Lesbian Mapping Project: Charlotte
Context
An extension of my MFA research, this project adapts the Lesbian Mapping Project—originally developed by Dyke+Arthaus in Philadelphia—for Charlotte. It collects and maps personal stories tied to specific locations, documenting queer experiences across the city.
Problem
Queer histories and everyday experiences—especially those of lesbian and sapphic communities—are often under documented, informal, or invisible within the public record and physical landscape of southern USA cities.
Goal
Create a community-driven map that captures and visualizes personal queer narratives in Charlotte, making these experiences visible, accessible, and tied to place.
Approach
Led outreach, data collection, and spatial storytelling to translate community input into a mapped visual system.
Designed and distributed a public submission form
Promoted participation through social media, flyers, and in-person outreach at local events
Collected and organized anonymous community responses
Mapped stories to specific Charlotte locations
Translated qualitative data into a clear, visual geographic system
