"Gay Butterfly" sheet music, circa 1908

This collection was artificially assembled by James T. Sears as part of his research on LGBTQ history. The collection consists of assorted ephemera, photographs, and audiovisual materials relating to LGBTQ subjects. His research materials include historical photographs of female impersonators, male impersonators, and people expressing same-sex affection. There is also printed ephemera including a brochure from New Orleans, La. advertising a “gay night life tour” and a postcard featuring female impersonators from Metairie, La. Some materials are suggestive of LGBTQ subjects due to their wording. Sears also collected items from well-known figures in the LGBTQ community, including the typescript of a poem by Allen Ginsburg (1926-1997), a small American flag belonging to openly gay former airman Leonard Matlovich (1943-1988), and the signature of Sir Edward Clarke (1841-1931), who defended Oscar Wilde in his libel case. The collection also includes two endorsements for Sears’ book, Rebels, Rubyfruit, and Rhinestones: Queering Space in the Stonewall South (2001) from author Rita Mae Brown (1944-) and playwright Edward Albee (1928-2016). Also included are recordings by various LGBTQ singer-songwriters and performers, compilations of LGBTQ music, the audio documentary Homosexuality in the American Male, a stand-up comedy album, and, notably, a copy of You’re Stepping on My Eyelashes!, a recording by female impersonator Ray Bourbon (circa 1892-1971), also known as Rae Bourbon.