Invisible Histories, a community-based archive preserving LGBTQ+ history in the South, will host the 2026 Queer History South virtual conference February 20-21, bringing together historians, archivists, students and community members from across the region.
The annual conference serves as a convening space for those researching, preserving and documenting the history of Queer and Trans people in the U.S. South. Designed as both a scholarly and community-centered gathering, Queer History South creates opportunities for participants to share research, discuss archival practices and strengthen regional networks focused on preservation. It is structured to support both academic scholarship and community-based history work, reflecting the reality that much of Southern LGBTQ+ history has been preserved outside traditional institutions.
This year’s conference will be held virtually, allowing participants from across the South to engage in panels and discussions without geographic barriers. The event is part of a broader effort to ensure that Southern LGBTQ+ history is not only preserved but actively studied and shared.
Invisible Histories, co-founded by Joshua Burford and Maigen Sullivan, PhD, serves 13 Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The organization is also relocating from Birmingham, Alabama to Charlotte this spring, expanding its presence in North Carolina as it continues its regional work.
The archive is actively collecting materials in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. According to its website, the organization has recovered more than 1,000 pieces of LGBTQ+ history. These materials include records that document the lived experiences, organizing efforts and cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ Southerners.
Queer History South functions not only as an annual conference but also as an ongoing network connecting LGBTQ+ historians and archivists throughout the region. The gathering supports research opportunities for students, faculty and community members working in institutional and community-based archives, while also encouraging collaboration among preservation partners.
Invisible Histories identifies four core areas guiding its work: community engagement; archiving, preservation, research and scholarship; education; and professional development and best practices.
Community engagement includes building relationships with local communities to support collaborative preservation and research. Archival efforts involve direct collection and preservation of materials, as well as facilitating scholarly access. The organization also provides education on Queer Southern history through exhibitions, speaking engagements, online resources and publications. Professional development efforts focus on supporting emerging scholars and collaborating with universities, libraries, museums and community-based archives to strengthen preservation partnerships.
By convening Queer History South 2026 virtually, Invisible Histories continues advancing regional collaboration and expanding access to LGBTQ+ Southern history.