Queer history survives because someone chooses to save it.
A Very Oral History explores how magazines, music, films, photographs, and personal archives shaped generations of queer life—and how a new generation is working to preserve those stories before they disappear.
Help Carry it Forward
Much of queer history was never preserved by traditional institutions. It survived because individuals held onto magazines, records, photographs, films, flyers, and personal collections that others might have discarded.
As the generation most impacted by the AIDS crisis continues to age, stories, artifacts, and cultural memory are being lost. A Very Oral History documents not only what survives, but the people working to ensure it survives for future generations.
Why We Are Making This Film
What Your Support Makes Possible
Interviews & Production
Recording oral histories, filming preservationists, and documenting archives.
Archival Preservation
Digitizing materials, researching collections, and preserving fragile cultural artifacts.
Music & Media Licensing
Securing rights to historically significant recordings, photographs, and films.
Post-Production
Editing, sound design, color, motion graphics, and final delivery.
We welcome:
Introductions to funders and donors
Archival leads and collections
Community partnerships
Historical materials and research
Festival and exhibition opportunities
Other Ways to Help
Fiscal Sponsorship
A Very Oral History is fiscally sponsored by Film Independent. Donations are processed through Film Independent's nonprofit fiscal sponsorship program and may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Preservation is an act of love.
Thank you for helping ensure these stories endure for future generations.