About

This project emerged from a series of interviews conducted by Dr. Byron Johns in partnership with UCLA’s Center for Oral History Research. Since 2022, 23 in-depth oral histories have been recorded, documenting stories of resilience, identity, activism, and vision within the Los Angeles Black LGBTQ+ community. These narratives serve not only as an essential historical archive, but also as the foundation for the project’s next phase. Building on the success of the 2024 public launch of Stories from the Los Angeles Black LGBT Community, held at APLA Health as part of the Circa Festival, this next phase expands the work by activating these stories through six themed, intergenerational community dialogues: (1) Mobilizing, Organizing, and Advocating for Our Rights; (2) Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Identities; (3) House and Ball Culture; (4) Queer/Same-Gender-Loving Identity; (5) Women/Lesbian Experiences; and (6) Faith and Spirituality. This dialogue focuses on Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Identities and addresses critical gaps in historical representation, intergenerational understanding, and community cohesion. Despite their contributions to social movements and cultural life, Black trans leaders have often been excluded from mainstream archives and narratives. The program will feature LGBTQIA+ artistic performance aligned with the theme. Facilitated dialogue includes an overview, contextual framing, and selected oral history excerpts, followed by guided small-group discussions and activities. A large-group debrief allows participants to share insights, identify themes, and shape recommendations. Each session concludes with announcements, acknowledgments, evaluation, networking, resources, refreshments, music, and dancing, fostering learning, reflection, relationship-building, and community-driven solutions.

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