The LGBTQ Legacy Project Essay Contest

“Coming out is the most political thing you can do.”

-Harvey Milk

The LGBTQ Legacy Project at East Carolina University

Our stories are our history, each one a reflection of a life lived and a journey unique to each person. The lives of generations of people in the LGBTQ community have gone unrecorded due to homophobia, transphobia, fear, prejudice, and, sadly, shame.

The LGBTQ Legacy Project is an effort to capture our stories for future generations who might someday want to know about the lives of our students in the early part of the 21st century. The Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center announces the Fall 2023 essay contest around the theme of coming out.

We welcome submissions of personal essays (1000 to 1500 words in length) that tell a story of the coming out experience. Stories might focus on coming out to parents or family members, coming out to allies/friends, coming out on campus to roommates, friends, or teachers – or any important moment in your coming out process, including coming out to and getting comfortable with yourself. Stories might also reflect the experience of an ally who was there for a friend or family member who came out to them.

Submissions must be double spaced with one-inch margins. Open to all currently enrolled ECU undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing. The deadline to submit is Friday, October 20, 2023.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1st place $500
2nd place $300
3rd place $200