The Archive
THE MISSION
History is best told by the people who lived it.
LGBTQ Archives is an independent oral history project capturing real, unscripted LGBTQ+ experiences. By sharing stories of love, struggle, and survival in the storyteller’s own words, the archive preserves community history for generations to come.
THE INTERVIEWS
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS
How and where are interviews recorded?
All interviews are filmed in person in Los Angeles using dedicated audio and video equipment. If you are based elsewhere, you may submit your location to be kept on file in the event of future travel to your area.
Who can participate?
Anyone with a personal LGBTQ+ story to share. The format is an open, guided conversation driven by spontaneous questions rather than tight, rehearsed scripts. Prepared monologues or unrelated topics are not a fit. If you're not sure your story fits the archive's focus, simply reach out and we'll figure it out together.
How long are the interviews?
Recording sessions typically run 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the conversation. The final edited video is usually 20 to 30 minutes.
Can an interview be altered or removed after it's published?
No. Once an episode is published, it becomes a permanent part of the historical archive and cannot be edited, altered, or removed.
Before release, you will receive a private link to review the edited interview for factual accuracy and minor corrections. However, because these productions require significant time and resources, future changes in personal circumstances—including strained relationships or changes of heart—will not result in an episode being modified or taken down.
You should be completely comfortable and confident with your story becoming a permanent part of the archive before agreeing to take part.
Before release, you will receive a private link to review the edited interview for factual accuracy and minor corrections. However, because these productions require significant time and resources, future changes in personal circumstances—including strained relationships or changes of heart—will not result in an episode being modified or taken down.
You should be completely comfortable and confident with your story becoming a permanent part of the archive before agreeing to take part.
Are photos required?
Yes. Photos are essential to visually build the episode. Even if older snapshots are limited, just a handful of images across key stages of your journey is all that is needed. Supplementary items like letters or personal keepsakes are completely optional, though always welcome.
Are interviews fact-checked?
Personal memories and lived experiences are presented as shared. However, significant achievements, organizational roles, and major historical claims are cross-checked and may require verifiable documentation to preserve the accuracy of the archive.
Are interviews designed to promote books and/or products?
No. Unlike book or product review channels, where products take center stage, the sole focus here is the person behind the story. Projects or books receive a brief 5–10 second highlight at the close of the episode, with direct links included in the video description and the LGBTQ Archives website directory profile.
How can I support LGBTQ Archives?
If you enjoy these archives and would like to support the work behind them, you can contribute directly through Buy Me a Coffee. Thank you!