The collecting and connecting experiences of LGBTQ+ communities, LGBTQ+ independent archives and the GLAMU sector in Aotearoa New Zealand

<p><strong>LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) activism has played a significant role in effecting legislative and social change in New Zealand and overseas, promulgating public attitudinal shifts towards tolerance and inclusion. These societal changes, however, do not appear to have resulted in the visible representation of LGBTQ+ communities in New Zealand's galleries, libraries, archives, museums, and universities (GLAMU), prompting these communities to establish their own independent archives to preserve their stories. This research investigates the collecting, documenting and donating space with respect to New Zealand LGBTQ+ communities, LGBTQ+ independent archives and GLAMU institutions.</strong></p><p>A qualitative approach was employed, drawing on metamodern concepts and applying several theoretical lenses, including queer theory, affect theory, ethics of care, and radical empathy theories. Data collection methods included an institutional qualitative survey and document analysis, followed by interviews with information professionals, representatives from LGBTQ+ independent archives, and LGBTQ+ donors. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p>The findings revealed that many GLAMU institutions had limited queer materials, with LGBTQ+ independent archives being the mainstays of queer collecting and memory preservation. Institutional collecting strategies and policies had the effect of excluding rather than including LGBTQ+ communities, which, combined with a lack of LGBTQ+ community engagement, meant donations were rarely received. A key contribution of this research is the vital importance of developing personal connections with LGBTQ+ communities, as current passive collecting practices do not facilitate LGBTQ+ donations. The concept of queer cultural awareness was a critical factor in developing meaningful relationships between LGBTQ+ donors and information professionals, making a significant contribution to donor relations scholarship. Positive donor experiences were those centred in queer ethics of care and radical, empathy-based relationships, offering mutual respect, trust, and agency. Effecting meaningful change to institutional collecting practices would help to improve the representation of LGBTQ+ voices in New Zealand's local, regional and national cultural heritage.</p>