June 8 – October 26, 2025
Outliers and Outlaws showcases the vibrant history of Eugene’s lesbian community throughout the 1960s-1990s. This groundbreaking project, developed through the Eugene Lesbian Oral History Project, captured the stories of 83 women who were instrumental in shaping the city’s social and political landscape. The exhibit highlights an extraordinary period when Eugene was known as a “lesbian mecca,” creating a unique community that challenged traditional societal norms. The women featured in the exhibition were not just residents, but transformative figures who influenced Oregon’s political landscape, challenged discriminatory policies, and created rich cultural spaces including theaters, music bands, and community organizations. Outliers and Outlaws was coordinated by Judith Raiskin, an associate professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Oregon, and Linda Long, Curator of Manuscripts at the University of Oregon Knight Library Special Collections and University Archives.
Image Above: Rakar West, Crescent Construction
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