Tell Us Your Story

History isn’t just the story of the rich and the famous, of kings, presidents, prime ministers, and military heroes. Everyone is a part of history, and everyone’s experiences have contributed to the world in which we live. One way we want to share your experiences is through our “Tell Us Your Story” feature. Go to it and see if you have memories to share. We want your stories!

1987 March on Washington

On October 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Besides the march, a long weekend of events took place, including the first national display of the Names Project Memorial Quilt, commemorating the lives of people who had died from AIDS; a civil disobedience action outside the Supreme Court; and a mass wedding of same-sex couples.

Did you participate in the March or any of the related events? If so, what do you remember about it? Why did you go? How did you get there? What was the weekend and the March like for you? If you would like to share your story of that weekend on OutHistory, write to marcs@sfsu.edu. The stories shared by others can be accessed here.

Pride Marches/Parades

Every June, in cities and towns around the world, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies participate in Pride Marches or Parades. These events commemorate the week in June/July 1969 when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, fought back against a police raid. Their rebellion is often seen as a turning point in LGBTQ+ history.

Tell us about your first experience of participating in a Pride March or Parade: When and where was it? What motivated you to participate? What do you remember about it? What impact did it have on you? If you would like to share your story of that weekend on OutHistory, write to marcs@sfsu.edu. The stories shared by others can be accessed here.