TL;DR
- Route 66 celebrates its centennial this year.
- LGBTQ+ stories are often overlooked in its history.
- Alysse Dalessandro will document these queer narratives.
- Communities are hosting festivals and exhibits.
- The journey highlights the importance of inclusion.
Well, well, well, folks! Buckle up because Route 66 is hitting the big 1-0-0 this year, and while everyone’s busy celebrating with festivals and museum exhibits, there’s a whole lot of queer history that’s been hiding in plain sight. Yes, you heard that right! The iconic Mother Road, stretching over 2,400 miles, has a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ stories just waiting to be uncovered.
Enter Alysse Dalessandro, a fabulous Cleveland-based queer femme writer and digital creator, who is on a mission to bring these hidden narratives to light. “Yet their stories are everywhere once you start looking,” she says, and honey, she’s absolutely right! From a 1954 police record in St. Louis to a Black trans-led organization in Chicago, the queer presence along Route 66 is as vibrant as a rainbow in the desert.
As Alysse embarks on this journey, she’ll be documenting her findings for The Advocate, and trust me, we’re all here for it! It’s about time we recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ travelers who have shaped the culture and history of this legendary route. So, while you’re planning your next road trip, make sure to keep an eye out for these queer landmarks and stories that have been overlooked for far too long.
But wait, there’s more! This newsletter might be a bit longer than usual, and that’s because we’re giving you some extra content for the long weekend ahead. With Juneteenth right around the corner, don’t forget to check out the importance of this day and why it matters to all of us.
So, whether you’re hitting the road or just dreaming of it, remember that every mile on Route 66 has a story to tell, especially the ones from our fabulous LGBTQ+ community. Let’s celebrate the diversity that makes this country so special and ensure that no story goes untold!
Stay tuned for Alysse’s upcoming dispatches, and let’s keep the conversation going about the importance of inclusion in our shared history. Happy travels, darlings!