Candidate Statements for 2020-2022 DSGS Co-Chair

Thank you to all of our excellent candidates for standing in the 2020 Diverse Sexuality and Gender Section (DSGS) election for a new section co-chair. Please take some time to review each candidate statement before submitting your vote once the ballots open.

You will be voting for:
Co-Chair, for a two-year term (2020-2022).

SAA staff will manage the voting ballots, which are scheduled to open during the week of June 24, via Survey Monkey. Please keep an eye on your inbox for the link to your ballot!

Candidates are listed below in alphabetical order.

Helice Koffler
Processing Archivist
The Shubert Archive

I am the Processing Archivist for the Shubert Archive in New York City.  Prior to this position, I have worked to provide access to archives and special collections materials in many different settings, including the University of Washington, New York Public Library, King County Archives, and Fales Library, New York University.

Over the past few years I have been developing the Shubert Early Employees Project, an initiative focused on surfacing hidden histories of those workers from marginalized groups including (but not limited to): women, LGBTQ+, people of color, and the working class, who contributed to the spectacular growth of our now 120-year old theatre company during the early period of its rich history (approximately 1900-1930).

I would be honored to become more involved with the Diverse Sexuality and Gender Section (DSGS) by serving as its co-chair. I would look to build upon DSGS’s past successes, such as the Lavender Legacies Guide and the Queer History Social Media Project, by working collaboratively with other allied SAA sections to create resources and programs to support our common interests in preserving and promoting the histories of LGBTQ+ and other traditionally underrepresented communities. I am especially interested in trying to address the challenges we all face as archivists in incorporating principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion into our descriptive standards and practices as we try to create more equitable access to archival records.

Marco Seiferle-Valencia
Open Education Librarian
Manager, Gary Strong Curriculum Center

I am the Open Education Librarian at the University of Idaho, and I am also the Digital Archivist on the Chicana por mi Raza Digital Memory Collective, which collects oral histories and digitizes the archives of prominent and historically significant Chicana and Latina feminists. On a personal level, I am a queer Brown transman who’s interested in improving representation and working conditions for trans and queer people in archives, celebrating archival holdings feature diverse people from structurally marginalized groups including LGBTQIA people, and helping to inspire innovative thinking about how archivists can engage around LGBTQIA topics. My recent work and scholarship focuses on how the unique affordances of Open Educational Resources can be used to Queer and Color the frequently limited historical record, with a focus on those marginalized for their races, gender, and sexuality. At my previous institution, Michigan State University, I collaborated with our Special Collections department on a special exhibit and lecture on LGBTQIA holdings in MSU’s archive. Student feedback after this event affirmed to me that archives have a valuable role to play in making LGBTQIA students and patrons feel welcome and engaged by the University.

I am excited to potentially increase representation for GLBTQIA people by serving on this committee, and to help amplify marginalized voices across the many spectrums of diversity. I believe the current co-chair, Alana, and I, will work effectively and dynamically to bring some exciting fresh perspectives and opportunities to this committee. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this role and would be honored to serve the archival community in this capacity.

Anthony Wright de Hernandez
Community Collections Archivist
Inclusion & Diversity Coordinator
University Libraries, Virginia Tech

I am currently the Community Collections Archivist and Inclusion & Diversity Coordinator for the University Libraries at Virginia Tech. I work primarily to improve representation of traditionally marginalized communities within our archival collections. I also coordinate inclusion and diversity efforts within our libraries, working to make the library a more inclusive place for staff and patrons. I have an MLIS from the University of Washington iSchool and a BA in Community Studies from UMass Boston.

My work with archives has focused almost exclusively on traditionally marginalized communities with an emphasis on the LGBTQIA+ community. In my time at Virginia Tech, I have worked to expand our collections related to this community while prioritizing our relationship with local LGBTQIA+ community groups. As part of this work, I helped develop the mission & vision for our campus LGBTQ+ Resource Center and have been actively working with our LGBTQ+ Alumni Association to arrange an official LGBTQ+ reunion.

I have been involved with professional organizations as a member of various groups. I served on the name change committee for LAGAR/DSGS and am a current member of the SAA Finance Committee. I believe in taking an active role in supporting community and that includes our DSGS community. I hope to spend the next few years using my experience, skills, and knowledge to support this community as we continue to explore various topics such as inclusive archival description and the better inclusion of marginalized groups under our own umbrella.