Rare Primary Sources Supporting Gender Studies Research

Archives of Sexuality and Gender is the largest digital primary source program supporting the field of gender history and sexuality studies. The resource is separated into three modules.

The first two modules, LGBTQ History and Culture Since 1940, Part I and II, focus on sexuality and gender history in the latter half of the twentieth century with content particularly, but not exclusively, exploring LGBTQ+ experiences. These primary sources also provide significant coverage of the history of women's rights campaigns. With numerous female-authored sources, the archive helps uncover more elusive female perspectives on issues related to sex, social structures, science, politics, society, expectations, and gender roles. Composed of 51 unique collections drawn from major international bodies to local grassroots organizations, these historical documents illuminate the sexual experiences of LGBTQ+ persons and individuals from various races, ethnicities, ages, religions, political orientations, and locations.

The third module, Sex and Sexuality in the 16th Through 20th Centuries, looks further back in time at gender history. It examines the ways people experienced, interpreted, and understood sex, sexual influence, gender, gender roles, and other facets of sexuality in the early modern period, and how attitudes evolved over the subsequent centuries to impact society. While LGBTQ+ issues are considered, this module also takes a wider perspective on the study of sexuality, examining many related areas, such as patterns of fertility and sexual practice; prostitution, religion, and sexuality; the medical and legal construction of sexuality; and the rise of sexology.

Together, the three modules provide over four million pages of historical primary source content now accessible as a digital collection. Available on one, cross-searchable platform, Archives of Sexuality and Gender helps researchers make new connections between previously disparate primary source materials, or drill down into a specific collection to explore a niche, previously unstudied topic.

Look below for detailed guides of the individual subcollections and discover how your library or university can use the distinct strengths of each to impact study in this burgeoning, incredibly topical field of academic research.

Themes Covered

Eighteenth-Century Gender Roles

Support the study of eighteenth-century gender roles with this primary source collection, covering topics from eighteenth-century midwifery and gynecology to the study of advice manuscripts about marriage, sex, male and female roles in society, and the education of children.

Gay & LGBT Alliances

Take a closer look at organizational records from several gay and lesbian alliances that provide researchers with more context to gain a deeper understanding of how alliances helped shape the current state of LGBTQ+ equality. 

 

History of HIV and Aids

Discover four highly sought after collections that contain critical documentation for the study of the history of AIDS activism. 

 

LGBT History

Explore several collections of immense importance that provide students and researchers with a resource to explore and expose narratives that have been marginalized and left out of traditional research. 

 

LGBTQ Rights Movement

Find a treasure trove of documentation from the most active and influential LGBTQ+ rights organizations of the twentieth century.   

 

Nineteenth-Century Gender Roles

Discover why the nineteenth century was perceived as a time when the study and exploration of gender and sexuality were suppressed and prohibited across society due to prevailing religious and cultural views.

 

View the Products

Archives of Sexuality and Gender: LGBTQ History and Culture Since 1940, Part I

A unique, fully searchable collection that brings together approximately 1.5 million pages of primary sources, enabling students, educators, and researchers to thoroughly explore and make new connections in subjects such as LGBTQ+ history and activism, cultural studies, psychology, sociology, health, political science, gender studies, and more.

Archives of Sexuality and Gender: LGBTQ History and Culture Since 1940, Part II

Fully searchable periodicals, newsletters, manuscripts, government records, organizational papers, correspondence, an international selection of posters, and other primary source materials for this milestone digital program were selected by an advisory board consisting of leading scholars and librarians in sexuality and gender studies.

Archives of Sexuality and Gender: Sex and Sexuality, Sixteenth to Twentieth Century

This collection contains approximately one million pages of primary source materials that were locked away for many years, available only via restricted access. With a date range of 1600–1940, this major collection of rare and unique material is available to support students, researchers, and faculty who study medicine, biology, anthropology, law, the classics, art, and erotic literature.

Archives of Sexuality and Gender: International Perspectives on LGBTQ Activism and Culture

International Perspectives on LGBTQ Activism and Culture examines populations and areas of the world previously underrepresented in prevailing discourses around sexuality and gender, such as southern Africa and Australia.

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