Shane Brown decided to start the Queer History Club in October 2024 — just before the November election, with political debates that often overlooked LGBTQ+ people — to educate himself and others about queer struggles.
“At a time where books are being banned, transgender rights are at stake and the queer community is under constant attack, I thought it was imperative to start the queer history club on campus,” Brown said.
It started when he was assigned to create a blog for his high school English class, and Brown focused his on queer history.
“I quickly realized that I knew nothing about the subject and wondered why we were never taught anything about it,” he said. “That day, I realized how important it is to know about LGBTQ+ history. Since, I have always wanted to know more about the struggles my community has endured.”
Brown, who majors in criminology and philosophy, began the club with a basic overview of the Stonewall uprising, often considered the start of the modern-day queer liberation movement in the United States. Since then, he has covered topics like the HIV/AIDS crisis, the Combahee River Collective, queer composers, transgender healthcare, queerness in Dante’s Inferno and lavender marriages.
Weekly meetings begin with introductions so everyone has a chance to get to know each other. After that, members will sit down and listen to whoever is presenting that week. While Brown is the creator and presents at many meetings, all are welcome to share their ideas and discuss anything they feel passionate about. Brown also emphasized the importance of asking questions and engaging in the conversation to build community in the club.
With the current political climate, Brown expressed his concern for his community and the attacks towards it. “According to the ACLU, just this year there have been roughly 500 anti-LBGTQ+ bills introduced throughout the country. From Desantis’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills, transgender people being kicked out of the military, to talks about overturning Obergefell, I think now is an important time more than ever to stay informed about what is happening,” he said.
“Many people have little to no knowledge about queer history, and that is by design. We have to start asking ourselves why we aren’t taught these types of things in high school. Learning queer history is so important because it can deepen our understanding and inform us about what is going on right now.”
As a senior, Brown hopes the club will continue to thrive after he graduates. Emphasizing the ongoing journey toward equality, he expressed his desire for everyone to “become more aware of the continual fight for queer liberation.” He envisions its growth in the future, ensuring more people recognize the struggles the queer community has overcome.
Attending Queer History Club isn’t just about learning — it’s about connecting with others and celebrating the stories that have shaped the LGBTQ+ community. With queer history constantly being overshadowed, having a space to explore the struggles, victories and activism is vital to preserving the queer community. And, of course, there is always food available — good conversations aren’t complete without something to snack on.
Meetings are held every Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Wheatley Hall, Room 1-0056, but a Zoom option is available for those who may not be able to attend in person. If there are any questions or concerns regarding meetings, Brown can be reached at shane.brown001@umb.edu. News about future meetings and events are also available on their UMBeInvolved page, or on Instagram at @umbqueerhistory.