The Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, 2021-2022
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- The Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project
- Dates
- 2021-2022 (inclusive)2021-08-272022-08-06
- Quantity
- 30 interviews born digital
- Collection Number
- UUS_Folk Coll 076
- Summary
- Oral history interviews of individuals in the Salt Lake City and Cache Valley LGBTQ+ communities. Digital audio files, transcripts, and release forms.
- Repository
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Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu - Access Restrictions
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Access to some files is restricted. Not available through interlibrary loan.
- Languages
- English
Content Description
The Queer communities of the Intermountain West have gone through major changes in the past century, many of which have gone undocumented due to the community's marginalization. Folklore graduate student John Priegnitz initiated the Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project after the passing of a friend who witnessed firsthand the transformation of Salt Lake City's Queer community from the 1950s to 2020. This project was created out of a need to record firsthand Queer oral histories from community elders who are rapidly disappearing.
Beginning in 2021, Priegnitz conducted interviews with participants from a wide variety of backgrounds, recording Queer experiences that lie at the intersections of class, race, gender, faith, and politics. This digital collection consists of sixteen recordings of these interviews and their corresponding transcription documents. The stories shared in the interviews evolve and change with each generation. While older informants speak of trauma and survival, younger informants have conversations about visibility and representation in everyday life. Through recording and compiling these accounts and through other Queer public history projects conducted at universities around the state, a significant cultural shift in the Intermountain West is beginning to be documented. This project is intended not only to help create a sense of heritage, belonging, and pride among the Queer community by sharing its stories, but also to create a home for Queer voices to be preserved.
The Queer experiences shared in this oral history project help fill a gap in Utah State University Libraries' Special Collections and Archives by providing a space where this marginalized community will have its voices heard and made accessible to future generations.
Attached to this digital collection is a companion paper in which Priegnitz provides reflection on his methodology, thoughts on future oral history interviews, and preliminary analysis of stories shared by the informants.
Many of the stories documented are survivor stories that bear witness to the culture and attitudes of the region that go as far back as the 1960s. Traumas that are discussed include coming-out stories, violence, sexual awakenings, and surviving a culture hostile to sexual minorities. These stories, while at times difficult to listen to and read, are part of the historical landscape of the region. They are shared with cautious optimism in the hope that they become part of a dialogue in creating a more tolerant and inclusive Intermountain West.
USU Libraries and archives collect and preserve a broad spectrum of material. Some materials in the USU Libraries' collections contain sensitive or harmful content. This collection has been identified as having such content. For the full statement on sensitive or harmful content, or to submit feedback, please visit the USU Libraries' website.
Return to TopUse of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project must be obtained from the Community and Oral History Archivist and/or the Special Collections Department Head.
Preferred Citation
Initial Citation: The Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project USU_FolkColl076. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.
Following Citations:USU_FolkColl076, USUSCA.
Administrative Information
Related Materials
[Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project Digital Collection]
Acquisition Information
Collection was originally created by John Priegnitz, former Folklore graduate student.
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Interviews by John Priegnitz, Project Founder, 2021-07-13-2022-08-06
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Anthony (Tony) Shirley materials
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Description: Interview with Anthony (Tony) Shirley
This interview with Anthony Shirley, conducted by John Priegnitz as part of the Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, took place on February 13, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Anthony, a member of the Navajo Nation, shares his upbringing on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Arizona, reflecting on traditional Navajo stories, including the Hero Twins and Coyote and the Gambler, as examples of how LGBTQ+ people are accepted in Navajo culture. He discusses how "coming out" was unnecessary within his family, as they always knew and accepted who he was. The interview emphasizes the importance of knowing one's identity and cultural roots, both for self-respect and respect for others. Anthony recounts his educational journey, leaving the reservation for college, and the contrasts between Navajo cultural acceptance and the outside world's less tolerant views, particularly during his time at the University of Wyoming. He also touches on the challenges Navajo people face with limited resources, government influence, and education both on and off the reservation. The interview explores Anthony's life experiences as a gay Navajo man, his professional journey at the University of Utah, and his reflections on the evolving acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in both the Navajo Nation and the broader intermountain west region.
Portions of the interview audio have been redacted to protect privacy.
Dates: 2022-02-13 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-03-14
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Ben Edgar Williams Materials
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Description: Interview with Ben Edgar Williams
In this interview, Ben Edgar Williams discusses his personal journey and involvement in the gay liberation movement, particularly in Salt Lake City, Utah, beginning in the 1970s. He reflects on his experiences growing up in California, his move to Utah, and his complex relationship with Mormonism, which led him to join the church and later become disillusioned. Williams describes his participation in and founding of various LGBTQ+ organizations, such as the Utah Stonewall Center and Unconditional Support, and his role in the broader movement for LGBTQ+ rights. He also addresses the challenges and stigma faced by the gay community during the AIDS epidemic and his work to preserve LGBTQ+ history through archiving and education. Throughout the interview, Williams emphasizes the importance of community, the struggles of being a gay man during a time of deep societal discrimination, and the significance of his activism in building a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations.
Portions of the interview audio have been redacted to protect privacy.
Dates: 2022-07-20 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-03-09
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Camille Sleight-Price Materials
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Description: Interview with Camille Sleight-Price
This interview was conducted via Zoom by John Priegnitz, in his home in downtown Salt Lake City's Marmalade Disctrict, and Camille in Oregon.
In this interview, Camille Sleight shares their experiences growing up in a fundamentalist Mormon family and the lasting impact it had on their life. Camille discusses the challenges of coming to terms with their authentic self, the trauma they endured, and how the process of self-discovery is ongoing. They highlight the critical role the Utah Pride Center played in their survival, providing support and community during a time of personal transformation. Camille's narrative emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the right of every individual to live as their true self, while also addressing the struggles of family rejection and the journey toward self-love. Throughout the conversation, Camille is candid about their ongoing healing process, the significance of chosen family, and the impact of LGBTQ+ advocacy in their life. Their story is a powerful testimony of resilience, self-acceptance, and the ongoing fight for unconditional love and support in a world that often challenges queer identities.
Dates: 2022-06-03 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-03-07
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Courtney Moser Materials
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Description: Interview with Courtney Moser
Audio recording of Courtney Moser. This interview took place in the dining room of his home in South Salt Lake City.
Courtney Moser discusses growing up in a rural, Mormon community in Dayton, Idaho, his experiences as a member of the LDS Church, and the personal struggles he faced coming to terms with his sexuality. He recounts the pressures to conform to religious expectations and his belief that obedience would "make him not gay." Moser shares his journey of self-acceptance, the challenges of coming out at 32, his experience with conversion therapy, and finding a sense of community through activism in the Gay Lesbian Alliance (GLA) and the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). He also details the creation of his drag persona, Petunia Pap Smear, and her impact on Salt Lake City's LGBTQ+ community.
Portions of the interview audio have been redacted to protect privacy.
Dates: 2021-07-13 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-02-22
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Doyle Clayburn Materials
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Description: Interview with Doyle Clayburn
This interiew took place at Olympian Greek and American Restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City.
Doyle D. Clayburn reflects on his upbringing in the Rose Park area of Salt Lake City, Utah, and his life as an active member of the LDS Church, raising Mormon children before coming out as gay at the age of 47. He shares childhood memories, including religious and familial influences, and his eventual realization of his sexuality. Clayburn discusses his mission experience, marriage, and the pivotal moments leading to his self-acceptance. He touches on his involvement in LGBTQ+ support groups, his views on relationships, and the generational differences within the LGBTQ+ community.
Dates: 2022-06-17 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2022-09-28
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Jason W. Samuel Materials
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Description: Interview with Jason W. Samuel
This interview took place at St. John's Episcopal Church in Logan, Utah
This interview with Father Jason Samuel explores his life journey, focusing on his experiences as a gay Episcopal priest in Logan, Utah. He reflects on his upbringing in Shreveport, Louisiana, his shift from a Southern Baptist background to the Episcopal Church, and his path to ordination. Jason discusses the challenges of reconciling his faith and sexuality, his commitment to inclusivity in the church, and the support he has found within his religious community. His story emphasizes the importance of love, acceptance, and faith in navigating identity.
Dates: 2022-05-31 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-02-25
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Hunter Harden Materials
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Description: Interview with Hunter Harden
This interview with Hunter Harden, conducted on June 29, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, explores Hunter's journey from growing up in Reno, Nevada, to embracing his identity as a gay man. Hunter discusses his struggles with anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia, as well as the challenges of coming out and the impact of religion on his upbringing. He reflects on his relationships, including the support he found in his first partner and later his husband, and provides advice for young LGBTQ+ individuals about self-acceptance and patience. The interview also touches on his career as a model and go-go dancer, the dynamics of non-traditional relationships, and the role of social media in shaping body image and identity.
This interview took place at John Priegnitz's home in Salt Lake City, Utah
Dates: 2022-06-29 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-01-06
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Michael Aaron Green Materials
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Description: Interview with Michael Aaron Green
This interview with Michael A. Green, conducted on August 27, 2021, for the Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, explores Michael's upbringing in Davis County, Utah, and his adult life in Salt Lake City. Michael reflects on realizing he was gay, the dynamics of the local gay community in the '80s and '90s, and his involvement in political activism. As the owner, editor, and art director of QSaltLake magazine, Michael discusses his various publications and roles in shaping the LGBTQ+ political landscape in Salt Lake City. The interview touches on personal stories, community evolution, and broader social movements.
Dates: 2021-08-27 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2022-12-15
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Luke Burton and Terry McKeown Materials
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Description: Interview with Luke Burton and Terry McKeown
This interview most likely [unclear] took place at the interviewees' home in Salt Lake City, UT.
This interview with Luke Burton and Terry McKeown, recorded on May 30, 2022, for the Intermountain West LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, focuses on their personal stories of growing up, coming out, and navigating their sexual identities in a society that has not always been accepting. Both interviewees share their experiences of family environments, the challenges they faced, and the support systems they have relied on throughout their adult lives. The interview also explores how societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals have evolved, as well as the ongoing need for further progress. Themes of family love and support are central to the conversation. The interview is divided into two recordings, with time stamps marking the beginning and end of each.
Dates: 2022-05-30 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2022-09-25
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Michael A. Sanders Materials
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Description: Interview with Michael A. Sanders
This interview took place at the Club House, a historic venue in Salt Lake City, UT.
This interview with Michael Sanders, recorded on July 20, 2021, details his experiences growing up as a gay man in Philadelphia, his time living in Bangkok and New York City, and his eventual relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah. Michael reflects on the cultural differences between the East Coast and Salt Lake City, particularly regarding the LGBTQ+ community. He shares insights from his diverse career in education and activism, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, acceptance, and advocacy. The interview touches on his global travels, including his time in Bangkok, where he worked in the nightclub industry. Themes of personal identity, community, and activism are central to the conversation.
Dates: 2021-07-20 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-03-03
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Roy Zhang Materials
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Description: Interview with Roy Zhang
This interview took place at John Priegnitz's home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This interview with Roy Li Zhang, recorded on July 3, 2022, explores Roy's experiences growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and coming out as a gay man at a young age. Roy recounts the challenges he faced, particularly during his high school years in the early 1990s, when LGBTQ+ individuals faced significant societal stigma, especially amidst the AIDS crisis. He reflects on his involvement in activism and the progress made in Salt Lake City regarding gay liberation and rights. The interview also touches on his personal journey, including his name change in 2019, and the ways in which he has worked toward social change. Themes of overcoming hardship, LGBTQ+ identity, and community activism are central to the conversation.
Portions of the interview audio have been redacted to protect privacy.
Dates: 2022-07-03 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-03-11
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Scott E. Harwell Materials
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Description: Interview with Scott E. Harwell
This interview with Scott E. Harwell, recorded on February 13, 2022, covers Scott's upbringing in Idaho, his military service, and his journey to understanding and accepting his gay identity. He discusses his transition to Salt Lake City, Utah, and the challenges he faced as a gay individual in a conservative environment. Scott reflects on various experiences during his young adulthood, his perspectives on life, and his outlook for the future. The interview also touches on his upbringing in the Mormon faith and how it shaped his identity. Themes of personal discovery, military service, LGBTQ+ identity, and the evolving sense of self are central to the conversation. The interview is divided into two recordings, with timestamps marking the beginning and end of each.
Portions of the interview audio have been redacted to protect privacy.
Dates: 2022-02-13 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-01-08
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Terry Gillman Materials
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Description: Interview with Terry Gillman
This interview took place at John Priegnitz's home in Salt Lake City, UT.
This interview with Terry Gillman, recorded on August 6, 2022, explores Terry's experiences growing up in Sandy and Murray, Utah, in a predominantly Mormon community. He discusses the challenges, fears, and triumphs of coming out as homosexual in Utah and reflects on his involvement in the LGBTQ+ community. Terry highlights his roles in various organizations, including serving as Treasurer of Utah Bears, producing Matrons of Mayhem, working as a librarian for the Salt Lake Men's Choir, and chairing Utah Gay and Lesbian Youth. He shares insights into the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Utah and discusses the mentors and support systems that shaped his activism. Themes of community engagement, coming out, and activism are central to the conversation. The interview is divided into two recordings, with time stamps marking the beginning and end of each.
Portions of the interview audio have been redacted to protect privacy.
Dates: 2022-08-06 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2022-10-22
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Terry McKeown Materials
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Description: Interview with Terry McKeown
This interview took place at the Ivy Cottage, a short-term rental property in Sandy/Salt Lake City, UT.
This interview with Terry McKeown, recorded on May 30, 2022, focuses on the life of his brother, Harry Shepherd McKeown, Jr. (known as Hank or Steve), who contracted HIV in the mid-1980s and eventually passed away due to complications from being HIV-positive. Terry shares anecdotes from his memories of Hank, describing him as a lively, free-spirited individual who had a profound impact on Terry's life. He reflects on Hank's adventurous spirit, his intellectual pursuits, and his influence on the family. The interview also explores the emotional bond between the brothers, with Terry expressing deep admiration for Hank's character. Terry wonders what his brother would be like today and discusses Hank's legacy, particularly in the context of the LGBTQ+ community. Themes of loss, memory, and family connections are central to the conversation.
Dates: 2022-05-30 -
Description: Interview Transcription by Susan GrossDates: 2023-02-09
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