Special issue of the Oral History Review: “Listening to and for LGBTQ Lives”

Deadline for submissions: September 1, 2014
Publication date: Winter/Spring 2016

By Stephanie Gilmore, PhD

As we commemorate anniversaries, such as the upcoming 45th anniversary
of the 1969 Stonewall Riot in New York City, and challenge recent
developments, including the criminalization of same-sex sexuality in
Uganda, scholars, activists, and citizens are compelled to examine and
deepen historical and contemporary perspectives on the importance of the
lives and experiences of LGBTQ people. Oral history has become a
significant way to uncover the hidden histories of LGBTQ people; and
scholars, activists, librarians, archivists, and organizations are using
oral history theory and methods to put LGBTQ people at the center of
analysis and understand the multifaceted lives and experiences of LGBTQ
people around the world.

The editorial staff of the Oral History Review is actively seeking
short-form (3,000-4,000 word) and long-form (8,000-12,000 word) articles
for a special issue devoted to the theme “Listening to and for LGBTQ
Lives.” Submissions might address any aspect of oral history–theory,
practice, methodology, pedagogy, uses/applications of oral history,
editing and writing oral history, as well as narrative and analytical
pieces based on oral history sources. We also welcome experimental forms
and multimedia dimensions.

We invite submissions that raise innovative points about the use of oral
history in researching and writing about LGBTQ people; highlight the
promises and pitfalls of developing archives devoted to LGBTQ lives and
organizations; explore pedagogical developments in courses on LGBTQ
histories; and elevate new theoretical and/or practical developments in
the growing field of LGBTQ histories.

Mission Statement: The Oral History Review
The Oral History Review, published by the Oral History Association, is
the US journal of record for the theory and practice of oral history
and related fields. The journal’s primary mission is to explore the
nature and significance of oral history and advance understanding of the
field among scholars, educators, practitioners, and the general public.
The Review publishes narrative and analytical articles and reviews, in
print and multimedia formats, that present and use oral history in
unique and significant ways and that contribute to the understanding of
the nature of oral history and memory. It seeks previously unpublished
works that demonstrate high-quality research and that offer new insight
into oral history practice, methodology, theory, and pedagogy. Work
published in the journal arises from many fields and disciplines,
reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of oral history. While based in
the US, the Review reflects the international scope of the field and
encourages work from international authors and about international topics.

Direct inquiries and submissions to:

Stephanie Gilmore, PhD
Interim Editor (July 1, 2014 – July 1, 2015), The Oral History Review
Email: shgilmore1@gmail.com
www.stephaniegilmorephd.com

Note: Readers will see the contact person for this special issue is the
newest member of the Oral History Review’s editorial team, Stephanie
Gilmore, who will be interim editor while Kathy Nasstrom is on
sabbatical. Consider this a “soft” announcement of her joining us. We’ll
laud Stephanie’s arrival more formally later this spring. Troy