Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE) presents Outliers and Outlaws: Stories from the Eugene Lesbian History Project
June 8 – October 26, 2025
Outliers and Outlaws showcases the vibrant history of Eugene’s lesbian community from the 1960s through the 1990s. This groundbreaking project, developed through the Eugene Lesbian Oral History Project and shared with many as a museum exhibition, digital exhibition, digital archive, and full-length documentary film, captures the stories of 83 women who were instrumental in shaping the city’s social and political landscape.
The exhibition highlights an extraordinary period when Eugene was known as a “lesbian mecca,” creating a unique community that challenged traditional societal norms. At OJMCHE, visitors can dive into the history of the Jewish-Lesbian “Balabustas” community, including memories from the 1992 Freedom Seder organized around the opposition to the antigay Oregon ballot measure 9, which was eventually rejected by voters.
“Museums are essential spaces for fostering dialogue and deepening understanding. At OJMCHE, we are committed to educating our community and celebrating the rich intersectionality of identities. We firmly believe that LGBTQIA+ rights are fundamental human rights,” said Alisha Babbstein OJMCHE’s Director of Collection and Exhibitions.
Outliers and Outlaws was coordinated by Judith Raiskin, an associate professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Oregon, and Linda Long, Curator of Manuscripts at the University of Oregon Knight Library Special Collections and University Archives.
“This story is a model of how to face hard times with courage, creativity and stamina. I hope that the exhibit does justice to this history by curating the collection and suggesting fruitful approaches for scholars, researchers, students, high school and college teachers, and queer young people who are curious about their cultural history. Envisioning a future depends on knowing the past. The young women who came to Eugene are now lesbian and queer elders whose hard-won wisdom can offer us guidance,” said Raiskin.
The women featured in the exhibition were not just residents, but transformative figures who influenced Oregon’s political landscape, challenged discriminatory policies, and created rich cultural spaces including theaters, music bands, and community organizations. Outliers and Outlaws connects Oregon Jewish history with the diverse lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people in Oregon, highlighting the importance of inclusion and the richness of our community.
“This exhibition is about more than just telling a story—it’s about creating space for all LGBTQIA+ individuals, including Jewish lesbians, who have often been overlooked,” added Babbstein.
The Museum will host and produce a variety of programs and community gatherings throughout the exhibition’s run. Activities will include:
- A screening of Courtney Hermann’s documentary film, Outliers and Outlaws which was produced in conjunction with the exhibition;
- A performance by members of the Portland Lesbian Choir at OJMCHE highlighting music written and performed during the times of Outliers and Outlaws including music by Melissa Etheridge, Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Tracy Chapman;
- On-site meetups with community organizations including the Portland Lesbian Culture Club;
- Facilitated panel discussions with individuals highlighted in the exhibition;
- A book talk and discussion featuring A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women’s Culture by journalist June Thomas.
About Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education explores the legacy of the Jewish experience in Oregon, teaches the enduring and universal relevance of the Holocaust, and provides opportunities for intercultural conversations.