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JULY 8 - SEPTEMBER 16  |  FREE

MAPPING QUEER CITIES

SUMMER IMMERSIVE!

Applications open soon. Check back in late March.

DUE May 1

APPLY

MAPPING QUEER CITIES

Mapping Queer Cities is an intergenerational summer program open to LGBTQIA2S+ and allied adults (18+) in the New England and Tri-State area. You’ll research, document, and share local queer history. Through guided workshops, archival research, and community storytelling, participants uncover lesser-known histories and contribute to preserving their communities’ stories.

The program is designed as a collaborative, intergenerational learning space where participants learn from one another’s lived experiences while building skills in research, storytelling, and public engagement. With guidance from trans and queer educators, participants develop public speaking and community engagement skills and develop community-based projects. Final projects will be published on the Lavender Education platform, contributing to a growing creative archive.

By centering the experiences of BIPOC, low-income, disabled, and immigrant LGBTQIA2S+ people, Mapping Queer Cities allows participants to see themselves in history—and claim their place in shaping the future.

PROGRAM DATES

July 8, July 15, and August 19

Virtual Sessions: Wednesdays (6:00-7:30PM EST)

July 25 and 26

Overnight trip to NYC for tours of local history and museums

September 16

Final Showcase: An opportunity to share your research with community members and organizational partners. Presenting is optional, but we ask that everyone attends to support and cheer on their cohort!

WHAT WE PROVIDE

  • Free participation (no tuition)

  • $500 travel stipend for the in-person trip

  • A collaborative, intergenerational learning community

  • Access to a queer history curriculum + online resources

  • Mentorship from experienced queer and trans educators

  • Free access to museums, tours, and program activities

  • A signed copy of Generation Queer

  • Publication of your work on Lavender Education’s platform

FAQ

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

Apply here

    • LGBTQIA2S+ or allied adults (18+)

    • Based in New England or the Tri-State area

    • Interested in queer history, storytelling, or community-based research

    • Open to intergenerational learning and collaboration

    • No prior research experience required

  • Participants will create a final project focused on a local queer history topic of their choice. This could take many forms, including:

    • Written articles

    • Oral histories/interviews

    • Creative or visual work

    • Multimedia storytelling

    Your project will be developed with support and will be published on the Lavender Education platform.

  • Participants should plan for:

    • Three 90-minute Zoom sessions

    • Independent project work between sessions (a few hours per week)

    • Participation in one overnight trip to NYC

    • Final presentation and showcase - presenting is optional, but attendance is expected to cheer on your cohort!

  • Yes. There is no cost to participate.

    Participants receive:

    • A $500 travel stipend for the overnight trip

    • Free access to all program activities, including tours and museum visits

    • All learning materials and resources

    By taking part in the program, you are expected to:

    • Attend all virtual sessions and the in-person trip

    • Conduct independent research on a local queer history topic

    • Create a final project (article, artwork, oral history, or other format) for publication

    • Present your work to peers and community members

    • Complete pre- and post-program evaluations

    • Book and manage your own travel (transportation, lodging, meals) for the NYC trip

  • Yes. The trip is a core part of the program experience, offering opportunities for community building and place-based learning.

  • We are committed to making the program accessible. You’ll be able to share your needs in the application, and we will work with you to provide appropriate support wherever possible.

    • You will have a completed project that may be published on the Lavender Education platform

    • You’ll be part of a growing network of participants, educators, and community partners

    • You’ll leave with skills in research, storytelling, and public history

  • We expect to select a small cohort (10-12 participants) to ensure a supportive, collaborative learning environment.

    • Applications open: Late March

    • Deadline: May 1 at 5:00PM EST

    • Decisions sent: May 15

  • We’re looking for:

    • Genuine interest in queer history or community storytelling

    • Curiosity and openness to learning

    • Willingness to participate fully and contribute to a group environment

    You don’t need to have a fully formed project idea—just a sense of what interests you.

Mapping Queer Cities is hosted in collaboration with YWCA Cambridge. Thank you to our partners for providing educational experiences and tours, including the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center.