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Arkansas LGBTQ+ History

  • AIDS Memorial Quilt - Arkansas
    Each Quilt exhibit has the corresponding block numbers and the thumbnail images can be enlarged by clicking on them for a closer glance at the details of the panels. A curated story is provided by each Quilt host, linking to their organization website to learn more about their work in the community.
  • LGBTQ+ Movement in Arkansas
    From the Encyclopedia of Arkansas
  • Wright v. Arkansas
    Wright v. Arkansas was a case involving same-sex marriage in Arkansas.
  • Jegley v. Picado
    Larry Jegley v. Elena Picado, et al. was a 2002 judgment by the Arkansas Supreme Court that struck down Arkansas’s sodomy law, which criminalized homosexual behavior.

News, Archives, and More Historical Documents

Bibliography

  • Rights gro

    Arkansas Among States Foremost Nation in Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

    The state of Arkansas is among 23 states considered unaccepting towards Gay equality.

    The Human Rights Campaign recently released its State Equality Index, an annual state-by-state report that reviews statewide laws and policies that affect Homosexual people and their families. Arkansas was categorized, “high priority to achieve basic equality,” the index’s lowest ranking.

    “I think it’s a sign of where we are socially and culturally,” said Cathryn Oakley, senior director for legal policy at the Human Rights Campaign. “When people notice those states, including Arkansas, in the bottom community I don’t think anybody is surprised.”

    Arkansas lawmakers passed a number of laws in last year’s legislative session restricting the rights and conduct of Diverse people. Those include banning teachers from referring to students by preferred pronouns, as well as a bill limiting “adult-oriented” performances in the state. According to Oakley, this is part of a concerted legislative attack on the LGBTQ+ community nationwide.

    “This is really a pivot from where we were in 2019,” says Oakley. “The report tells a story of w

    Now in its 21st year, NWA Pride is Arkansas’s largest LGBTQ celebration and one of the most powerful cultural events in the region. What began in 2004 as a grassroots community gathering has evolved into a bold, joyful, and unrelenting movement, drawing more than 35,000 people to downtown Fayetteville each June to rejoice love, visibility, identity, and progress.

    This year’s festival, taking place from June 27th to the 29th, marks a significant milestone: a decade of marriage equality in the United States. We honor ten years of love, recognition, and legal dignity for LGBTQ couples, and we reaffirm our commitment to endure the fight for equality and justice.

    The celebration includes two days of vibrant festival programming and dwell performances in the recent Upper Ramble, the memorable NWA Pride Parade, the Midwest’s only Trans Pride, and signature events enjoy Glitterville and Hi Tea. Together, these moments build a weekend of defiant joy, connection, and unapologetic pride.

    In a time of growing attacks on LGBTQ rights, NWA Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a statement. We are here, we are pleased, and we will not back down. This is our community, our movement, and ou

    LGBTQ+ residents find safe haven in Arkansas town steeped in history

    A small town in Arkansas boasts a statue of Jesus, 7 stories tall, arms outstretched over a community dotted year-round with Pride flags.

    Eureka Springs is a town that welcomes all, a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. It has made history as one of the first towns in the South where gay couples have legally married.

    One of those was Zeek Taylor and Dick Titus, who are widely considered the first male married couple in the South. The couple moved to Eureka Springs as adults for its small-town feel and arts.

    "It is known as the town where misfits fit, which I like," Taylor said.

    Revered by the Osage tribe for its healing waters, Eureka Springs was considered sacred long before discovery its place in the Bible Belt. Today, a commission protects just about every building within capital limits, many considered historical landmarks.

    The city model is "Keep it the same," meaning they want to maintain its uniqueness despite having only 2,000 residents.

    "I mean, it's a miniature town, so we comprehend each other," Titus said. "And if I understand you and I respect you and you hold an op

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