Why is this important?

We started this project because we believe in the power of personal stories to change and inspire. One of our deepest impressions from speaking with LGBT people around the world is just how isolated many of these individuals feel. 

“I thought I was the only person like this in my country.” 
“If you live where I live, buy information pills your only option is to stay in the closet.”
“Being ‘gay’ is a western invention. You can’t be gay where I’m from.”

For many gay people in the developing world, order these are the only stories they have heard their entire lives. But when we begin to tell different stories – stories of hope, stories of survival, and stories of the growing global movement for equality – anything becomes possible. 

So many of the leaders we interviewed began their activism after witnessing the stories of other LGBT people who have managed to celebrate who they are rather than hide from it. Especially powerful is when the stories come from people of  similar ethnicities and regions. 

What you can do: 

Everyone has a story, and we want to hear yours. Out and Around is a website and film project dedicated to telling the stories of LGBT people around the world. If you are interested in being a part of this project, we are looking for story submissions. Your story could be featured on our website, email distribution, and social networks.

Guidelines:

Article length between 500-700 words
Focus of story should be about your experience and perspective on LGBT life in your part of the world
The best stories are the most personal ones
Feel free to be as anonymous or as public as you feel comfortable
Photos encouraged

How to share your story:

Email your story and any supporting materials to jenniandlisa@outandaround.com.

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