Rare gay and lesbian historical images released for the first time

 

By Drew Sheldrick

The New York Public Library announced the release of nearly 200,000 digitized images, manuscripts, maps, lithographs and postcards to the public on January 6.

Among the online collection is a section dedicated to gay and lesbian history. We've collated some of the most striking images in the collection. See more here.

Founded in 1895, the New York Public Library is the largest public library system in the US and features 88 neighborhood branches and four scholarly research centers.