The Archivettes

By: Sam Frost

History has a way of existing even when it’s been ignored. Deborah Edel and Joan Nestle were tired of not having access to the stories and artifacts of other women like them, so they decided to fix the problem. The Lesbian Herstory Archives are a non-hierarchical, collectively-run archive that preserves the various expressions of lesbian identity, love and solidarity. The Archivettes is an account of the story of The Lesbian Herstory Archives that dives into the past and gracefully collides with the present, showing the strength and power women are able to bring to their passions.

The film is a well-rounded blend of educational and story. I, personally, had never heard of the archives and it was great to be able to feel like I was learning from the masters. While everything is clearly explained throughout the film, there is a sense of responsibility put on the viewer. It’s as if there’s a gentle hand on your shoulder saying, “You have to do the work to understand. We won’t explicitly tell you it all.”

Everything from the founders of the archives to present day is covered, giving an intimate look at the lives of the women involved in this incredible project throughout the decades. There’s a deep sense of generational connection brought to both the archives themselves and the film. It encourages viewers to want to do more, to learn more and to experience the lives of the women before them who worked so hard to get us to where we are now.

Herstory worker Colette Montoya-Sloan expresses concern that women from our generation might not have the same kind of drive as the older women who started all of this. She fears that we’ve grown complacent in many ways and with current times being so trying, filled with so much hate, The Archivettes is an incredible reminder of how far we’ve come while also reminding us to never stop and to never believe we’ve done enough.

The film is told from an uplifting point of view and, while it points out the absurdity of these women needing to create their own archives because history books were failing them, it focuses on the good that’s been created. It’s thoughtful, emotional and powerful and points to the importance of queer youth having queer elders to look up to.

Sometimes hearing the real-life stories can cut us in a way that’s deeper than fiction and this documentary hits home. It spends a good deal of time lamenting on the ways different women were involved for different reasons. Some just for friendship and extra support. Some were finding their families. “It’s allowed me to feel proud of something I created, and that’s quite remarkable,” Co-founder Deborah Edel said.

The raw emotion shown by the workers in The Archivettes helps put emphasis on how important it is to have the organization. This film is a beautiful portrayal of the courageous and passionate journey lesbians have been on for decades.