Making Gay History | LGBTQ Oral Histories from the Archive

Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth and Dr. Ilan H. Meyer discuss the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, the pathologization of trans people, and the barriers to accessing safe and informed care. They explore the historical stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ mental health and highlight the impact of societal pressures. The chapter on Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld delves into his groundbreaking work and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The podcast also addresses the insurance problems faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing healthcare.

Explore the history of how homosexuality was defined as a mental disorder and the battle for gay liberation. Learn about the groundbreaking research by Dr. Evelyn Hooker that debunked the notion of gay men being mentally ill. Discover how the gay rights movement fought against the diagnosis and the role of enlightened psychiatrists in overturning the classification. Reflect on the legacy of the sickness label and the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.

Eric Marcus, an archivist, discusses the impact of psychiatrists diagnosing homosexuality as a mental illness in the 1950s. The podcast explores the dangers of this label, the role of psychiatric pseudoscience, and firsthand accounts of gay men and lesbians subjected to therapies aiming to 'cure' their homosexuality. It highlights the oppression faced by LGBTQ people and the ongoing fight to dismantle the sickness label.

The podcast discusses the formation of the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights, protests against Anita Bryant, and the decision to march on Washington in the 1970s. It explores the aftermath of Harvey Milk's assassination and the riots in San Francisco, as well as the unity and community in the LGBTQ rights movement. The narrator shares an encounter during Pride weekend and updates on the life and tragic end of a friend named Jim.

Eric gets an A on his freshman sociology paper, “Marginal Man: The Alcoholic and the Homosexual.” But his sunny predictions for the future of the gay rights movement are met with skepticism from his professor. Mere weeks later, Anita Bryant launches her anti-gay “Save Our Children” campaign.Visit our episode webpage for additional resources, archival photos, and a transcript of the episode.For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our Patreon community.——— To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast explores the hurdles faced by gay rights activists in NYC during the 1970s, including the rejection of anti-discrimination legislation and the clash between gay liberation and bigotry. It also delves into personal experiences of coming of age as a gay individual, the impact of literature on understanding identity, and the struggle for acceptance in society.

Learn about the inspiring story of Jeanne Manford, who cofounded PFLAG after her gay son was beaten in a protest. Explore the challenges faced by gay kids in the 1970s and the lack of support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Discover the dangers of being outed by a psychiatrist without consent. Uncover the determination of Morty and others to protest bias and violence. Understand the importance of parental support for LGBTQ children during the 1970s. Reflect on the progress made by PFLAG at their anniversary gala while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

While activists are demonstrating, filing lawsuits, and pushing for anti-discrimination laws, 16-year-old Eric is on a ferry to Fire Island, a legendary gay refuge off Long Island, with his neighbor Rev. Mullen—a trip that would introduce him to a vivid slice of mid-1970s gay life, ready or not.Visit our episode webpage for additional resources, archival photos, and a transcript of the episode.For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our Patreon community.——— To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast explores the surge of energy and activism in the American LGBTQ community during the 1970s, highlighting events like the Stonewall Uprising. It discusses the emergence of alternative safe spaces, the fight for gay rights, and the importance of coalition and alliances among oppressed groups.

The decade between Stonewall and the 1979 March on Washington lives in the shadow of the AIDS crisis and all that came after. In this six-part season, Eric Marcus explores the heady years of gay liberation and the backlash that followed against the backdrop of his own coming of age as a gay teen.——— To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices