Queer Press
Freedom of Information Act
Our FOIA Requestor Tool generates a FOIA request to your intended recipient for the information requested
The FOIA, enacted in 1966, allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government. It's a way for citizens, journalists, and researchers to obtain information that is essential for public knowledge and accountability.
The FOIA applies to federal agencies, but it does not cover the legislative or judicial branches of government, nor does it apply to state or local governments. Each state has its own public records laws.
You can request various types of records under FOIA, including emails, reports, memos, and data. However, there are exemptions that protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement.
To file a FOIA request, identify the appropriate federal agency that likely holds the information. Write a clear, specific request for the records you seek. While agencies are required to release records upon request, they may charge a fee for search and duplication.
As a digital contributor for Queer Press, using FOIA can help uncover crucial information about LGBTQ+ issues that may be held by government agencies. This could include data on discrimination cases, health studies, or policies affecting the queer community.
If the information requested contributes significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester, FOIA fees can be waived.
Agencies typically are required to respond within 20 business days, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the request and any backlog in the agency.
If your request is denied or you believe that not all relevant information has been provided, you have the right to appeal the decision within the agency.
For Queer Press digital contributors, FOIA requests can be an essential tool for investigative journalism, providing a legal pathway to access important government-held information that can shed light on issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is a powerful tool that digital contributors of Queer Press can use to access information from federal government agencies.
Contact foia@queerpress.org for questions or additional information.
FOIA Requestor Tool
Our tool will automatically generate your FOIA request to your intended recipient
