Course

The history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and our allies is integral to American history, yet it often remains invisible. Paradoxically, queer and trans history surrounds us in our daily lives: We brush up against its traces in sites that bear silent witness to LGBTQ+ lives, embodying stories of suffering and pleasure, injustices and struggles, love and loss, solitude and solidarity, setbacks and victories. 

Focusing on Bay Area sites, this course offers an introduction to documenting and interpreting LGBTQ+ historic places—and to making those places visible and meaningful. Through illustrated lectures, workshop activities and group projects, participants will investigate how built and natural environments embody stories of the LGBTQ+ past; will learn about the movement to preserve such places; will become familiar with formal and informal landmarking; will virtually tour selected sites; and will collaborate in the practice of LGBTQ+ historic place-making.

Faculty Bio

Gerard Koskovich has presented and published widely on LGBTQ+ history. He has served as a consultant on LGBTQ+ historic sites and cultural heritage for the U.S. National Park Service and the San Francisco Planning Department.

This is an In-Person-Only Course

• Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
• Limited to 40 members
• All are welcome — LGBTQ+ members and allies
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and ends on Tuesday, Feb. 23
• Classes meet for 6 weeks, 2 hours per session (1–3 PM)
• All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through March 28

Faculty Q&A

• Read a recent interview with Gerard Koskovich about his course.