This collection documents the creation and contains archival source footage and planning materials for Liz Latham's 1998 film "We're Here To Stay" (Lizard Productions). This documentary explores the history of Hands Off Washington (HOW) - a state-wide coalition formed in Washington State during the 1990s to challenge anti-gay ballot initiatives and to advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights. Latham's film included interviews with a range of key figures instrumental in the HOW campaign or active in state and local politics. Interviewees include George Bakan (late editor of the Seattle Gay News), Greta Cammermayer, Norm Rice, Ron Sims and many more. The collection contains copies of the finished documentary film, "We're Here To Stay" as well as planning, promotional and funding materials, and audio-visual tapes and recordings that were the larger body of source footage for the documentary.
Donated in installments, this collection is still undergoing some archival processing work (this description will be expanded as this work continues) - please contact the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies for more information.
Some access restrictions may apply to audio-visual (video) content while archival processing is underway and permissions being reviewed and finalized. Please contact repository for more information. Advance appointments are required.
Researchers are advised that rights/copyright for Liz Latham's completed documentary, "We're Here To Stay" remain with Liz Latham.
Liz Latham donated collection materials to the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies in 2022 and 2023.
[Item]; Liz Latham Collection on the "We're Here To Stay" Hands Off Washington Documentary, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Some processing of audio-visual materials and permissions is ongoing, and a more detailed inventory of this collection is in progress. Contact repository for more information.
This collection contains documentation and discussion of anti-LGBTQ+ language and discrimination (which the Hands Off Washington coalition fought against) that some users may find offensive and triggering. To learn more about problematic content in our collections, collection description and teaching tools (including how to provide feedback or request dialog on this topic), see our
Related collections at the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies include the Hands Off Washington (Whatcom County Coalition) records.