Making Gay History | LGBTQ Oral Histories from the Archive

What made Stonewall different? How can we carry the lessons of the uprising with us today? Eric is joined by one archivist and four activists to answer those questions in an intergenerational conversation recorded at the Stonewall Inn on May 23, 2019.First aired June 27, 2019. Visit MGH’s episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources, as well as the episode’s transcript.  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 aftermath of the Stonewall uprising, the formation of LGBTQ organizations and protests, the creation of the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee, the early meetings and formation of the GAA, and the impact of Stonewall on the rise of LGBTQ organizations.

Marsha P. Johnson, a key figure in the Stonewall uprising, and Randy Wicker discuss the moments leading up to the riot and the tense atmosphere at Washington Square bar. The aftermath of the raid is explored along with encounters of violence. Joining the crowd, taking a stand, and escalating protests are recounted. The podcast also focuses on the significance of the riot and the Christopher Street Liberation Day march in preserving Stonewall's history.

Conflict has context. In this first episode of Making Gay History’s Stonewall season, we hear stories from the pre-Stonewall struggle for LGBTQ rights. We travel back in time to the turbulent 1960s and take you to the tinderbox that was Greenwich Village on the eve of an uprising.First aired June 6, 2019. Visit MGH’s episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources, as well as the episode’s transcript.  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

Michelle Lopez, an undocumented immigrant from Trinidad, shares her journey of testing positive for HIV in 1990 and using her diagnosis to help others. She discusses her childhood in Trinidad, her involvement in the LGBTQ+ community in New York City, and her determination to stay alive for her children. Michelle also highlights her advocacy work and commitment to HIV awareness and care.

Listen to Peter Staley, a seminal member of ACT UP, as he discusses the sex-positive activism of the group during the AIDS epidemic, breakthroughs in HIV treatment, the shift in LGBTQ activism, and challenges in developing an HIV vaccine.

Veteran journalist and natural activist Ann Northrop discusses her dramatic ACT UP arrest, work as an AIDS education advocate, blue-blooded upbringing, and the lure of Angie Dickinson. She shares her experiences as an openly gay person at work and her involvement in challenging the neglect and indifference towards people with HIV. The podcast also covers the controversial protest at St. Patrick's Cathedral and the chaotic scene that ensued, as well as Northrop's ongoing dedication to activism and fighting for equal rights.

Randy Boyd, a gay, HIV-positive writer, challenges stereotypes about Black people, gay people, and people living with HIV. He discusses his journey of self-discovery as a gay man, his encounters with conversations about homosexuality, and coming to terms with his identity. Boyd also shares his experience of finding out he was HIV positive, dealing with stigma, and making life-altering changes. He recounts a life-changing encounter with Harry Hay and explores his literary contributions.

Sara Boesser, an activist during the AIDS epidemic in Alaska, shares her experiences with LGBTQ organizations and her work for equal rights. She discusses discovering her identity as a gay person in high school and the limited access to LGBTQ+ news in Juneau. The positive impact of AIDS on gay rights and the importance of subduing issues within organizations are also explored. Lastly, the chapter highlights Sarah's impact, involvement in LGBTQ organizations, and retirement in New Mexico.

Dr. Ronald Grossman, an expert on the AIDS disease, shares his experiences treating patients during the early years of the epidemic. He discusses the emotional toll, challenges in persuading patients, controversies surrounding AZT, and the severity of the disease. Dr. Grossman's journey as a doctor serving the LGBTQ community is also explored.