In Memoriam:

Francisco “Frank” Perez

1968 - 2026

The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana mourns the passing of Francisco “Frank” Perez, a cherished colleague, leader, historian, and friend to so many in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. As one of the initial founders and Executive Director of the LGBT+ Archives Project, Frank devoted himself to ensuring that the stories, struggles, celebrations, and accomplishments of Louisiana’s LGBTQ+ communities would not be lost to history. His dedication to preserving our collective past reflected a deep understanding that history is not simply something we inherit—it is something we must actively protect for those who will come after us.

Frank was a passionate historian whose work brought together scholarship, preservation, and community. He understood the importance of documenting the people and places that shaped LGBTQ+ life in Louisiana, particularly those whose contributions might otherwise have gone unrecorded. Through his leadership, advocacy, and tireless commitment to the Archives Project, he helped strengthen the recognition of LGBTQ+ history as an essential part of the history of New Orleans and the state. His work as a writer and historian was inseparable from his belief in the value of community: he listened to people, honored their stories, and recognized that every photograph, artifact, document, costume, and personal memory could help illuminate a larger history. As he claimed many times: memory work and archival efforts are forms of resistance to powers that would silence us.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Frank was deeply engaged in the life of the New Orleans community. He brought generosity, intelligence, and enthusiasm to the many cultural, historical, and community activities in which he participated. His absence will be felt not only by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, but by the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. We extend our deepest sympathy to Frank’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who loved him. We will honor his memory by continuing the work to which he gave so much of himself: preserving Louisiana’s LGBTQ+ history and ensuring that the voices of our communities remain visible, valued, and remembered.

This Memorial Endowment is being established in Frank’s honor to support and continue the work of collecting, documenting and preserving Louisiana Queer History.

To learn more about Frank’s remarkable life:

https://www.ambushmag.com/bobby-fieseler-eulogy-for-frank-perez-august-15-2026/

https://www.ambushmag.com/the-lgbt-archives-project-of-louisiana-past-present-and-future/

The Frank Perez Memorial Endowment