Out in the I.E.: Exploring LGBTQ+ History in the Inland Empire
A new exhibition titled "Out in the I.E." is scheduled to debut at the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California in Riverside. The exhibition, which explores the LGBTQ+ history of the Inland Empire, will kick off with an event on January 15 from 6-9 p.m. at the institute's location on Mission Inn Avenue. The exhibition is an expansion of a previous pop-up exhibit and was inspired by Jesse Melgar, a board member of the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
Following the success of the pop-up exhibit, plans were made to expand the exhibition into the Civil Rights Institute's full 1,500-square-foot space. Research for the exhibition began in January 2025 after receiving a $90,000 grant from the California State Library to preserve and make accessible California's LGBTQ+ history. The research team conducted over 40 interviews with individuals from various cities in the region, uncovering untold stories of the LGBTQ+ community.
The interviews conducted with prominent figures, advocates, political leaders, and artists formed the foundation of the exhibition. These interviews will also be accessible on the Civil Rights Institute's digital archive. "Out in the I.E." delves into more than 50 years of LGBTQ+ history in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, focusing on themes such as art, the AIDS/HIV epidemic, community care, political representation, and more.
The exhibition aims to shed light on the LGBTQ+ community's experiences and struggles, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation. By sharing these stories, the Civil Rights Institute hopes to affirm the humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals and ensure that their narratives are acknowledged and respected. For more information about the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California, visit their website at inlandcivilrights.org.
In conclusion, "Out in the I.E." at the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California offers a comprehensive exploration of the LGBTQ+ history in the Inland Empire. Through in-depth research and personal interviews, the exhibition highlights the diverse experiences and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Visit the institute's website to learn more about this important exhibition.