Interviews - I See My Light Shining

Interviews

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Oral history interviews are firsthand testimonies of people’s experiences of history. These interviews invite narrators (interviewees) to talk about their own histories, giving unparalleled insights into life decisions, actions, and experiences that may not already be part of the public record.

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    Tupili Lea Arellano

    Indigenous elder, queer activist, artist, and longtime social justice advocate

    Tucson, AZ

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Tupili Lea Arellano

    Arellano reflects on her journey from Tucson to the Bay Area, discussing her early activism, sobriety, engagement with Indigenous and queer communities, artistry, gender fluidity, and the life-saving role of LGBTQ+ spaces.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Tucson, AZ

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    Ada Bello

    Activist, founder of Philadelpha Daughters of Bilitis chapter

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Ada Bello

    Bello reminisces about her early life in Cuba, moving to the US for education, and navigating life as a gay Cuban immigrant. She also discusses her activism and experiences co-editing the Daughters of Bilitis newsletter.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    Joan Benoit

    Indigenous activist, community organizer, and Pride Grand Marshall

    Oakland, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Joan Benoit

    Benoit shares her experiences as an Anishinaabek Ojibwe woman, activist, and mother, discussing identity, Indigenous rights, community and LGBTQ+ activism, and her visions for future liberation and care inspired by her ancestors.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Oakland, CA

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    Ruth Boirie

    Brooklyn barber shop owner and LGBTQ+ advocate

    Brooklyn, NY

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Ruth Boirie

    Drawing from her life experiences in Brooklyn, Boirie shares her journey as a pioneering gay barber, reflecting on opening her own shop, creating sanctuary, and the importance of community, mentorship, and staying true to oneself.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Brooklyn, NY

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    # Black Church

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    Nicky Calma

    AIDS/HIV advocate, trans rights activist, and community leader

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Nicky Calma

    Calma charts her path from the Philippines to San Francisco, reflecting on transgender identity, familial challenges, navigating life in the US, her activism, struggles with substances, and HIV's personal and community impacts.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Billie Cooper

    Black trans activist, veteran, and San Francisco community leader

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Billie Cooper

    Cooper shares her journey as a Black transgender woman, from her childhood in Philadelphia to her activism and advocacy in San Francisco, discussing military service, addiction, HIV, community leadership, and mentorship.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Gwenn Craig

    Civil rights activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights

    Daly City, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Gwenn Craig

    An African American lesbian activist, Craig reflects on growing up in the segregated South, her move to San Francisco, mentorship by Harvey Milk, leading a historic media campaign, embracing identity, and her ongoing advocacy.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Daly City, CA

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    Kai Davis

    Fire Department Chief, community director, and queer space preservationist

    New York, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Kai Davis

    Davis delves into the vibrant history and evolution of Cherry Grove, Fire Island, sharing their insights into intergenerational queer support, community, systemic racism, and their personal journey with gender affirmation.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York, NY

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    Ceyenne Doroshow

    Trans rights activist, author, and founder of G.L.I.T.S.

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Ceyenne Doroshow

    Doroshaw reflects on her survival journey from homelessness and sex work to becoming a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as her transformative experiences at Riis Beach, community organizing, and visions for the future.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    Ana Fernandez

    Latina lesbian advocate and medical care director

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Ana Fernandez

    Fernandez shares her journey from a childhood marked by a close connection to land in Cuba, to facing repression, to her escape via the Mariel boatlift. She discusses building a new life in the US, her identity, and her family.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    StormMiguel Florez

    Transgender trailblazer, musician, and documentary filmmaker

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    StormMiguel Florez

    Florez discusses discovering his queer, trans, and Latino identities, grappling with his relationship with his body and community, BDSM, drag, music, and performance art, while underscoring the importance of growth and respect.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Sharyn Grayson

    Longtime trans rights activist and TGI Justice Project leader

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Sharyn Grayson

    As a Black trans woman, Grayson reflects on her life, emphasizing the resilience and strength she honed from her upbringing. She discusses self-identity, activism for trans rights and health equity, and the power of chosen family.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    # Politics

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    Serina Hazelwood

    Indigenous-Chicana writer on decolonization, rights, and sustainability

    Baja Cali, Mexico

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Serina Hazelwood

    Hazelwood shares her love story with her wife Silvana, detailing how their relationship evolved and underscoring how their relationship is a testament to joy, resilience, and the beauty of finding home in another person.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Baja Cali, Mexico

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    Every Ocean Hughes

    Interdisciplinary multimedia artist, writer, and art professor

    Stockholm, SE

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Every Ocean Hughes

    Hughes reflects on the influence of early personal losses, her journey through grief, and the transformative process of changing her name. She also discusses queer spaces and water's thematic presence in her life and work.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    Stockholm, SE

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    Landa Lakes

    Two-spirit drag performer, Indigenous activist, and cultural innovator

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Landa Lakes

    Thomas, known as Landa Lakes, describes becoming a key figure in San Francisco's drag and two-spirit communities. They discuss early gender explorations, the first Native American drag troupe, and the impact of drag on activism.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Yoseñio Lewis

    Activist, educator, and advocate for queer and trans rights

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Yoseñio Lewis

    Lewis reflects on his journey of self-identification, from growing up feeling disconnected from his community to finding a sense of belonging, overcoming internalized prejudice, as well as advocating for trans and queer rights.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Crystal Mason

    Activist, artist, and pioneering Bay Area community leader

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Crystal Mason

    Mason shares their journey as a Black genderqueer elder, exploring their evolution from a Southern upbringing to activism in San Francisco, co-founding Queering Dreams, and expressing their identity through art and performance.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Iris Melendez

    Co-owner of pioneering LGBTQ+ bar, Sammy's Place

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Iris Melendez

    Melendez charts her journey to Philly, navigating life as a queer Puerto Rican woman, mother, and co-owner of Sammy's Place. She reflects on her relationships, community work, parenting, overcoming adversity, and legacy.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    Mary Midgett

    Black lesbian activist, veteran, and co-founder of the NIA Collective

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Mary Midgett

    Mary Midgett, a trailblazer in San Francisco's LGBTQ+ community, shares her remarkable path to becoming an esteemed elder. She discusses founding the NIA Collective, writing Black lesbian erotica, and building inclusive spaces.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Sabelo Narasimhan

    NYC-based photographer and organizer

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Sabelo Narasimhan

    Narasimhan shares insights from their experiences as a queer, trans, and South Asian immigrant navigating New York's diverse scenes—recalling cultural shifts, Riis Beach, and reflections on identity, community, and belonging.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    Meshell Ndegeocello

    Accomplished musician and Grammy Award winner

    New York, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Meshell Ndegeocello

    Ndegeocello discusses her experiences with identity, the significance of water in her life, her work in music, her thoughts on nonbinary representation, and the connections between her personal history and her creative work.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York, NY

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    Frances Negrón-Muntaner

    Puerto Rican artist, professor, and cultural critic

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Frances Negrón-Muntaner

    Negrón-Muntaner discusses her role in documenting and preserving Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ history, the transformative power of community currencies, and her interdisciplinary work spanning film, writing, and academia.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    Esther Newton

    Anthropologist, historian, and author

    New York, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Esther Newton

    Newton discusses her early upbringing in New York City surrounded by communists, her family history, navigating homophobia in the '50s, therapy, her academic journey, and the evolution of queer spaces and identities.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York, NY

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    # Love

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    Monica Palacios

    Pioneering Chicana comedian and activist

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Monica Palacios

    Palacios discusses becoming a pioneering queer Chicana comedian, from her early stand-up to her solo performances, her work with VIVA Gay and Lesbian Latino Artists, challenges in mainstream and LGBTQ+ spaces, and mentorship.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Donna Personna

    Activist, drag peformer, artist and trans rights champion

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Donna Personna

    Donna Personna shares her path, from her Texas upbringing to becoming a celebrated drag performer and trans activist in San Francisco. She also discusses family, chosen family, overcoming stage fright, love, and contributing to history.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Josephine Quiñones

    Brooklyn-born DJ and Philadelphia community prevention worker

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Josephine Quiñones

    Quiñones reflects on moving from Brooklyn to Philadelphia, DJing in the '90s, and embracing her Puerto Rican identity. She discusses the origin of her nickname "Cookie," lesbian Latina parties, and the importance of self-respect.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    Jae Rice

    Deputy CEO of Brave Space Alliance

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Jae Rice

    Rice recounts their journey, including transitioning in their 30s and becoming a prominent voice in Chicago's queer and trans communities. They also reflect on their activism, chosen family, and work with archives and Brave Space.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Sheree Ross

    Financial wealth literacy coach, author, and screenwriter

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Sheree Ross

    Journeying from Ohio to New York, Ross' story reflects on experiences in the LGBTQ+ club scene, the importance of community spaces, financial literacy work, creative pursuits, and personally significant queer spaces.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    Bamby Salcedo

    Trans rights icon and founder of TransLatina Coalition

    Los Angeles, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Bamby Salcedo

    Salcedo narrates her life as a trans woman, reflecting on her childhood in Mexico, migration to the US, incarceration, and assault. She discusses her recovery, activism, leadership, and foundation of the TransLatina Coalition.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Chino Scott-Chung

    Trans rights advocate, veteran, and community builder

    Oakland, CA

    Caro De Robertis
    Collection

    Chino Scott-Chung

    Scott-Chung shares his experiences as a trans Chinese-Mexican man, discussing his identity's evolution, facing transphobia, coming out as a lesbian in the military, navigating masculinity and parenthood, activism, and grief.

    Caro De Robertis collection

    Oakland, CA

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    Kitty Tsui

    Poet, activist, former bodybuilder, and API lesbian movement pioneer

    Oakland, CA

    Caro De Robertis
    Collection

    Kitty Tsui

    Having journeyed from Hong Kong to the US, Tsui reflects on her identity as a lesbian, her work as an author and activist, her experiences with discrimination, BDSM, aging, authenticity, and making a mark on her community.

    Caro De Robertis collection

    Oakland, CA

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    # Migration

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    Vivian Varela

    Non-binary, two-spirit elder and queer rights champion

    Garden Grove, CA

    Caro De Robertis
    Collection

    Vivian Varela

    Varela discusses growing up with food insecurity, missionary work in Latin America, leaving home, coming out, attending a pivotal conference, and identifying as non-binary and two-spirit at age 65.

    Caro De Robertis collection

    Garden Grove, CA

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    Adela Vázquez

    Trans rights activist, drag performer, and mentor

    San Francisco, CA

    Caro De Robertis
    Collection

    Adela Vázquez

    Vázquez shares her journey from Cuba to San Francisco as a queer immigrant, overcoming institutionalized homophobia, becoming Miss Gay Latina in 1992, transitioning, her activism with Las AtreDivas, and her hopes for the future.

    Caro De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Fresh "Lev" White

    Compassion activist, diversity trainer, drag king, and trans advocate

    Berkeley, CA

    Caro De Robertis
    Collection

    Fresh "Lev" White

    White reflects on life as a trans man, mindfulness, and striving for love and compassion. He shares insights on racism, chosen family, and self-love, as well as his roles in LGBTQ+ and POC communities and visions for the future.

    Caro De Robertis collection

    Berkeley, CA

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    Quito Ziegler

    Activist, photographer, and advocate for trans rights

    Brooklyn, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Quito Ziegler

    Ziegler discusses their experiences as a nonbinary individual, deep connection to Riis Beach, and efforts towards community safety and land stewardship, highlighting the importance of queer sanctuary and preservation.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    Brooklyn, NY

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    ‘We’re supposed to be united.’
    Ayo Maat
    curtain