First Exhibit Chronicling Chautauqua County LGBTQ+ History Opens

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JAMESTOWN – The first exhibit chronicling LGBTQ+ history opened in Jamestown on Wednesday night.

The display, titled “Protest and Pride,” opened to the public at the Fenton History Center following a virtual ceremony.


Since last year, the historical center has been collecting artifacts and stories from Jamestown’s pride community.

Among the stories on display, is former Jamestown City Council President and SUNY JCC professor Greg Rabb.

“When I got here in Jamestown in 1986 as an untenured young facility member with dark brown hair and skinner than I am today, I was scared to tell the college that I was gay because I was afraid that I might lose my job,” said Rabb.



Image by Justin Gould / WNY News Now.

“There were no gay rights protections back in 1986 when I got here,” he furthered. “So, I kept it quiet, and I realized that by doing that I was destroying myself.”

Rabb says he is proud of not just of the queer community, but all of Jamestown for being so accepting.

The museum will continue to collect donations from the LGBTQ+ community going forward that will be added to the center’s archives.

 



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