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Guidelines for Developing History Day Projects
Guidelines for Developing History Day Projects
This guide will help you research and create culturally sensitive projects that include the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals. Be respectful when representing these voices and histories in your project. Below we’ve listed general guidelines for all categories, as well as guidelines for specific history day categories (such as performances).
Guidelines for All Categories
Guidelines for All Categories
As you begin to do research, develop your historical argument, and create your project, be sure all voices and viewpoints are present. Below are a few guidelines for all categories to help you meaningfully include the voices of LGBTQ+ people into your project.
1. Ask Open-Ended Research Questions: By establishing a research question that is open-ended and allows for historical nuance, you can make sure your research is meaningful and valuable. Avoid research questions that have “yes or no” answers, such as “was there discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in the 1980s?” Rather, ask questions like, “what was the nature of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in the 1980s?” This more open-ended question allows for your examination of the sources and your subsequent analysis to capture the complex nature of discrimination during this time period.
2. Consider Biases: Due to the complex history of research within the LGBTQ+ community, it's essential to consider the intent and biases of the primary and secondary sources you plan to utilize. Consider what ways discriminatory attitudes could show up in the sources, and be mindful of separating your own analysis from the biases of the sources you utilize, especially if they were not produced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
3. Research Relevant Issues & Appropriate Language: Take time to research and understand the language and issues relevant to your research as your begin your project. The LGBTQ+ community has faced discrimination throughout history and continue to do so. Knowing some of this history that relates to your topic will allow you to be a better researcher and historian. For more information on appropriate terminology, see the section below.
a. For example, if you're planning to research history that relates to the transgender community, it's important to understand the identities and the challenges trans folks face. Learn about different gender identities, the problems trans people encounter (like discrimination and healthcare issues) and use inclusive language in your research.
4. Use LGBTQ+ Voices in a Big Way: Make sure that you do not include LGBTQ+ voices in a shallow way. Personal experiences are unique and valuable, so it’s important to seek out sources that were produced by members of the LGBTQ+ community in addition to those that may not be. No researcher can speak for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Researchers should also think about their own identity and how it affects their work. They should be aware of their own assumptions and biases and be willing to challenge them when studying gender and sexual minority topics.
a. When sharing your discoveries, researchers and evaluators should try to let LGBTQ+ participants speak for themselves instead of speaking for them. This means being extra careful when reporting your findings. Researchers should make sure not to accidentally spread stereotypes or stigma, and should be ready to challenge any misunderstandings about their results.
i. For example, if you're planning to research the transgender community, it's important to understand their identities and the challenges they face. Learn about different gender identities, the problems trans people encounter (like discrimination and healthcare issues) and use inclusive language in your research.
Further Reading
LGBT Foundation Guide to Ethical Research Practice
The Problem of Othering: Towards Inclusiveness and Belonging - Othering and Belonging
Susan Ferentinos. Interpreting LGBTQ+ History at Museums and Historic Sites, Washington D.C.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2014.
Appropriate Terminology: Making Inferences
Appropriate Terminology: Making Inferences
Identity is a tricky and personal thing. It is best to define a person in the way that they define themselves, past or present. But LGBTQ+ history can present some challenges. Many historical figures have had their identities left out of the historic record. LGBTQ+ ancestors did not conceptualize of gender and sexuality in the same way as we do, or with the same words we use today. But we have to use words we understand to write about them.
Here are some ways to make inferences in a respectful and informed way:
Tell us what evidence led to your decision to assign this identity. Is it from the individual's actions? Their relationship status? The way they wrote about themselves?
Use clarifying language. You may consider including sentences that honor a historic figure's agency, such as "[Name] did not identify themselves as [identity] in any available primary source records, but based on [your evidence] I believe that we would assign the term [identity] to this person today." Be clear if this identity is being expressed with a word that came into popular use after the person died.
Once you offer your explanation, it's fair to proceed with the assumption that your inference is correct. Repeated explanation might give the impression that assigning someone an LGBTQ+ identity is a poor mark on their record.
Write about a person using the name and pronouns they used for themselves at the end of their life.
If you are working with a figure whom you believe held an identity that is not your own, we highly suggest consulting with someone who does hold that identity.
Further reading:
Interpreting LGBT History at Museums and Historic Sites by Susan Ferentinos
"Queer Possibility" by Margaret Middleton
Special thanks to LGBTQ+ History Research at the Archives & Library of the Ohio History Connection for providing this research tip.
Additional Guidelines for Performance Category
Additional Guidelines for Performance Category
The performance category has unique challenges when showing the viewpoints of people who were dismissed in the past, such as LGBTQ+ people. Performances portraying LGBTQ+ characters were once used to spread stereotypes or harmful ideas. Below are a few tips to help you represent historical characters respectfully. For more guidance, check out the 2021 “Performing Perspectives: Who Tells Your Story?” webinar from National History Day.
1. Representing LGBTQ+ Characters: You should not feel like you cannot include LGBTQ+ perspectives in your performance if you do not share the same identity as the key players in your script. Instead, think about how you perform these voices and avoid harmful stereotypes. Get creative! Think about playing a “reactionary response” character (someone or something that can tell the story). Examples include:
a. A reporter sharing news about the topic
b. A bystander who saw or engaged with the topic
c. An animal or inanimate object (family antique, building, etc.) that lived through the topic & can speak across time
Remember, it is not enough to barely include LGBTQ+ involvement in your topic. Do your research and add their viewpoints, opinions, and experiences in a way that honors their history.
2. Writing your Script: Never include insulting slurs or stereotypical language when writing your script, even if you find them in your primary sources.
a. Character Conversation: Performances help bring out people’s stories by including their feelings and emotions. You can use a performance to talk through conflicting sources or perspectives. Just remember to be aware of the words you use.
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