It is essential when examining the history of eugenics, to document the communities of people whose very existence was in direct opposition to the ideology. Throughout the 20th century in Connecticut, there were organizations and coalitions of people centered on a mission towards advocacy, support, and community care. Resistance to eugenics comes in many forms, it is rooted in undermining this exercise and abuse of power. Multi-ethnic, multi-racial organizations such as the Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church in New Haven, and The Kalos Society, a 20th century LGBTQ+ advocacy group, are just a couple examples of Connecticut’s vibrant resilience culture history.
Creation of a resistance culture is centered on celebrating people’s strengths, abilities and practices. There is also a creation of a new space, acting differently and cultivating new sets of values than those practiced by institutions. These new spaces have an influence on pre-existing systems and encourage a transformation of policies and practice. Popular resistance movements can also facilitate to create these spaces, producing new ways of life and possibilities.
In this digital archive, there are sources from Central Connecticut State University’s vast LGBTQ+ archive. Below, are documents from Metroline, a queer magazine in Connecticut that was in circulation from 1970 (when it was called The Griffin), until 2010. The second slideshow are images from LGBTQ+ protests and events found in the Richard Nelson archive, also contained at CCSU. The third slideshow contains images of early 20th century Black and immigrant life in New Haven, sourced from the Whitney Library archives at New Haven Museum.
Navigating the disturbing history of eugenics in Connecticut can be difficult for researchers. Especially when one realizes the ways in which the ideology still exists in today’s systems and rhetoric. But by highlighting the courage and durability of resistance coalitions, it builds a new narrative and answers the question of what it means to build a better society.
Exerpts from Metroline, GLBTQ+ Archives, Central Connecticut State University
Photos from Richard Nelson folder, GLBTQ+ Archives, Central Connecticut State University
New Haven Life, Whitney Library, New Haven Museum
