By: T. Felder
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 04/22/26
As The Outwords Archive approaches its 10-year anniversary, the organization finds itself at a powerful crossroads—honoring its past while stepping boldly into the future.
In a recent conversation, founding Executive Director Mason Funk and incoming Executive Director Beth Shipp reflected on the organization’s journey, its evolving leadership, and the urgency of preserving LGBTQ+ history in today’s climate.
A Decade of Storytelling—and a Moment of Transition
Mason Funk
After nearly ten years of building OUTWORDS into a nationally recognized archive of LGBTQ+ oral histories, Funk is stepping down, passing leadership to Shipp—a transition both leaders describe as intentional and timely.
For Funk, the decision comes with deep reflection.
He described building OUTWORDS as “the journey of a lifetime,” emphasizing that the organization has reached a point where new leadership can expand its reach and deepen its impact.
Shipp steps into the role with an extensive background in social justice leadership, bringing a forward-focused vision while honoring the foundation already laid.
“There’s something incredibly meaningful about stepping into an organization that has already done such powerful work,” Shipp shared, noting her commitment to amplifying and evolving OUTWORDS’ mission for the next generation.
How OUTWORDS Began
OUTWORDS was founded in 2016 with a clear and urgent purpose: to document and preserve the stories of LGBTQ+ elders—many of whom lived through pivotal moments in American history that are often underrepresented or misunderstood.
Funk explained that the organization was born out of a recognition that these stories were at risk of being lost.
From its earliest days, OUTWORDS set out to create a living archive—one that not only preserves history but also makes it accessible and relevant to future generations.
Today, that vision has grown into hundreds of filmed interviews across the country, capturing voices that might otherwise have gone unheard.
Selecting the Voices That Shape History
A key part of OUTWORDS’ work lies in deciding whose stories to tell.
Rather than focusing solely on high-profile figures, the organization prioritizes a diverse range of lived experiences—seeking out individuals whose personal histories reflect the breadth and depth of the LGBTQ+ community.
The goal, as both Funk and Shipp emphasized, is not just representation—but authenticity.
By capturing stories from different regions, backgrounds, and life experiences, OUTWORDS creates a fuller, more nuanced picture of LGBTQ+ history in America.
Storytelling in a Challenging Political Climate
The conversation also turned to the current political landscape, where debates around LGBTQ+ rights and representation continue to intensify.
Both leaders acknowledged that this environment has only heightened the urgency of OUTWORDS’ work.
At a time when misinformation and cultural narratives are being contested, preserving firsthand accounts becomes more than documentation—it becomes a form of cultural truth-telling.
“These stories remind people that LGBTQ+ identities are not new,” the conversation emphasized. “They’ve always been here.”
By elevating voices from earlier generations, OUTWORDS provides context, history, and perspective that challenge misconceptions and foster deeper understanding.
Bridging Generations Through Social Media
While OUTWORDS is rooted in historical preservation, its approach is anything but outdated.
Social media has become a powerful tool in connecting younger audiences with the stories of LGBTQ+ elders—bridging generational gaps in ways that were once unimaginable.
Shipp highlighted the importance of meeting audiences where they are, using digital platforms to make these narratives more accessible, engaging, and shareable.
Through this approach, OUTWORDS not only preserves history—it actively brings it into contemporary conversations.
Looking Ahead
As OUTWORDS enters its next chapter under new leadership, both Funk and Shipp share a unified vision: to continue elevating voices, expanding reach, and ensuring that these stories remain a vital part of the cultural landscape.
With a decade of impact behind it and a renewed sense of purpose ahead, OUTWORDS stands as a powerful reminder that history is not just something we study—it’s something we carry forward.
Follow & Learn More
Explore the archive and learn more about OUTWORDS at their official website.
