GALA Queer Archive (GALA)

Founded in 1997 as an archive, the GALA Queer Archive (GALA) works to act as a catalyst for the production, preservation and dissemination of knowledge on the history, culture and contemporary experiences of LGBTI people in Africa. It started as a project of the South African History Archive Trust (SAHA), founded in the 1980s as increasing state censorship threatened to obscure the struggle against human rights violations and the oppressive political regime of apartheid. GALA became an independent organisation in 2007 and is currently based at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It aims towards greater awareness about LGBTI people in Africa, preserving and nurturing LGBTI identities, strengthening research in promoting social equality, and inclusive education and youth development. Apart from its archival programme, GALA supports research, publishes, operates a community library, facilitates educational workshops and organises exhibitions.