The podcast explores stories of LGBTQ history makers, including a pioneer challenging discriminatory laws, individuals working towards liberation, and the freedom and experimentation of being gay.
Craig Rodwell challenged New York State's laws and organized the first Christopher Street Liberation Day march.
Revered Carolyn Mobley-Booey faced discrimination in a segregated South and emphasizes the pervasiveness of racism.
Fagalaben Miriam brought activism outside traditional LGBTQ communities, highlighting intersecting struggles and the personal as political.
Deep dives
Craig Rodwell: A Headstrong Teenager's Radicalization
In this episode, we meet Craig Rodwell, an LGBTQ rights pioneer, who made his mark in challenging New York State's laws and organizing the first Christopher Street Liberation Day march. The podcast recounts a pivotal moment in Craig's life as a headstrong teenager when he was confronted by the Chicago police. He recounts the experience of being questioned about his age and the presence of another man, knowing that this assault on his freedom was also an assault on the freedom of LGBTQ individuals.
The Journey of Reverend Carolyn Mobley-Booey
Reverend Carolyn Mobley-Booey, a black lesbian of faith, shares her journey of facing discrimination and striving for acceptance in a segregated South. The podcast recounts her experience as a young girl traveling on a Greyhound bus with her cousin, only to be confronted with racist treatment in a bus station waiting room. She vividly recounts the moment when she and her cousin realized they were in the segregated "colored waiting room," a stark reminder of the pervasive racism of the time.
The Personal is Political: The Activism of Fagalaben Miriam
This episode introduces Fagalaben Miriam, a soft-spoken radical who brought his activism outside of traditional LGBTQ communities. He embraced the idea of the personal as political and experimented with gender expression, including wearing dresses. This experience allowed him to gain insight into the vulnerability faced by women. Fagalaben emphasizes the importance of addressing various intersecting struggles and viewing LGBTQ equality as part of a larger progressive movement.
Ervin's College Years: Exploring Identity at Vassar
The podcast features Ervin Vad, an influential activist who highlighted the interconnectedness of LGBTQ equality with other progressive causes. Ervin reflects on his time in college, specifically at Vassar, where he was exposed to diverse experiences and explored his own identity through dating both men and women. He highlights the unique environment of Vassar College and the freedom for self-discovery it provided for its students.
Making Gay History Season 11: New Episodes and Exclusive Content
The podcast announces the upcoming release of Season 11, featuring six new episodes filled with captivating stories of faith, redemption, family, scandal, radicalization, and liberation. The host, Eric Marcus, teases the first episode on Craig Rodwell and invites listeners to subscribe and not miss a single episode. Additionally, the podcast introduces a new Patreon page with exclusive bonus content available for subscribers.
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Season 11 Preview: Stories of Faith, Redemption, and Radicalization
We’re back with more engaging voices from Eric Marcus’s MGH archive! Meet six history makers as they share stories of faith and redemption, of family, of scandal, and of radicalization and liberation.
