Queer Nation (1990s)

Queer Nation was an LGBT direct action organization founded in New York City in March 1990 by AIDS activists from ACT UP/NY (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power). The four founders — Tom Blewitt, Alan Klein, Michelangelo Signorile and Karl Soehnlein — were outraged by the escalation of violence against LGBT New Yorkers and decided to take action.

Throughout the early 90s, Queer Nation chapters were started in cities nationwide, including Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Portland, and San Francisco. The Queer Nation chant “We’re here! We’re Queer! Get used to it!” became a worldwide rallying cry.

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Queer Nation News Archive

Daily News: "New era for gay rights; Queer Nation pushes movement out of closet"

By Adam Nagourney, July 29, 1990

Queer Nation: Homosexuals decide it's time to fight back

By Andrew Selsky, Associated Press

Seattle Gay News: "Queer Nation proliferates nationwide" p1

By Carrie Wofford

Seattle Gay News: "Queer Nation proliferates nationwide" p2

By Carrie Wofford, October 19, 1990

Newsday: "Gays Bitter In Division Over Outing"

By Rita Giordano, August 9, 1991

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Queer Nation Image Gallery

Queer Nation logo

From the Alan Klein Papers at the Fales Library and Special Collections at NYU Lemer Holmes Bobst Library.

Caution: Homophobia May Be Hazardous To Your Health

Sticker. From the Alan Klein Papers at the Fales Library and Special Collections at NYU Lemer Holmes Bobst Library.

Queer Nation - Queer Bart illustration

From the Alan Klein Papers at the Fales Library and Special Collections at NYU Lemer Holmes Bobst Library.

Queer Nation Crack & Peel Stickers

From the Alan Klein Papers at the Fales Library and Special Collections at NYU Lemer Holmes Bobst Library.

Queer AS F*ck

From the Alan Klein Papers at the Fales Library and Special Collections at NYU Lemer Holmes Bobst Library.

Queer Nation Original Meeting Notes

Meeting outline. From the Alan Klein Papers at the Fales Library and Special Collections at NYU Lemer Holmes Bobst Library.

Alan Klein's Queer Nation First Meeting Notes

From the Alan Klein Papers at the Fales Library and Special Collections at NYU Lemer Holmes Bobst Library.