Lambda Archives Celebrates Unsung Heroines

On Saturday, March 19, Lambda Archives of San Diego will host a brunch to honor the "Heroines, Pioneers & Trailblazers" who stepped up to help in the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis.

"We want to celebrate the often-overlooked efforts of the people who cared for their loved ones and the needs they saw around them," said Lambda Archives board president Maureen Steiner. "The women we are recognizing are representative of the efforts of so many who aren't often considered 'heroes.'"

Attendees will hear about the personal stories of grassroots activism and how these "ordinary" women did extraordinary things that impacted local communities and affected populations in San Diego and Tijuana when many people shied away from helping those with HIV or AIDS.

Dr. Joycelyn Elders, U.S. Surgeon General under President Clinton, will be the featured guest speaker and talk about her experiences during the early days of the epidemic. Elders said, "It is a real pleasure to be able to participate in the Heroines, Pioneers and Trailblazers gala brunch. It is important to remember those who stood up and stepped out to bring a new attitude and behavior to society that would become the gold standard of caring. I am pleased to be invited to honor such women on whose shoulders we all stand."

"While we are so proud of these women and the many others whom they represent that we would love to share this event with the world, we do need to raise money to allow us to continue telling these stories," Steiner added. "Preserving and presenting the historic materials is expensive, so we rely on donations from those who value this work. We are producing this event as a fundraiser, but it allows us to produce other events for which we don't charge, so that this history is accessible to everybody. Earlier this year, we did an 'Out At the Archives' (in conjunction with Diversionary Theatre's Open Monday series) that focused on AIDS in the early days, so that the public could get a taste of what this event is about. We do such free events throughout the year, as well as provide research and reading opportunities. And, if you aren't familiar with Lambda Archives, come by and get a free tour."

The women being honored include those who are lesbian, transgender and straight: Wendy Sue Biegeleisen, Maria Galletta, Ruth Henricks, Nicolette Ibarra, Susan Jester, Laurie Leaonard, Irene Milton, Carole Norman, Barbara Peabody, Miriam Thompson Slater and Barbara Vick. These women represent the founders of groups that did so much when their services were sorely needed, including the Blood Sisters, Mothers of AIDS Patients, Christie's Place, Special Delivery, Casa Nicole and what is now AIDS Walk, along with a former nurse who is now a member of the AIDS Memorial Task Force.

With her mother, Laurie Leonard started Mama's Kitchen after her brother died of AIDS. Her brother saw so many of his friends dying unwanted by their families and even rejected by hospitals. In a video interview for Lambda Archives, Leonard said, "He made my mom promise that nobody would die alone." She and her mother did their best to keep that pledge, delivering countless meals and befriending men who had no one to look after them.

"Some of the remarkable women who are being celebrated will speak about their struggles, triumphs and inspirational stories in their battles against HIV/ AIDS," said Steiner.

Lambda Archives Head Archivist Jen LaBarbera said, "The LGBTQ history of San Diego and Northern Baja is a history that no other organization is actively preserving. If we don't do this work, we will lose the stuff of our history, including the powerful stories of the pioneers who are being honored at this event."

The Heroines, Pioneers and Trailblazers brunch takes place on Saturday, March 19 at the San Diego Woman's Club, 2557 Third Avenue. For tickets and more information, call 619.260.1522 or go to lambdaarchives.us