BOTTOM ROW - FREE 2B ME, sign

FREE 2B ME, circa 1990s

Donor: Barbara A. Havlik

In December 2017, Barbara A. Havlik of Kalamazoo donated items that reflect her experiences as a member of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community. Havlik’s collection allows the Museum to convey aspects of history that remain untold and to meet its mission of inclusivity by collecting and exhibiting items from community members of all backgrounds. 

A Symbol of Pride

Barbara A. Havlik estimates it took her nearly 200 hours to complete this hand stitched labor of love in 1999. The rainbow is the symbol of LGBT pride, as it expresses diversity, beauty, and joy.

Today, the rainbow flag is an almost universally recognized symbol for LGBT pride dating back to 1978 San Francisco. Gilbert Baker, an artist and drag queen, created the rainbow flag for Harvey Milk to use in public marches. Milk was a gay activist and leader and the first openly gay politician in a major US city. After Milk's assassination, the flag quickly grew in both popularity and significance for the LGBT community.

In this region, OutFront Kalamazoo (formerly the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center), serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied community of southwest Michigan.