Primary Sources: LGBTQ+: LGBTQ+ Contents

Primary source materials may contain language or images that are considered to be offensive in today's world.

These materials are a reflection of the language and culture of the time period in which they were written.

Terminology used in LGBT research can vary depending on what aspect and years the research covers.

These sites can aid researchers in selecting terms to use when searching in databases and other online resources.

• Suggested terms to look for include - diary, diaries, letters, papers, documents, documentary or correspondence.


• Combine these these terms with the event or person you are researching. (example: civil war diary)


• Also search by subject for specific people and events, then scan the titles for those keywords or others such as memoirs, autobiography, report, or personal narratives.