Author Talk: "Queer Virginia: New Stories in the Old Dominion" in celebration of LGBTQ History Month
Celebrate and learn about Queer history of the Commonwealth
Join us for an engaging discussion of the new book, “Queer Virginia: New Stories in the Old Dominion" and learn about Virginia’s queer history and the importance of preserving and sharing LGBTQ stories as we work towards a more inclusive future. The presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Light refreshments will be made available.
REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED: First-come, first-served seating. By registering, you will receive event updates.
For more information, please contact Westover Library at 703-228-5260
This program is part of the Library’s recognition of National Coming Out Day.
- Date:
- Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Time:
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm
- Location:
- Longfellow Room
- Library:
- Westover Library
- Audience:
- Events for Adults Good for Adults Age 55+
- Categories:
- Author Talk
- Calendar:
- Arlington Public Library
About the book
Moderator & Contributor: Amy Bertsch is a historian specializing in African American and Virginia history
Co-Editor: Charles H. Ford is a Professor of History at Norfolk State University
Contributor: Jay Watkins is a Teaching Professor of History at The College of William & Mary
Queer Virginia is a long-needed record of the courageous and creative ways that LGBTQ+ people across the commonwealth have persevered and fought for their rights. The history recovered here is remarkable and illuminating, including the life of Hannah Nokes, a Black transgender woman who overcame severe discrimination in Loudoun County during the 1930s; the story of the Hershee Bar, a historic lesbian bar in Norfolk and longtime community focal point; efforts to gather oral histories and produce a queer digital archive in the old capital of the Confederacy, and much more. Full of poignant and telling glimpses of LGBTQ+ life through the decades, this volume reveals generations of widespread prejudice and oppressive laws and the inspiring resilience that queer Virginians brought to this struggle.