NNBAQH ▰ Coordinating Queer Archives

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During the Copenhagen meeting, the new coordinators informed attendees that the network had changed its name during the spring. Since the coordination group has, as of January 2025, consisted of archivists from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Lithuania, the name has been updated to Nordic and Baltic Network for Queer History Archives.

The network’s renewed purpose was also emphasized. As before, the goal is to connect queer historical archives, libraries, museums, special collections, historical initiatives, and movements across national borders in the region. Through sharing experiences, organizing joint events, and exchanging knowledge among archivists, researchers, students, artists, curators, activists, and others interested in queer history, the network aims to strengthen the engagement in and preservation of LGBTQIA+ history in the region. At the same time, the network wants to encourage the creation of new queer archives where such are currently lacking.

Reflections on Past Conferences and Meetings

Part of the meeting was devoted to reflecting on the conferences and gatherings the network has organized or participated in so far. (See earlier blogs on the conferences in Helsinki, October 2024; Bergen, April 2025; and Gothenburg, October 2025.) A recurring reflection was that physical meetings – from Helsinki to Gothenburg and Bergen – have been essential for building trust and personal relationships between different archives, researchers, and activists. The new coordination group was also interested in what had taken place when the previous three core partners of the network met outside of conferences. During those occasions, information was exchanged about the archives’ content – in particular, material related to cross-border connections was highlighted. Each meeting also focused on a specific problem relevant to the participating archives, alongside discussions of funding opportunities, organizational structure, and other practical matters.

Conference in Vilnius 2026?

A key item on the agenda was the network’s funding, now that the initial setup phase has concluded. Much is continuing smoothly: the website, blog, webinars, digital meetings, and a new email list for fast communication are all ongoing. But physical meetings generate a different kind of dynamic and remain important.

išgirsti from Lithuania presented a proposal for a Nordic and Baltic Network for Queer History Archives symposium to coincide with Vilnius’ queer cultural festival in September 2026. The meeting agreed that a conference in Vilnius would not only be symbolically significant (as the first in a Baltic capital) but also valuable for creating more connections in the other Baltic states and Eastern Europe. We split into small groups based on archives and countries to brainstorm what each of us could contribute to a queer historical track during the cultural festival in Vilnius. In addition to self-funded activities during the festival, we could also reserve a half-day for a network meeting.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with concrete ideas about how the collaboration should continue. In addition to the coordinators’ regular online meetings with rotating responsibility, all participants were encouraged to meet within their nationally based groups to work on their contributions to the 2026 Vilnius conference. These smaller groups would also find it easier to meet more frequently and in person than the entire network.

The Copenhagen meeting showed that the commitment to the Nordic-Baltic queer historical collaboration is strong. Despite financial challenges, the network has entered phase 2 with renewed energy. We thanked our Danish host for organizing a creative and comfortable meeting, and we thanked the coordinators for a well-prepared agenda and network day.

Pia Laskar, Secretary of the Archive and Library of the Queer Movement in Sweden (QRAB), Member of NNAQH coordinating unit 2025