Become an Oral History Narrator or Volunteer
The Metro Washington-area chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays was founded in 1983. Paulette Goodman served a full-time volunteer for 10 years, and as chapter president, regional director, and then national PFLAG president from 1988 to 1992. She was a key figure in a campaign to get P-FLAG ads displayed on D.C. Metro buses. Photo: Bob Dardano, Rainbow History Project collection.
Can I add my story to the RHP collection?
Yes! Everyone has a story to share, and every story is important. Some of the narrators (the person giving the story) are well-known names but far more are people sharing their perspectives on daily LGBTQ life in Washington over time. Narrators come from all backgrounds, and all of us are the keepers of our community’s history.
How does being a narrator work?
Are you interested in documenting the Washington D.C metro area’s diverse LGBTQIA+ history?
Join our volunteer oral history team!
We strive to preserve and promote the history and culture of the diverse LGBTQIA+ communities in metropolitan Washington, D.C. But we can only do this when volunteers like you document their stories through interviews!
Please start by watching this entire video in its entirety. This will take a little less than one hour to complete. The video includes important information that you will need to interview community members for the Rainbow History Project Archives.
Upon watching this video, please register for an online or in person training by emailing Daniel Soucy, amateur oral historian, professional researcher and proud RHP volunteer.
Part Two will be in-person at the MLK Library (901 G Street NW) and focus on practical procedures for recording interviews as well as summarizing and storing them in RHP’s archive.
To Register: Fill out the form and enter your name, email and phone below.
What do I say?
All you need to do is talk with the volunteer interviewer, who will help you get started and ask follow-up questions. Most tapings last between 60 minutes and 90 minutes, but you decide how long you want to talk and what you want to tell us. Talk about anything related to the LGBTQ community in the D.C. area. Tell us about coming out, events you have attended, important causes, organizations you joined or supported, how you met people, how you were treated and what has changed—or stayed the same. You choose the memories you share.
Who can hear what I say?
RHP posts a written summary of the interview online but keeps the actual audio recording on its drive. By sharing sound files only upon request, we try to ensure that we share your story in the spirit in which you gave it (noncommercial purposes). You will receive a copy of your sound file that you can share.
How do I become an oral history volunteer?
See above!
Can I recommend an oral history narrator?
Yes! Just use this form to make a recommendation.