Ohio Lesbian Archives

The Ohio Lesbian Archives (OLA) has been an integral part of the Cincinnati and broader Midwestern LGBTQ+ community since its founding in 1989. As a community-driven, grassroots organization, OLA has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. OLA’s mission is rooted in combating invisibility through highlighting the stories of those who have been overlooked by mainstream institutions both historically and today. 

OLA’s collections include personal papers, photographs, oral histories, and organizational records, all of which document the lived experiences, activism, and cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in Cincinnati and beyond. Key collections, such as those from Crazy Ladies feminist bookstore and local LGBTQ+ newspapers, provide a unique perspective on grassroots movements, activism, and identity formation in the Midwest.