Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is looking to commission individual community members to participate in a special LGBTQ+ version of their Seattle Histories Storytelling Project. Those with connections — currently or historically — to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to submit story ideas by May 1, 2023.

The Seattle Histories project highlights places, people, and events that have shaped the history of Seattle’s communities. The personal stories shared in the series are told by community members and emphasize experiences and narratives that may have been overlooked or misrepresented, illuminating a larger historical context about our city.

Stories

We do not want to be prescriptive about how you choose to tell your story. There are so many ways you could participate: a written article, video, oral history, or audio recording. We are open to it all. The only requirement is that the stories be centered on people, places, and/or events in the history of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ communities. We are particularly interested in stories that illuminate the multiple identities within Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the intersectionality of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability status, socioeconomic status, and more.

To see past stories featured in the Seattle Histories project visit: https://frontporch.seattle.gov/tag/seattle-histories/.

Compensation

Those selected to participate will be notified and given a minimum of one month to complete and submit their stories. All chosen participants will be compensated upon delivery of the final work.

• Stipend: $600 
• Written Story Word Count Requirements: 1,800-2,500 words 
• Video Story Length Requirements: 5-6 minutes 
• Audio Story Length Requirements: 10-12 minutes 

Stories will be featured on the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods blog, website, newsletter, and social media sites.

How to Submit Your Story Idea

Please fill out the submission survey with the following elements by May 1, 2023.

• Brief pitch (max 500 words) that describes the story you want to tell and how you plan to tell it.
• Short paragraph about how you are connected to the community, place, or event you are focusing on in your story.
• An attachment or link to samples of your work.

Contact Us

We are here to answer any questions you might have about this project. For more information, please contact Sam Read at sam.read@seattle.gov.