Coming Out West: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories

Santa Monica History Museum and The Outwords Archive present an exhibition of oral histories, art, ephemera and historical objects from LGBTQ+ elders with ties to Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Bay area.

Featured in the exhibition are revered members of the LGBTQ+ community; Jewel Thais-Williams, proprietor of the renowned LGBTQ club Jewel’s Catch One. Chuck Williams namesake of the venerated Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. Judy Abdo, former Santa Monica city councilperson and one of the nation’s first out-lesbian mayors. L Frank, Tongva-Ajachmem artist, writer, activist and tribal scholar. As well as artists and activists Don Bachardy, Mia Yamamoto, Marianne Diaz and celebrated Latinx author and descendent of one of Santa Monica’s oldest families, Terri de la Peña.

Museum Hours: Thursday 11am - 5pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11am - 5 pm.

Advance Tickets/Reservations are not required. Admission is FREE for: Kids, Students, Seniors, Active Duty Military, SNAP/EBT Card holders. General Admission is $5.00. School, Day Camp, Elderhostel tours available by arrangement.

Host or Publisher Santa Monica History Museum