How To Do Queer History 3-Part Course with the Lesbian Herstory Archives
“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.
This course is open to participants nationwide, but please note that it includes an in-person visit to a Brooklyn, NY archive. This session is optional!
Class Schedule
Classes are scheduled for March 18, 25, April 1, and 22:
March 18 (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 25 (Independent Work)
Solo project week where participants create a project inspired by the course.
Individual support meetings can be scheduled during this time.
April 1 (In-Person)
Hands-on session at the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Brooklyn, NY.
April 22 (Virtual)
Final session via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
Participants will present their independent projects.
What’s Included / Materials
Three Course Sessions:
Two virtual sessions (via Zoom)
One in-person archive visit at The Lesbian Herstory Archives
Materials Provided:
A 30-page digital booklet with course materials and resources (emailed before the start date)
A signed copy of Generation Queer (mailed in June)
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)
Registration Details:
The full course is $200, and participants must register by March 11th. The course is capped at 20 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 Lesbian Herstory Archives.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives exists to gather and preserve records of Lesbian lives and activities. This ensures future generations will have ready access to materials relevant to their lives.
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.
This course is open to participants nationwide, but please note that it includes an in-person visit to a Brooklyn, NY archive. This session is optional!
Class Schedule
Classes are scheduled for March 18, 25, April 1, and 22:
March 18 (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 25 (Independent Work)
Solo project week where participants create a project inspired by the course.
Individual support meetings can be scheduled during this time.
April 1 (In-Person)
Hands-on session at the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Brooklyn, NY.
April 22 (Virtual)
Final session via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
Participants will present their independent projects.
What’s Included / Materials
Three Course Sessions:
Two virtual sessions (via Zoom)
One in-person archive visit at The Lesbian Herstory Archives
Materials Provided:
A 30-page digital booklet with course materials and resources (emailed before the start date)
A signed copy of Generation Queer (mailed in June)
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)
Registration Details:
The full course is $200, and participants must register by March 11th. The course is capped at 20 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 Lesbian Herstory Archives.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives exists to gather and preserve records of Lesbian lives and activities. This ensures future generations will have ready access to materials relevant to their lives.
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.
This course is open to participants nationwide, but please note that it includes an in-person visit to a Brooklyn, NY archive. This session is optional!
Class Schedule
Classes are scheduled for March 18, 25, April 1, and 22:
March 18 (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 25 (Independent Work)
Solo project week where participants create a project inspired by the course.
Individual support meetings can be scheduled during this time.
April 1 (In-Person)
Hands-on session at the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Brooklyn, NY.
April 22 (Virtual)
Final session via Zoom, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
Participants will present their independent projects.
What’s Included / Materials
Three Course Sessions:
Two virtual sessions (via Zoom)
One in-person archive visit at The Lesbian Herstory Archives
Materials Provided:
A 30-page digital booklet with course materials and resources (emailed before the start date)
A signed copy of Generation Queer (mailed in June)
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)
Registration Details:
The full course is $200, and participants must register by March 11th. The course is capped at 20 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 Lesbian Herstory Archives.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives exists to gather and preserve records of Lesbian lives and activities. This ensures future generations will have ready access to materials relevant to their lives.
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.