As Part of LGBTQ+ History Month, the City of West Hollywood is a Co-Sponsor of One Institute’s Fourth Annual ‘Circa: Queer Histories Festival’

The City of West Hollywood is a proud co-sponsor of One Institute's fourth annual Circa: Queer Histories Festival. The festival will feature more than 40 free-to-low-cost arts and humanities programs spotlighting queer and trans history in action. Events will take place at venues throughout Los Angeles County and virtually during late September and throughout LGBTQ+ History Month in October.

As part of One Institute's commitment to making LGBTQ+ history accessible, Circa will once again feature programs at low to no cost to the public. The 2026 festival brings together more than 70 contributors and organizations from across the nation, including artists, activists, scholars, educators, cultural institutions, and community organizations. Tickets and reservations for festival programs are available at www.oneinstitute.org/circa or 2026.circafestival.org.

This year's Circa programming includes screenings, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and conversations that explore LGBTQ+ history from a range of perspectives. Several Circa programs will take place in West Hollywood.

On Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6 p.m. ACTION = LIFE will be presented at STORIES: The AIDS Monument, located on the southeastern edge of West Hollywood Park at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The program will feature a marathon of five-minute performances and is co-presented by Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) and Performance Art Museum (PAM).

On Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7 p.m. LA Queer History: A Conversation with Gay Liberation Front Activist Carolyn Weathers will take place at One Gallery, located at 626 N. Robertson Boulevard. The program will feature a conversation between pioneering LGBTQ+ activist Carolyn Weathers and Political Science Professor Sara Angevine about Weathers' role in the Los Angeles Gay Liberation Front, including the historic 1970 "Biltmore Invasion," and its impact on LGBTQ+ history.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. a screening of SALLY! A Documentary Film About Sally Gearhart will take place at the City of West Hollywood's Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The documentary explores the life and legacy of Sally Gearhart, a lesbian-feminist activist, professor, author, and influential voice in the women's and gay rights movements of the 1970s and 1980s.

Additional programming will take place throughout October at One Gallery, located at 626 N. Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood, including an exhibition exploring more than 50 years of gay rodeo history and conversations, performances, and presentations exploring LGBTQ+ history and culture.

Other highlights include a screening of the queer cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Ford; tours highlighting works by LGBTQ+ artists at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); a 30th anniversary screening of the Black queer cult classic Chocolate Babies; and programs exploring transgender history, queer artistic practices, and intergenerational LGBTQ+ experiences.

Now in its fourth year, Circa: Queer Histories Festival is the first and only LGBTQ+ History Month festival in the United States. This month-long celebration showcases an array of programs from hundreds of queer artists, writers, filmmakers, activists, and community organizations throughout October. With sections including conversations, screenings, exhibits, and more, the festival offers a unique and enriching experience for attendees across Los Angeles County and beyond.

Founded in 1952, One Institute (formerly ONE Archives Foundation) is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the United States. One Institute produces one-of-a-kind exhibitions and public programs that elevate queer and trans history and embrace emerging stories. Additionally, the One Institute assists in promoting the materials within ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, which houses the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world. Learn more at www.oneinstitute.org, and connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @oneinstitutela.

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For reporters and members of the media seeking additional information about the City of West Hollywood, please contact the City of West Hollywood's Public Information Officer, Sheri A. Lunn, at (323) 848-6391 or [email protected].