LGBTQ Legacy Project: Submit your writing, win a monetary prize

The LGBTQ Legacy Project at East Carolina University

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”

— Steve Maraboli

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 Spring 2020 essay contest around the theme of mentors or role models.

We welcome submissions of personal essays (1000 to 1500 words in length) that tell of a mentor or role model who has impacted your LGBTQ or Ally development. Stories might focus on family, teachers, community members, public figures, or any important person who has positively influenced your journey to self-acceptance and self-love. Essays might also reflect the experience of someone who believed in your strengths at a time when it was difficult for you to see them in yourself.

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, April 3, 2020. Visit https://ecu.academicworks.com for more information or to submit an essay.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

First prize $500

Second prize $300

Third prize $200