Introduction
This initiative aims to honour the overlooked heroes of LGBTQ+ history and emphasize the importance of preserving this valuable legacy. Our goal is to develop an understanding of our organization’s mission, engage with stakeholders, and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ history. There are many people whose contributions often go unnoticed. This campaign won’t just help newer generations find comfort in their history or researchers learn more, but it will also give the knowledge keepers the recognition they deserve.
Audience
Our main target audience comprises LGBTQ+ individuals residing in British Columbia, historians, educators, activists, and other community members interested in LGBTQ+ matters. Additionally, we seek to engage with media outlets, policymakers, and potential donors who can contribute to our cause.
Spokespeople
Key spokespeople for our campaign include Ron Dutton, founder of the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives, and Magnus Berg, archivist at the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI), University of the Fraser Valley. They were chosen as representatives due to their contributions to preserving LGBTQ+ history and their personal experiences that bring credibility to the project. Dutton’s involvement in LGBTQ+ history and work as an archivist offer valuable insights into the difficulties of safeguarding this cultural legacy. Berg’s personal testimony about the impact of accessing LGBTQ+ history on their own sense of identity and belonging adds a powerful and relatable dimension, resonating with individuals who may have similar experiences.
Research
To effectively engage our audience, we will conduct audience analysis to comprehend their interests, preferences, and issues related to LGBTQ+ history and archival efforts. We will use online surveys, social media data, and feedback from our website to gather information. This will help to identify popular content, user behaviour patterns, and opportunities for improvement. By doing so, we aim to enhance the user experience significantly and boost engagement while adjusting our communication tactics accordingly. We will also monitor traditional and digital media outlets for coverage of LGBTQ+ history, archival initiatives, and related topics. Track mentions, themes, and sentiment to identify opportunities for media outreach, content amplification, and engagement with journalists or influencers covering relevant stories.
Content
Our online media campaign will feature a variety of content aimed at educating, inspiring, and mobilizing our audience:
1. Feature Stories: Personal narratives from Ron Dutton, Magnus Berg, and other individuals involved in LGBTQ+ history preservation.
2. Educational Resources: Articles, blog posts, and videos highlighting key moments and figures in LGBTQ+ history, as well as the importance of archival efforts.
3. Virtual Tours: Interactive tours of the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives, showcasing its collections and the stories they contain.
4. Social Media Strategy: Compelling and interactive content on social media platforms, such as inspirational quotes, visually appealing infographics, and content created by users to initiate discussions and promote understanding.
5. Online Events: Interactive panel talks, webinars, and engaging Q&A sessions featuring experts and community representatives discussing LGBTQ+ history and best practices for preserving historical records.
Calendar
After introducing the campaign goals and objectives across social media platforms, we will release feature stories and educational resources highlighting Ron Dutton’s and Magnus Berg’s contributions to LGBTQ+ archives. This will encourage dialogue and storytelling around LGBTQ+ history.
After the initial phase, we will host biweekly virtual tours of the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives for interested stakeholders. Monthly live events, including panel discussions and Q&A sessions, on relevant topics with a call to action for donations and volunteer opportunities to support archival efforts.
Conclusion
Through our campaign, we seek to promote the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals, pay tribute to the unsung heroes of LGBTQ+ history, and encourage efforts to protect this important legacy. Although their names may not carry as much recognition as those leading the movements, their contributions are immensely valuable. Without their hard work, the stories and challenges of LGBTQ+ individuals could risk being forgotten.
We hope these content and discussions bring our audience closer to us to grow awareness of LGBTQ+ history, preserve our heritage, and shape our collective identity.