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The Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria is believed to be the largest collection of historical documents and materials related to transgender research and activism in the world (see Historical Sources). Aaron Devor, chair of Transgender Studies at the University of Victoria, is the founder and subject matter expert of the archives, which officially opened in 2011. The archives aim to preserve the history and research of transgender people and other gender-diverse peoples. (See also Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in Canada; Two-Spirit; Queer Culture.)
History
A 2005 meeting between Aaron Devor and Rikki Swin contributed towards the gradual foundation of the Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria. Swin was the founder of the Chicago-based Rikki Swin Institute (RSI), an institute that supported transgender research and education. The institute, which operated from 2001 to 2004, included a library and archival holding. After Devor and Swin’s meeting, the institute’s archival collection was donated to the University of Victoria in 2007. These archival materials included documents from organizations and activists, such as the American transgender activist Virginia Prince, founder of Transvestia magazine. (See also Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in Canada; Two-Spirit; Queer Culture.)
From 2007 on, the University of Victoria continued to receive donations and acquire more material related to transgender history, research and activism. A key donation was the 2008 acquisition of documents created by Reed Erickson, an American trans man and founder of the Erickson Educational Foundation. As the University’s libraries acquired more material, it eventually became possible to establish a subject-specific archive. The Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria officially launched in 2011.
Did you know?
In 2013, the Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria acquired the collection of the Ulster Trans-Gender Archive (TGA). The collection was originally established in 1986 by Dr. Richard Ekins at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland.
Collection
The collection of the Transgender Archives preserves historical documents related to transgender research and activism (See Historical Sources). The collection covers over 120 years of history with research records dating to 1893 and transgender activism dating to 1960. (See also Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in Canada; Two-Spirit; Queer Culture.)As of 2022, the collection is comprised of 530 linear feet (approximately 160 metres) of books, periodicals, audiovisual recordings and other archival materials. Approximately 15 languages can be found within the collection with items originating from 23 countries, including Canada. Historical documents from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom represent a large portion of the collection, but the Transgender Archives aims to expand its holdings and accepts donations. In addition to its physical collection, the Transgender Archives has also digitized and made physical materials available online through their website. The public can access the physical and digital archives, free of charge, for research and consultation.
