LGBTQ Encyclopedia: A Legacy of Queer History and Scholarship
For over a decade, the LGBTQ encyclopedia served as a comprehensive digital repository of knowledge, documenting the rich and diverse histories of queer individuals and communities. Launched in 2003, the project aimed to provide a scholarly yet accessible resource for researchers, students, and the general public, filling a critical gap in the historical record.
Key Facts
- Operational Period: 2003 to August 1, 2015.
- Scale: Grew from 1 million to over 2.2 million words.
- Scope: Nearly 2,000 entries across three primary departments.
- Leadership: Founded by Andrew "Wik" Wikholm and edited by Professor Claude J. Summers.
- Current Status: Archived and accessible via glbtqarchive.com.
The Evolution of a Digital Resource
When the website first debuted in 2003, it launched with an impressive foundation of over 1 million words. Over the next twelve years, the encyclopedia underwent regular updates, expanding its reach and depth. By the time of its closure in 2015, the collection had grown to more than 2.2 million words, encompassing detailed overviews, surveys, and nearly 2,000 individual entries.
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Organizational Structure
To ensure a systematic approach to knowledge, the encyclopedia organized its content into three distinct departments:
- Arts: Documenting queer contributions to visual and performing arts.
- Literature: Analyzing queer themes and authors in written works.
- History and Social Sciences: Exploring the societal and political evolution of LGBTQ identities.
Beyond the formal encyclopedia entries, the site functioned as a community hub. It featured a discussion board, interviews, "factoids" regarding queer history, and curated spotlights on selected articles to engage readers more deeply.
Academic Rigor and Contributions
The encyclopedia was defined by its commitment to academic integrity. Every entry included a byline and a list of references, ensuring that the information was verifiable and scholarly. The project was led by editor Claude J. Summers, an emeritus professor at the University of Michigan–Dearborn, and publisher Andrew "Wik" Wikholm.
The project was a massive collaborative effort involving more than two hundred contributors. This diverse group included esteemed academics and artists such as:
- Shaun Cole: Curator at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
- Edward Sullivan: Professor of fine arts at New York University.
- Tee Corinne: Visual artist and photographer.
- William Hood: Professor of art at Oberlin College.
- Karla Jay: Director of Women's Studies at Pace University.
- Stephen O. Murray and Jim Provenzano: Accomplished writers.
Closure and Preservation
Despite its scholarly success, the website faced financial challenges. A decline in advertising revenue eventually made the site unsustainable, leading to its official shutdown on August 1, 2015.
To prevent the loss of this vast amount of queer history, the contents were archived by ONE, Inc., a pioneering organization in LGBTQ publishing and archiving. Today, the encyclopedia's legacy lives on and remains accessible to the public at glbtqarchive.com.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2003 |
| Closure Date | August 1, 2015 |
| Total Word Count (at closure) | 2.2+ Million |
| Number of Entries | Nearly 2,000 |
| Primary Departments | Arts, Literature, History and Social Sciences |
| Archival Host | ONE, Inc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded and edited the LGBTQ encyclopedia?
The encyclopedia was founded and published by Andrew "Wik" Wikholm and edited by Claude J. Summers, an emeritus professor at the University of Michigan–Dearborn.
Why did the website shut down in 2015?
The website closed on August 1, 2015, due to a decline in advertising revenue.
How can I access the encyclopedia's content today?
The contents were archived by ONE, Inc. and can be accessed online at glbtqarchive.com.
What types of content were included besides encyclopedia entries?
In addition to the main entries, the site hosted a discussion board, interviews, queer history factoids, and spotlights on specific articles.
Was the information in the encyclopedia peer-reviewed or referenced?
Yes, the encyclopedia maintained high scholarly standards; all entries featured bylines and references to support the information provided.