In a pioneering move, Cooper Joslin, a renowned D.C. web developer and multimedia artist, recently announced the inception of the D.C. Transgender Oral History Project. This initiative is dedicated to documenting and sharing the personal narratives of local transgender individuals.
Identifying as nonbinary, Joslin has partnered with Humanities D.C., a grant-making organization associated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. The project will also collaborate with the D.C. Oral History Collaborative to ensure comprehensive, in-person and virtual interviews with local trans residents.
A Platform to Share and Learn
The recorded narratives are set to be archived at the D.C. Public Library and featured on the DC Trans Guide website. The site will not only host these valuable oral histories but also provide resources for name changes, accessing gender-affirming care, and locating support groups in the area.
This initiative follows in the footsteps of the D.C. Rainbow History Project, which received a $15,000 government grant for a similar endeavor – the Trans History Initiative – six months prior.
Preserving the Past, Building the Future
The Rainbow History Project aims to strengthen its ties with the Trans community by honoring and preserving the rich history and cultural contributions of Washington-area trans communities. Vincent Slatt, the organization’s director of archiving, expressed his support for Joslin’s project, emphasizing that in the realm of history collection, there’s room for all.
In an open invitation to the local transgender community, Joslin has made it clear that anyone interested in contributing their personal narrative to the D.C. Transgender Oral History Project can apply through an online form. As this groundbreaking initiative takes flight, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, reaffirming the importance of inclusivity and representation in our collective history.