St. Louis LGBTQ+ History Guide

Newspapers are a valuable source for documenting queer history. 

In the past, newspapers tended to avoid mentioning sexual-identity, except as shock-value to sell papers. Nevertheless, newspapers do provide important historic documentation of queer history, and especially of queer people of color. 

Prior to the 1970s, most mainstream newspapers avoided any mention of queer identity, except to label persons as sexual deviants.  When searching through newspapers you may need to look for terms today considered very derogatory. Sociologist Harold Corzine observed in 1977 that usually “only when homosexuality [was] linked with bizarre crimes” did stories appear in majority news sources.  

In the 1970s more queer focused newspapers, magazines, and newsletters began to be produced.  Since 1970 over 30 different titles were published in the St. Louis area.

Chronological listing of St. Louis-area LGBTQ publications.  Contact the organization listed for more information and to verify specific issues available:

Note: This list is not all encompassing.  This list focuses on publications aimed at a general audience, rather than newsletters or publications by and for specific organizations.

Pride Guide / Pride Fest publications for yearly activities:

Online access (providing wide-span of years)

For much of the early 20th century the noted African American newspaper, Chicago Defender, also covered near-by St. Louis news, as well as Midwest and national news.

Online, Microfilm and Print Access

Please contact organizations directly for newspapers not from WashU.

Online access (providing wide-span of years)

Online, Microfilm and Print Access

Please contact organizations directly for newspapers not from WashU.

Additional Newspaper sources