Mission
The Queer Museum & Library Network (QMLN) brings together institutions, associations, and individuals to collaborate on LGBTQ+-themed programs, empower LGBTQ+ workers, and foster welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ visitors at museums, libraries, and other public centers of educational and cultural engagement around the world.
Current Challenges
The global queer community is facing an alarming surge in anti-LGBTQIA+ policy, rhetoric, and attacks. LGBTQIA+ people around the world are in increasing danger of losing human rights, experiencing hate crimes, and being criminalized for who we are.
In the past year alone, the U.S. has seen over 600 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills introduced, with over 70 already passed into law. The majority of these bills target transgender rights, including restrictions on public facilities and education.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government’s censorship and defunding of cultural institutions are especially harmful to the LGBTQIA+ community. Increasing book bans disproportionately target books with LGBTQIA+ themes, drag story hours face dangerous backlash, and DEI programs are being dismantled.
Choosing Progress
QMLN will work to ensure that institutions not only resist attacks on LGBTQIA+ content, but seize the opportunity to progress the field further than ever before.
Countless museum and library workers are LGBTQIA+ individuals who are passionate about creating positive change at their institutions, but many face barriers to making progress.
Led by LGBTQIA+ museum and library workers, QMLN supports these initiatives through advocacy, shared resources, and collaborations, so that meaningful projects can push through the red tape to be fully realized.
QMLN's programs will work to foster community, mutual support, collaborative work, and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ museum and library workers.
Creating Lasting Impact
QMLN envisions a world of public spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel welcome, build relationships, and see their community celebrated and honored; a world of safer workplaces for LGBTQIA+ workers; and a world where exhibits, archives, events, and other programs foster understanding, allyship, and belonging.
