The interview illuminates how LAGANZ progressed from being a resource for political activism to an established archive that documents significant aspects of the community's history, including the response to the AIDS epidemic. The incident of arson that could have destroyed the collection is also recounted, underscoring the precariousness of these important historical documents. Fortunately, the Alexander Turnbull Library intervened, offering space for the collection and preserving the archive.
In terms of content, LAGANZ holds an array of materials, such as organizational papers, newsletters, books, radio programs, films, photographs, posters, buttons, and even personal ephemera. This diversified collection provides valuable insight into the struggles and celebrations of the queer community through the decades. The archive not only covers the history but also plays a role in promoting inclusiveness and awareness within the community and broader society.
Swanson, engaged in various capacities from curator to trustee, emphasizes the value of maintaining this collective memory, likening its importance to that of the Maori community’s remembrance of the Treaty of Waitangi. A key concern raised during the interview is the engagement of younger generations, who may not be aware of the community’s history, its struggles, and the fragility of the rights for which their forebears fought.
The ongoing relevance of LAGANZ is reinforced by its educational role, with students using the collections to understand historical attitudes and societal changes. With the National Library undergoing refurbishment, access to some materials is limited but the trustees and curators remain committed to maintaining and enhancing the archive's reach. The hope is to continue to expand the representation of various subsections of the community, including Maori and Pacific Island contributions.
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