Oral history interview with Ruth Poirier conducted by Joanne Goodwin on February 05, 2003 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Poirier opens her interview by discussing her partner Doris Pressler, who had passed away before the interview. She describes Doris' upbringing, her role in the first band at the Roseland Ballroom in New York, and explains how an all-women band in the 1930s and 1940s was a phenomenon. Poirier then discusses her own history, including how she became involved in music and all-women bands, and how she met Doris. Poirier describes in detail the importance of music to her family, the types of music she played, and what it was like to be a musician during the Depression. She talks about her relationship with Doris and recalls early interactions with other gay youths. Poirer ends her interview explaining why she and Doris decided to settle in Las Vegas, Nevada, and describes their impressions and involvement with the local LGBTQ+ community.
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada Photograph Collection contains mainly candid photographs of events and individuals affiliated with the Las Vegas-based Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (GLCCSN) dating from 1993 to 2000. Photographs depict events honoring prominent members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer community; meetings at GLCCSN; and candidate nights for members of the community running for public office. The collection also includes a number of photographs of the Freedom to Marry celebration at the GLCCSN and the Gay Pride Las Vegas festival from 1998 to 1999.