The photographs in this collection document two major LGBTQ rights demonstrations held in Washington, D.C.: the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987 and the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation in 1993. These events drew large numbers of participants from across the United States and were significant moments in the ongoing movement for LGBTQ rights and visibility. The 1993 march also included the first Dyke March, organized by the Lesbian Avengers, which brought together thousands of participants in a demonstration focused on lesbian visibility and activism.
The collection consists of photographs documenting two major LGBTQ rights marches held in Washington, D.C., in 1987 and 1993. The images depict participants gathered on the National Mall and marching in the streets, carrying signs and banners and engaging in organized demonstrations and related activities. Subjects represented include members of national advocacy organizations such as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Lesbian Avengers, as well as scenes of public assembly, informal gatherings, and vendor activity. The photographs also capture aspects of identity and expression within the marches, including individuals in drag and references to the Dyke March associated with the 1993 event. Together, the images document large-scale public demonstrations advocating for LGBTQ rights and visibility in the late twentieth century.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested. Advance notice is required to view any audiovisual media or born-digital records that may exist in this collection. Audiovisual media and born-digital records in this collection may not have been reformatted yet. Researchers may request access to copies by contacting the John Hay Library with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. Access to original physical audiovisual or born-digital media is restricted.
LGBTQ marches in Washington, D.C. photographs, Ms-2025-022, Brown University Library
The collection is arranged chronologically.
Purchased by Brown University Library, 2025
Nine photographs measuring 3 7/8 x 4 3/4 inches depicting participants in the 1987 Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, including groups gathered on the National Mall holding signs and banners and members of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force preparing signs.
Thirty-four photographs measuring 4 x 5 7/8 inches depicting participants in the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, including crowds on the National Mall and in the streets holding banners and wearing event-specific shirts, individuals in drag, scenes around vendor booths, members of the Lesbian Avengers, and a participant wearing stickers referencing the Dyke March.