LGBTQ+ Exhibit

The Matheson History Museum opened a new exhibit this week called the "McCarthy Matters: The Johns Committee in Forida." 

This exhibit focuses on the controversial past of the LGBTQ+ community in Gainesville.


Throughout the presentation we learn about Charley Eugene Johns, who was Governor in Florida from 1953-1955. During his time in office he started a "witch-hunt" that targeted teachers,  professors and students in public schools.
He sent University of Florida police officers out to find alleged homosexuals. They would take the suspects to an interrogation room where they asked if the person had ever engaged in homosexual activity. Part of the exhibit is a mock interrogation room that replicates what it would have looked like in the 1950s. However on the walls in this room there are vulgar questions the officers would ask them. In many cases, answering these questions could cost those accused of their reputation, job, or even their family.
I was able to speak with Curator of Collections, Kaitlyn Hof-Mahoney, about the new demonstration. She said, "I read though about 1500 pages of interrogation transcripts and the questions and things that they were asking these people were just heartbreaking. It was very cruel."
LGBTQ+ Ally and TLC's "I am Jazz" co-star, Sander Jennings was also in attendance today. He said he is glad Gainesville is embracing its tumultuous past. However, he says there is still more to do.
"LGBTQ+ people could still be fired for simply being LGBTQ+ in Florida and currently in the Supreme Court, that's being debated right now" Jennings said.
According to Hof-Mahoney, the hope for this exhibit is to bring awareness of the past, and provide hope for the future. She also says, the showcase will remain until May, and reopen in August. It will stay open throughout October for pride month.