Its purpose is to “collect, preserve, and promote an active knowledge of the history, arts, and culture of metropolitan Washington DC's diverse LGBTQ+ communities.”[1] RHP's various activities include collecting oral histories, providing walking tours, hosting panel presentations, gathering archival materials, recognizing community pioneers, and research assistance.
Since its very inception, RHP has recorded narratives about life in the LGBTQ communities of the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
[12] In 2003, the Rainbow History Project established the Community Pioneer Award to provide special recognition to individuals for their pioneering work in helping to create the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities of metropolitan Washington, D.C.[13] Awards receptions are held every few years, when a new class is recognized.
[14] In 2012, 14 pioneers were recognized, and the chair of RHP, Chuck Goldfarb, stated, ”If we’re not out there defining our community and history, there's always a danger of someone else defining it for us.” [15] On May 14, 2015, at the Thurgood Marshall Center a dozen pioneers were recognized, including LGBTQ ally Annie Kaylor from Annie's Paramount Steakhouse fame.
[16] Due to coronavirus pandemic conditions, the Community Pioneers reception was postponed until late 2021 and held virtually.
Founded by Bruce Pennington and others from the Stonewall Nation Media Collective, it was one of the first and longest-running programs aimed at an LGBTQ audience.
[18] In addition to news and community announcements, it included stories of people coming out, such as NFL football player Dave Kopay, and National LGBTQ Task Force founding director Bruce Voeller.