Exploring the Untold LGBTQ History of Tarrant County with Fort Worth Group: A Story of Resilience and Strength

by Sofia Martinez
7/16/2024 3:00:00 PM

Fort Worth Group Documents Tarrant County’s LGBTQ History: A Story of Resilience

Fort Worth has a rich LGBTQ history, and Todd Camp has played a significant role in preserving it. As a longtime resident, Camp has been deeply involved in key moments in Tarrant County's LGBTQ history. From championing the community after the Rainbow Lounge raid in 2009 to founding YesterQueer: The Tarrant County LGBTQ History Project, Camp's dedication to preserving queer history is unmatched.

About Yesterqueer

Website: www.yesterqueerfw.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/fortworthgayhistory

Instagram: @yesterqueerfw

Contact: todd@yesterqueerfw.com

YesterQueer is the only known Tarrant County organization specializing in LGBTQ history preservation. The group started when Camp began posting LGBTQ history facts in a Facebook group dedicated to Fort Worth gay history. Since then, it has grown into a significant archive of LGBTQ memorabilia from across the city and county, including photos, videos, newspaper clippings, and more.

YesterQueer founder Todd Camp peruses the organization’s book archive. (Camilo Diaz | Fort Worth report)

YesterQueer's archive is a valuable resource, with many items stored at Camp's home or a rented storage unit. Some duplicated items are housed in the University of Texas at Arlington's Special Collections. Camp's donations have been instrumental in expanding the library's LGBTQ history collection.

Kathryn Slover, the Special Collections digital archivist, emphasized the importance of documenting all voices and stories from Tarrant County. YesterQueer has filled a significant gap in the library's collections, ensuring that queer history is preserved.

Running YesterQueer is just one of Camp's many contributions to LGBTQ-related work. He co-founded QCinema, served as the artistic director of Fort Worth’s Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival, and published a gay comic strip. Camp's passion for preserving LGBTQ history shines through in all his endeavors.

About Todd Camp

Employment highlights:

2008-present: Marketing Communications Manager at American Airlines Federal Credit Union
1990-2008: Writer, editor, graphic designer, film critic, copy editor, and cartoonist at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Education:

1988: Bachelor of Arts at Texas Christian University

Volunteer roles:

2020-present: Founder/Executive Director of YesterQueer
2010-2017: Co-founder/Artistic Director of QLive!
1999-2012: Co-founder/Artistic Director of QCinema, Fort Worth’s Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival

YesterQueer has been a passion project for Camp, but he's working on expanding its reach and management as it transitions into a nonprofit. With about 15 active members, the organization is gearing up for a retreat to plan its next steps.

YesterQueer founder Todd Camp poses inside the storage unit holding the organization's archive of Tarrant County LGBTQ memorabilia. (Camilo Diaz | Fort Worth Report)

Camp envisions YesterQueer's archive being permanently available for public viewing, either through rotating exhibits at museums or in its own museum. Volunteers

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Sofia Martinez

Sofia Martinez is a bilingual news reporter with a talent for bringing stories to life on both national and international platforms. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Sofia holds a degree in International Relations. She started her career with a local news station before moving on to report for a major international news network. Sofia’s expertise lies in covering Latin American affairs, and she has reported from various countries including Mexico, Brazil, & Argentina.