Preserving Our Community Lives: Help Us Build Corpus Christi’s LGBTQIA+ History Archive

In 1975, patrons at the Jolly Jack Lounge gathered under dim lights to enjoy a sense of belonging—an experience that might otherwise have gone unrecorded. Now, thanks to contributions from Corpus Christi Caller-Times and our dedicated board member John Oliva, that moment and others are commemorated in “Our Community Lives,” Pride Corpus Christi’s digital archive of local LGBTQIA+ history. This online timeline (accessible at ourcommunitylives.org) is a living repository of stories, photos, and artifacts that celebrate our community’s resilience and vibrancy through the decades.

We invite you to help us expand this tapestry of shared memories. From the Texas Riviera Empire’s Coronation I in 1986, to the display of the AIDS Quilt at First United Methodist Church in 1997, and all the way to modern-day Pride celebrations—every story matters. As Michael Bronski, American writer, so beautifully states:

“Queer history is about the preservation of one’s own identity, the identity of friends and lovers, and the creation of a common community. It is about preserving our lives in the face of a society that has traditionally denied our existence.”

We believe that by capturing our local history, we keep these stories alive for future generations. Whether you have photos from past Pride events, recollections of local LGBTQIA+ activism, or personal anecdotes from days gone by, we want to hear from you. Your voice helps preserve the stories that might otherwise slip through the cracks of time.

In addition to our own digital archive, the Corpus Christi Public Libraries also maintains a dedicated Pride Corpus Christi collection. Explore even more of our shared history by visiting the library’s historical archive, where you can see how these stories fit into a broader context of community milestones.

How to Submit Your Story

• Online: Fill out the submission form at ourcommunitylives.org/submit-history/

• Email: Send your memories, photos, or other historical items to info@pridecorpuschristi.com

Together, let’s ensure that the full breadth of Corpus Christi’s LGBTQIA+ story is told and preserved. Every contribution is a piece of our shared legacy—one that will continue to inspire, educate, and unite us for generations to come. Join us in writing the next chapter of our community’s history.