The UAB Archives, one of the units of the special collections department of University Libraries, has been gifted a large donation of archival and published material related to the LGBTQ+ community. Given to the university by an anonymous donor, the Memorial Gay and Lesbian Collection includes letters, memos, diaries, photographs, ephemera, 3-dimensional artifacts, newspapers, newsletters, magazines, flyers, event programs, etc. The collection also includes published monographs and serials by, for, or about members of the LGBTQ+ community. More than 4,600 titles have thus far been cataloged by library staff.

A small selection of the published material is now on display on the ground floor of Sterne Library. Eight cases highlight various aspects of the published material in the Memorial Gay and Lesbian Collection, including works authored by Alabamians, works by and about the lesbian community, and works by and about African American members of the LGBTQ+ community. Also highlighted are a selection of yaoi manga (graphic novels) and books on the history of photography showing same-sex affection.

The display of items from the Memorial Gay and Lesbian Collection of the UAB Archives will remain at Sterne Library through the spring term.