Sahara: NYC’s Lesbian Legacy Exhibit Celebrates Feminist History and Resistance

A photo of the trailblazing lesbian bar, Sahara, opened in 1976 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Photo Provided Courtesy of Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library.

​As LGBTQ+ history and culture continue to face increasing pressure nationwide, institutions dedicated to preserving queer stories remain vital acts of resistance. One such institution, Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL) in Fort Lauderdale, is once again stepping boldly into that role with the unveiling of a powerful new exhibition honoring lesbian and feminist history.

Debuting on Saturday, February 28, at 5:00 p.m. ET with a free Opening Reception, Sahara: NYC’s Lesbian Legacy celebrates the groundbreaking impact of The Sahara, a lesbian-owned nightclub that opened in 1976 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Founded by four young lesbian trailblazers, The Sahara quickly evolved into far more than a nightlife venue—it became a cultural, political, and artistic hub for women at a time when safe, affirming spaces were scarce.

The club hosted dynamic performances, fundraisers, and presentations that showcased feminist art, while also serving as a meeting ground for activism and community building. Its influence helped shape visibility and empowerment for lesbian and feminist voices during a pivotal era in LGBTQ+ history.

The exhibit brings this legacy to life through archival photographs, original flyers, oral histories, documentary footage, and panel discussions, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into a community that has often been overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.

“We look forward to presenting this exhibit to the public after months of research,” said Robert Kesten, President and CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library. “Women are often ignored, and lesbian history has regularly been siloed. When you add in the unrelenting attacks by the government, an exhibit such as this becomes transformative.”

Presented by the Stonewall National Women’s Fund, Sahara: NYC’s Lesbian Legacy will run from Saturday, February 28, through Sunday, April 5, providing ample opportunity for visitors to engage with this essential chapter of LGBTQ+ history.

Exhibit Details

• Exhibit Dates: February 28 – April 5
• Opening Reception: February 28 at 5:00 p.m. ET
• Location: 1300 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
• RSVP: [email protected]
• More Information: stonewall-museum.org/upcoming-exhibitions

About Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library
Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library is one of the largest and most significant LGBTQ+ museums and archives in the world. It has carried the name Stonewall for more consecutive years than any other organization globally. For more than five decades, SNMAL has fought for equality by amplifying powerful stories, hosting dynamic events, launching a solutions-driven task force in Washington, D.C., mobilizing educators nationwide, and preserving an expansive historical record of LGBTQ+ achievements. Even in the face of prejudice and hate.

SNMAL houses millions of pages of archival materials available to media and researchers, drawing vital connections between our nation’s past and present.

​Major support for Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.