Mapping Hidden Histories: CU Denver’s Cameron Blevins Wins National Recognition for Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Research

Published: Sept. 30, 2025 By

At CU Denver's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, we believe in the power of real stories to drive real change. That's why we're proud to celebrate Dr. Cameron Blevins, Director of Digital Initiatives and Associate Teaching Professor of History, whose innovative research is shining a light on overlooked voices in American history.

Dr. Blevins, alongside co-author Dr. Annelise Heinz, recently earned three major national awards for their article, "'Separated, but Far from Alone': Forging Lesbian Networks in the 1970s-1980s," published in the Pacific Historical Review. Their work is a testament to CU Denver's commitment to accessible, inclusive, and impactful scholarship.

Uncovering a Hidden Geography

By mapping thousands of locations mentioned in a lesbian feminist periodical, Blevins and Heinz traced the vibrant, often-invisible networks that connected lesbian communities across the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. Their research reveals how, even in the face of isolation and discrimination, lesbian individuals built resilient support systems—proving that connection can thrive, even when separated by distance.

A map by Blevins demonstrates the network of locations mentioned in a lesbian feminist periodical that connected lesbian communities across the USA throughout the 70s and 80s. The map shows greater concentrations of networks in the US' coastal regions and eastern United States.
This project exemplifies CU Denver's innovation mindset: using digital tools and primary sources to uncover stories that matter. It's a powerful reminder that history isn't just about the past—it's about understanding the lived experiences that shape our present and future.

Award-Winning Impact

Dr. Blevins and Dr. Heinz’s article has been recognized with three prestigious awards:

  • The 2025 Berkshire Article Prize for best article in women’s, gender, and sexuality history from the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians
  • The 2025 Barbara “Penny” Kanner Award from the Western Association of Women Historians for exemplary use of primary sources
  • The 2025 Louis Knott Koontz Memorial Award for most deserving contribution to the Pacific Historical Review from the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association

These honors reflect the article’s real-world relevance and its contribution to a more inclusive understanding of American history.

Why This Matters

At CU Denver, we champion education that works for all. Dr. Blevins’s work not only advances academic knowledge—it also empowers current and future students to see themselves in history, to value diverse perspectives, and to drive positive change in their communities.

Read the full article in Pacific Historical Review