(Emergence of Gay Community display in Anacostia Museum)

The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl., S.E.) features a display on the “emergence of the gay community” in D.C.

The display, part of its new exhibit Twelve Years That Shook and Shaped Washington: 1963-1975, traces the gay community’s establishment in society, especially in D.C. public life. It makes mention of key turning points in gay D.C. history such as D.C becoming the first city to have its school board ban sexual orientation discrimination in 1972. Another important event mentioned is Mayor Washington signing off on D.C. legislation to prevent gay discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation and bank credit.

The Washington Blade, originally titled “The Gay Blade,” is featured in the display, with a newspaper distribution box and copies of the very first issue of the Blade on display.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.