Part exhibit, part zine release party, and part pet adoption event, the History Project partnered with local animal rescue Pets Alive in March 2019 to bring the world Animal Collective, a celebration of the many roles pets play in local LGBTQ lives.

In the LGBTQ community, pets are not just cute companions. As children, when we feel alienated from our families and friends for reasons we cannot yet name, we turn to our pets for emotional support. For LGBTQ people who were rejected by our families of origin upon coming out, a pet may be our first experience of unconditional love. Animals help us through the coming out process, the stresses of dating, our breakups, recovery from gender-confirming surgeries, and through bouts of sickness, poverty, depression, homelessness, and anything else life throws our way. They are integral members of the chosen families we build with our partners and friends. And if we are activists, pets give us the care and energy we need to keep fighting for our rights.

Hosted by Raqs Solidarity community space, Animal Collective was a pop-up gallery event displaying stories, memorabilia, and original art from 25 LGBTQ Buffalonians of all genders, races, and ages. For several months prior to the event, History Project volunteers collected oral history interviews with all 25 participants, reflecting on how their relationships with beloved pets had changed their lives. These interviews were collected in a zine of the same name, which was sold at the event and is now available in our online store. Pets Alive took up an entire room of Raqs Solidarity, bringing adoptable pets to the community space.