Since 2022, 23 in-depth oral histories have been recorded, capturing stories of resilience, identity, activism, and vision. These interviews, archived through UCLA COHR, serve not only as a historical record but also as a foundation for the next phase of the project, Intergenerational Dialogues designed to build bridges, foster understanding, and strengthen unity across age and identity within the Black LGBTQ+ community.

The Next Phase: Intergenerational Dialogues (2026–2027)

Building on the success of the 2024 public launch at APLA, the project will host six themed community dialogues co-led by a Gen Z participant, an adult leader, and an elder. Each session will feature interview excerpts as catalysts for reflection, storytelling, and connection, creating “living classrooms” where wisdom and lived experience are exchanged across generations. Themes include:

·       Mobilizing, Organizing & Advocating for Our Rights & Support During These Times

• House & Ball Culture

• Trans, Gender Non-Conforming Identities

• Queer/Same-Gender-Loving Experiences

• Women/Lesbian Leadership

• Faith & Spirituality

Each dialogue will combine storytelling circles, creative expression, and mentorship, culminating in the production of a documentary film and a replicable model for other LGBTQ+ communities of color nationwide.

Impact Goals

• Foster intergenerational understanding and community cohesion.

• Preserve and share untold stories of Black LGBTQ+ life in Los Angeles.

• Develop leadership and professional skills for emerging community organizers through apprenticeship placements.

• Strengthen organizational capacity for ongoing cultural and social innovation.

Stories from the Los Angeles Black LGBT Community uplifts silenced voices, celebrates legacy, and builds bridges between generations. It is both a documentation of history and an investment in the future, empowering the Black LGBTQ+ community to reclaim its narrative, share its wisdom, and co-create pathways toward healing, visibility, and collective transformation.

Collaborations with organizations such as AMAAD Institute, Reach LA, Better Brothers LA, Resilient Solutions, and AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) ensure deep community engagement and sustainability.