Abstract

Ms. Curry describes growing up in Shaw and Eastgate, the influence of music in her early life, coming into her own gender and sexuality in her teens, joy and pain on the streets and in the clubs, traumatic experiences in Lorton prison, organizing against discrimination against transgender women, her continued advocacy, and the importance of helping and loving each other.

Abstract In this oral history interview, Mr. Joseph Benson, Sr. discusses his life and experiences moving from Ridgeway/Longwood, South Carolina, to Washington, D.C. Mr. Benson begins the interview with a discussion of his early life in South Carolina. He recalls the physical conditions of his upbringing, discusses his early educational experiences, and shares memories about his family life. He also talks about segregation and race relations in the South. Mr. Benson then discusses his move to...

Abstract Khalid Thompson talks about his childhood in Richmond, Virginia, where southern hospitality is juxtaposed to the reality of historical and current social injustices. He reflects on visiting Washington D.C. in the early 2000s, learning about the underground visual and sonic arts, and moving to the District. He then moves and works as a bike messenger, really getting to know the city, including artists who make experimental arts, outside of the “norm”. Following encouragement from family and...

Abstract Layne Garrett discusses growing up in a typical household in Tennessee and spending his childhood, visiting family on long road trips to Texas. While interest in music was always present in Layne’s life, it was in high school that exposure to outsider literature and open tuning in guitar brought him to be a part of music projects and pursue creative expression. He reflects on four years of living in a new city in Phoenix after college, where lack of social engagements got him to experiment...

Abstract

Ms. Steward discusses growing up in D.C., mostly in Shaw, her early sense of herself as different and coming into her gender and sexuality, going to clubs and working, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, her involvement with transgender and HIV/AIDS organizations including Transgender Health Empowerment, and the changes in the city.

Abstract

Ms. Corado discusses growing up in El Salvador amidst the civil war, her understanding of her gender and its evolution, emigrating to D.C., living homeless in Dupont Circle, becoming an activist, and establishing Casa Ruby.

Abstract

Ms. Corado discusses her early activism and leading the group Latinos en Accion which she would turn into Casa Ruby, the early days of Casa Ruby’s first space, the growth and accomplishments since then, and the challenges and hopes for the future.

Abstract

Ms. Shanice discusses growing up in D.C., in several different neighborhoods, her family, going to high school and coming into herself, going to clubs and sex work, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, the violence transgender women faced and the killing of a close friend, getting involved in non-profit work, and the changes in the city.

Abstract In this oral history interview, Mr. Wes Morrison discusses his life and experiences moving from Durham, North Carolina, to Washington, D.C., in 1959. The interview begins with a discussion of Mr. Morrison’s early life in Durham. Mr. Morrison talks about his grandmother and aunt, who raised him, and the Brookstown community in which they lived. He also shares memories of his upbringing and educational experiences in Durham and discusses racial segregation and race relations in the city. Mr....