Do I Know You?
Our next section grapples with the question: "Do I Know You?"
Unlike the first part of this exhibit, we are able to clearly identify the creator of this book's dedication. Sheila Ortiz Taylor, an out lesbian author and former professor at Florida State University, created this book dedication to Cardyn, who is unknown. The speculation we focus on for this piece is what the relationship between Cardyn and Sheila Ortiz Taylor was, as it is impossible they had a former connection due to the intimate nature of the dedication.
This book, however, is not explicit in LGBTQ+ subject matter. However, it was a known fact that Sheila Ortiz Taylor was out during this time. She was a popular writer within the lesbian circle of Tallahassee, as she was a proud lesbian mother. The indication of a past relationship could indicate that Cardyn was possibly a friend from earlier years of publishing lesbian fiction. However, there is not much to say about how, or even if, they knew each other well.
Endenheim argues that “the objects in the queer archive of feelings are foremost supposed to represent feelings and experiences, that is, the objects will in themselves, or through their historicizing context, bring forth certain feelings." Stated in another way, when we consume artifacts by LGBTQ+ people, certain emotions are elicited, as it acknowledges an everyday existence in the past. They reflect, to some extent, a desire to see ourselves throughout history.
This dedication can elicit a relationship between the reader and the author, even if that was not the original intent of the book's dedication. With our imagination, we are able to substitute ourselves for Cardyn. In a way, we are connected to the author intimately because of her use of a signature, one of many forms of everyday writing. Cardyn's relationship with the author is mysterious precisely because we feel an intimate connection to her signing her own work.
This book was a mass-produced copy that is made special through the use of everyday writing. The interaction between author and text seems more tangible through signed book dedications. We are able to feel a connection between the author and ourselves.
Kumbier states that “gay and lesbian archives are unusual as archival items because they are mass-produced ephemera — and aren’t valued in the same way conventional archival records are.” This book was one of many in print. However, the dedication creates interest because the author creates a relationship between her and the reader of the text. One can only imagine how they might know one another. However, we, as readers, can feel a connection to the author due to her signature and dedication. It is a type of personal engagement that truly allows a connection with LGBTQ+ pasts.
Works Cited:
Endenheim, Sara. “Lost and Never Found: The Queer Archive of Feelings and Its Historical Proprietary.” A Journal of Feminist Cultural Studies, vol. 24, no. 5, pp. 36-62.
Kumbier, Alana. Ephemeral Material: Queering the Archive, Litwin Books, 2009. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/fsu/detail.action?docID=3328242.