How To Do Queer History 3-Part Course
“How to Do Queer History” is a three-part skill-building series designed to empower participants to uncover, document, and share LGBTQIA2S+ history.
Instead of offering a traditional overview of queer and trans history, this course focuses on giving students the tools historians use to engage with oral histories, community archives, and public history. Participants will also explore creative approaches, such as walking tours and social media, to connect historical narratives to contemporary audiences. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and tools to pursue their own queer history projects.
Class Schedule
Classes are scheduled for March 4, 11, 18, and 25:
March 4 (Virtual):
Session held via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET. Participants will get to know each other, the course materials, and a brief introduction to all the forms of storytelling and historical research that this course will cover.March 11 (In-Person):
Hands-on session at the History Project archives in Boston (evening time TBD).March 18 (Independent Work):
Solo project week where participants create a project inspired by the course (individual support meetings can be scheduled during this time).March 25 (Virtual):
Final session via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET. Participants will present their solo projects and wrap up the course content.
This course is open to participants nationwide, but please note that the second session includes an in-person visit to the Boston archives.
What’s Included / Materials
Three Course Sessions:
Two virtual sessions (via Zoom)
One in-person archive visit at The History Project
Materials Provided:
A 30-page digital booklet with course materials and resources (emailed before the start date)
A signed copy of Generation Queer (distributed during the archive visit)
A certificate of completion from Lavender Education
Individual Support:
A 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the instructor (available during class dates or up to three months after the course)
Flexible Participation:
Participants based outside Massachusetts or unable to attend the archive visit will receive an independent project to complete during that session.
Registration Details:
The full course is $200, and participants must register by February 28th. The course is capped at 12 participants to create a meaningful, intimate environment for learning and discussion.
If you need a payment plan ($50/month for 4 months), please email kimmtopping@gmail.com to coordinate.
This course is presented by Lavender Education and The History Project.
The History Project is Boston’s LGBTQ+ community archive, dedicated to preserving historical records, ephemera, and stories. Since 1980, this independent nonprofit has supported research, hosted public exhibits and events, and shared LGBTQ+ history with individuals, organizations, and the public.
Course Instructor: Kimm Topping
Kimm Topping, Ed.M. (they/them) is an educator, historian, and artist. As the founder of Lavender Education, they lead a national initiative that celebrates LGBTQIA+ history through arts and education programming. Their extensive collaborations with educational institutions and organizations focuses on promoting the well-being and leadership of queer and trans youth. Prior to founding Lavender Education, Kimm managed the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students in Massachusetts. They currently serve as a Lecturer on Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, specializing in gender and sexuality studies. In 2023, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition awarded Kimm the inaugural In-Service Award in recognition of their significant contributions to the transgender community across Massachusetts. Generation Queer is Kimm’s first full-length book. Residing in the Boston area, Kimm also leads historical tours highlighting queer and feminist landmarks.
“How to Do Queer History” is a three-part skill-building series designed to empower participants to uncover, document, and share LGBTQIA2S+ history.
Instead of offering a traditional overview of queer and trans history, this course focuses on giving students the tools historians use to engage with oral histories, community archives, and public history. Participants will also explore creative approaches, such as walking tours and social media, to connect historical narratives to contemporary audiences. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and tools to pursue their own queer history projects.
Class Schedule
Classes are scheduled for March 4, 11, 18, and 25:
March 4 (Virtual):
Session held via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET. Participants will get to know each other, the course materials, and a brief introduction to all the forms of storytelling and historical research that this course will cover.March 11 (In-Person):
Hands-on session at the History Project archives in Boston (evening time TBD).March 18 (Independent Work):
Solo project week where participants create a project inspired by the course (individual support meetings can be scheduled during this time).March 25 (Virtual):
Final session via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET. Participants will present their solo projects and wrap up the course content.
This course is open to participants nationwide, but please note that the second session includes an in-person visit to the Boston archives.
What’s Included / Materials
Three Course Sessions:
Two virtual sessions (via Zoom)
One in-person archive visit at The History Project
Materials Provided:
A 30-page digital booklet with course materials and resources (emailed before the start date)
A signed copy of Generation Queer (distributed during the archive visit)
A certificate of completion from Lavender Education
Individual Support:
A 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the instructor (available during class dates or up to three months after the course)
Flexible Participation:
Participants based outside Massachusetts or unable to attend the archive visit will receive an independent project to complete during that session.
Registration Details:
The full course is $200, and participants must register by February 28th. The course is capped at 12 participants to create a meaningful, intimate environment for learning and discussion.
If you need a payment plan ($50/month for 4 months), please email kimmtopping@gmail.com to coordinate.
This course is presented by Lavender Education and The History Project.
The History Project is Boston’s LGBTQ+ community archive, dedicated to preserving historical records, ephemera, and stories. Since 1980, this independent nonprofit has supported research, hosted public exhibits and events, and shared LGBTQ+ history with individuals, organizations, and the public.
Course Instructor: Kimm Topping
Kimm Topping, Ed.M. (they/them) is an educator, historian, and artist. As the founder of Lavender Education, they lead a national initiative that celebrates LGBTQIA+ history through arts and education programming. Their extensive collaborations with educational institutions and organizations focuses on promoting the well-being and leadership of queer and trans youth. Prior to founding Lavender Education, Kimm managed the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students in Massachusetts. They currently serve as a Lecturer on Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, specializing in gender and sexuality studies. In 2023, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition awarded Kimm the inaugural In-Service Award in recognition of their significant contributions to the transgender community across Massachusetts. Generation Queer is Kimm’s first full-length book. Residing in the Boston area, Kimm also leads historical tours highlighting queer and feminist landmarks.
“How to Do Queer History” is a three-part skill-building series designed to empower participants to uncover, document, and share LGBTQIA2S+ history.
Instead of offering a traditional overview of queer and trans history, this course focuses on giving students the tools historians use to engage with oral histories, community archives, and public history. Participants will also explore creative approaches, such as walking tours and social media, to connect historical narratives to contemporary audiences. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and tools to pursue their own queer history projects.
Class Schedule
Classes are scheduled for March 4, 11, 18, and 25:
March 4 (Virtual):
Session held via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET. Participants will get to know each other, the course materials, and a brief introduction to all the forms of storytelling and historical research that this course will cover.March 11 (In-Person):
Hands-on session at the History Project archives in Boston (evening time TBD).March 18 (Independent Work):
Solo project week where participants create a project inspired by the course (individual support meetings can be scheduled during this time).March 25 (Virtual):
Final session via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET. Participants will present their solo projects and wrap up the course content.
This course is open to participants nationwide, but please note that the second session includes an in-person visit to the Boston archives.
What’s Included / Materials
Three Course Sessions:
Two virtual sessions (via Zoom)
One in-person archive visit at The History Project
Materials Provided:
A 30-page digital booklet with course materials and resources (emailed before the start date)
A signed copy of Generation Queer (distributed during the archive visit)
A certificate of completion from Lavender Education
Individual Support:
A 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the instructor (available during class dates or up to three months after the course)
Flexible Participation:
Participants based outside Massachusetts or unable to attend the archive visit will receive an independent project to complete during that session.
Registration Details:
The full course is $200, and participants must register by February 28th. The course is capped at 12 participants to create a meaningful, intimate environment for learning and discussion.
If you need a payment plan ($50/month for 4 months), please email kimmtopping@gmail.com to coordinate.
This course is presented by Lavender Education and The History Project.
The History Project is Boston’s LGBTQ+ community archive, dedicated to preserving historical records, ephemera, and stories. Since 1980, this independent nonprofit has supported research, hosted public exhibits and events, and shared LGBTQ+ history with individuals, organizations, and the public.
Course Instructor: Kimm Topping
Kimm Topping, Ed.M. (they/them) is an educator, historian, and artist. As the founder of Lavender Education, they lead a national initiative that celebrates LGBTQIA+ history through arts and education programming. Their extensive collaborations with educational institutions and organizations focuses on promoting the well-being and leadership of queer and trans youth. Prior to founding Lavender Education, Kimm managed the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students in Massachusetts. They currently serve as a Lecturer on Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, specializing in gender and sexuality studies. In 2023, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition awarded Kimm the inaugural In-Service Award in recognition of their significant contributions to the transgender community across Massachusetts. Generation Queer is Kimm’s first full-length book. Residing in the Boston area, Kimm also leads historical tours highlighting queer and feminist landmarks.