Telling Queer History

Telling Queer History is a nonprofit organization based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Established in June 2013, its mission is to connect LGBTQ+ individuals across generations and identities through storytelling gatherings. These events foster compassion, empathy, belonging, and healing within the community[1][2].

History and Development

Initially a grassroots volunteer-led initiative, Telling Queer History grew into a 501(c)3 nonprofit in January 2020. The organization's founder and executive director is Rebecca Jean Lawrence, who also serves as a photographer documenting LGBTQ+ community events[2].

The idea for the organization was partly inspired by Lawrence's experiences during a campaign to defeat a proposed amendment to the Minnesota state constitution that would have outlawed marriage equality. Although the campaign succeeded, it highlighted divisions within the LGBTQ+ community, prompting Lawrence to use storytelling as a tool to bridge these gaps[3].

Programs and Impact

Telling Queer History hosts community-building gatherings with diverse storytellers, offering a platform for shared experiences and commonalities. These events are all-ages and substance-free, with sliding scale ticket prices to ensure accessibility[2]. The organization emphasizes the importance of recording and sharing queer histories to provide a sense of identity and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals[4].

Legacy and Sunset

In late August 2024, the organization announced its decision to sunset operations, with plans to preserve and share its legacy through a traveling exhibit showcasing its archives. The exhibit will tour various regions in Minnesota before culminating in Minneapolis. The decision was driven by challenges in securing sustainable financial support. Despite these challenges, Telling Queer History aims to ensure that its stories and archives continue to impact the community, potentially through partnerships with other organizations[5].

The organization will mark its closure with a final celebration in June 2025, symbolizing the end of an era while also inspiring new beginnings built upon the foundations it has laid[5].

Financial Support and Donations

Telling Queer History relies on community support and donations to sustain its activities. It has received financial backing from numerous individual donors and organizations over its ten-year history[2][4]. Despite the decision to sunset, the organization remains committed to sharing its stories and experiences with the broader community[5].

Culture and Community Building

Telling Queer History not only serves as a platform for storytelling but also plays a crucial role in building a sense of belonging and identity within the LGBTQ+ community. By focusing on shared human experiences, it helps bridge gaps across generations and identities, fostering a more inclusive environment for all participants[1][4].

In summary, Telling Queer History has been instrumental in connecting LGBTQ+ individuals through storytelling, promoting understanding, empathy, and community cohesion. Even as it transitions towards its closure, its impact will continue to resonate through the preservation and sharing of its archival work.

[1] https://www.wilder.org/wilder-research/research-library/telling-queer-history [2] https://www.tellingqueerhistory.com/about [3] https://blog.catchafire.org/nonprofit-spotlight-telling-queer-history [4] https://www.givemn.org/organization/Telling-Queer-History-1 [5] https://www.tellingqueerhistory.com/archives