Why Queer Stories Matter in Nonprofit Storytelling
By Stephen Jiwanmall (he/him)
Dear nonprofits,
Just like RuPaul is a queen in both Queer and non-Queer spaces, our stories matter as unique and special, as well as part of mainstream and everyday ones.
At times in my career as a journalist, PR director, and educator, I’ve sometimes struggled to understand why people put “Queer stories” in boxes – as if they aren’t as valid as non-Queer ones. Perhaps it’s to distinguish what makes our stories different, but in all honesty, doing so only separates from the stories that most nonprofits seem to tell on the regular.
It’s time to recognize that Queer stories are nonprofit stories that are both specific to our communities and yet relatable to anyone at the same time.
We’ve come to expect (and cringe) at the rainbow washing that comes without fail every June. News outlets, businesses, and content creators suddenly feel compelled to feature our communities (both accurately and not) during those 30 days of the year. I’ve pushed back on this in newsrooms, and the increased visibility of LGBTQIA+ folks and issues warrants a change, too. Still, people are understandably oversaturated with Queer stories in June, as if we only exist in that month. We’re Queer ALL year, honey. Spread the love, please and thank you.
Whether or not nonprofits have Queer employees shouldn’t determine their engagement in telling Queer stories. Just because a nonprofit currently doesn’t have a Queer presence doesn’t mean that it will stay that way. Organizations change regularly, and it’s naive to assume that Queerness is not part of your own.
So, what do Queer stories look like? How do you keep them from being stereotypical and predictable? First, see what’s out there – and analyze whether they’re examples to follow or avoid. You want to steer clear of something problematic, and you may want to ask LGBTQIA+ folks for their honest opinions on what you’re reading and watching about their communities.
Brush up on the language that our communities use and prefer. Visually familiarize yourself with colors that matter to us. Make sure a Queer person reviews anything you plan to put out! Being tone-deaf hurts all of us.
Much (if not all) of the anti-trans rhetoric coming from Washington stems from irrational fear and ignorance of trans identities. The increased attacks on our trans loved ones heightens public concern for no reason. We can (and must) fight back through the stories we tell. I hate to say this as a journalist, but we cannot depend on news outlets to do that for us.
Sharing affirming, accurate stories about Queer people and issues goes a long way to helping people unlearn the garbage they’ve consumed about LGBTQIA+ communities. Visibility matters, so having those stories feature Queer voices makes a much stronger impact than others. Elevate Queer voices, and help demystify who we are and what matters to us.
To be clear, there’s a difference between performative allyship and meaningful advocacy. Tokenizing Queer people has historically been the solution for addressing LGBTQI+ issues. The storytelling can’t be surface-level. This isn’t a “check the box” matter. When you tell our stories, you must go beyond the stereotypes. Not every story is a sad or rags-to-riches one. There’s Queer joy and success everywhere!
Yes, rely on solid data, but TALK TO US, TOO. When Queer stories are told by non-Queer people, there’s already a disconnect. If your organization doesn’t have the pleasure of having a Queer voice, it’s a good idea to have the organization speak as a whole, which actually may come across as stronger altogether. Company statements represent the entire organization and imply full support from within. Then again, be sure to run them by people in our communities to vet the authenticity and honesty of those remarks.
In my experience, Queer stories have inspired readers and listeners across party lines, generations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Don’t assume that your audiences won’t understand these stories. Our stories may not resonate entirely with everyone, and that’s okay! The education that comes with Queer storytelling allows audiences to deepen their knowledge, respect new perspectives, and make more connections with our communities.
My hope is that nonprofits weave Queer stories into their messaging so seamlessly that we no longer need to refer to them as “Queer stories.” They’re just stories, y’all. Fabulous stories. And you need to tell them.
Sincerely,
Queers
About the Contributor: Stephen Jiwanmall (he/him)
Stephen Jiwanmall is the communications manager at the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network and previously served as the Director of Communications and Marketing at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He is also an assistant professor of communication at La Salle University in Philadelphia, after a decade in journalism and public relations. Follow Stephen on Instagram @stepheng1mall
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