Bay Area Lesbian Archives

About

The Bay Area Lesbian Archives (BALA) is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving the rich and diverse history of lesbians in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on the contributions of lesbians of color. Founded in 2014 by Black lesbian activist Lenn Keller, BALA aims to safeguard the cultural heritage of lesbian communities from the late 1800s to the present. Our collections include rare archival footage, photographs, and personal papers that document significant moments of activism, cultural production, and everyday life. BALA also engages the community through public exhibitions, workshops, and educational programming, ensuring that these vital stories are accessible and integrated into broader educational contexts. As BALA approaches its 10-year anniversary, it remains committed to expanding its digital archives and continuing to document the evolving history of lesbian communities in the Bay Area, making sure these narratives inspire and empower future generations to rise up against systems of oppression.