The American LGBTQ+ Museum

THE EVOLUTION OF SAPPHASAURA  

In the summer of 1973, bold activists from the Lesbian Feminist Liberation group made history with a giant paper mâché lavender dinosaur—dubbed the Sapphasaura—in a fierce protest against the Museum’s erasure of queer and women+ voices in its exhibits.

Now, more than 50 years later, Sapphasaura returns—and you’re invited to be part of her evolution. Join artists Anna Moustakerski and Teagan Hoey in reenvisioning this iconic symbol of resistance in an interactive, community-driven art project. Using slips of paper mâché, you’ll be able to write a note to someone you love. The artists will then add your note to the sculpture, forever immortalizing it in the fibers of Sapphasaura.

7:45PM & 8:45PM | CHATS WITH KARLA JAY AND RACHEL PITKIN

After you help create this art piece, learn more about the origins of Sapphasaura in collaboration with  The American LGBTQ+ Museum. Hear about how far we’ve come and where we need to go as we delve into the rich history and enduring legacy of queer activism in cultural centers.

Karla Jay is a trailblazing author, lesbian/feminist activist, and scholar. She was a Distinguished Professor of English, Women’s & Gender Studies, and Queer Studies at Pace University for almost 40 years. She is currently writing and speaking publicly about the impact of the Stonewall Uprisings on the modern LGBTQ movements, about the organizing efforts and risks of lesbians in the early post-Stonewall movement, and about the Weinstein Hall (NYU) sit-in, which started STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries).

Rachel Pitkin (Managing Editor, The Gotham Center for New York City History) is a PhD student in US History at The Graduate Center, CUNY. Her current research interests include historical memory, the contestation of history in the public sphere, and women, gender, and the development of social welfare and settler colonialism in the early twentieth century United States. Rachel holds MA degrees in History and in Museum Studies, and has a background in education, teaching History and Social Studies. She is originally from Buffalo, New York, and her spare time is spent road-tripping throughout New York State.

PRIDE NIGHT AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Join us for an after-hours celebration of queer brilliance featuring hands-on chemistry experiments, interplanetary journeys, and collaborative artmaking. With delicious treats and cocktails, the evening promises stellar vibes where everyone’s lights shine.

In celebration of the Museum’s dazzling new exhibition, Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels, come dressed in your personal embodiment of the cosmos.  From stardust glam to planetary allure, this Pride is a festival of self-expression inspired by the wonders of the universe. Whether you’re channeling astro allure, celestial chic, or stunning supernova, let your inner universe glow.

As you walk up to the Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, you’ll be greeted by folks from Biology and Astronomy on Tap for fun games and activities.

This program is for ages 21+. For more information and the full program schedule, please click here.

ACCESSIBILITY

The American Museum of Natural History is committed to ensuring that its facilities, exhibitions, and services are accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities.

Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation (415 Columbus Ave at 79th Street):

• ADA-compliant and step-free
• No passenger loading zone
• Automatic doors, operated via hand-waving

For more information regarding accessible entrances, accessible restrooms, blind/low vision access, deaf/hard-of-hearing access, sensory access, and more, please click here.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please reach out with any additional questions, requests or needs to info@americanlgbtqmuseum.org.

ABOUT THE PHOTO

Cover of The Lesbian Tide, October 1973. Feminists march Sapphasaura to AMNH, August 1973. Photo by Rose Jordan. Source: The Lesbian Tide.