Athens Queer Oral History Project

Descriptive Summary
Title: Athens Queer Oral History Project
Creator: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Creator: Caden, Caro
Inclusive Dates: 2023 - ongoing
Language(s): English
Extent: 6 interview(s)
Collection Number: RBRL565AQOH
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

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Collection Description

Scope and Content

The Athens Queer Oral History Collection was initiated by Caro Caden and the Russell Library Oral History Program in 2023 to document modern queer experiences of life in Athens, Georgia.

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Administrative Information

Preferred citation

Athens Queer Oral History Collection, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Copyright information

Resources may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2023.

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Related Materials and Subjects

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

AQOH-001 Nancy MacNair interviewed by Caro Caden

1 interview(s) 55 minutes

Nancy MacNair was born in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania in 1938 and moved to Athens in 1975 when her husband got a job as a professor of social work at the University of Georgia. In this interview she discusses her work as a sexual health educator during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and her involvement with AIDS Athens. She also talks about her efforts to address issues of diversity at the UGA Health Center and her participation in GLOBES. Additionally, she recalls her Quaker upbringing, her family, and her personal experiences as an activist.

Athens, Georgia

AQOH-001 Nancy MacNair audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AQOH-002 Sam Denney interviewed by Caro Caden

1 interview(s) 70 minutes

Sam Denney was born in Athens in 1989, and is an aerial dance instructor at Canopy Studios. In this interview she discusses the development of her lesbian identity, the difficulties she has faced as a Queer person, and the Queer community in Athens. She talks in depth about her experiences with Athens nightlife, including drag shows, the position of Queer and Queer-friendly bars and venues in Athens, and how community is formed. Additionally she gives her opinions on how Athens may progress into a more equitable future.

Athens, Georgia

AQOH-002 Sam Denney audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AQOH-003 JW Chin interviewed by Caro Caden

1 interview(s) 38 minutes

JW Chin was born in Atlanta but considers themself an Athens native. Currently, JW is living in Athens and attending the University of Georgia to obtain a Master's degree in social work. In this interview they discuss the formation of their understanding of Queerness and finding their own Queer identity. They also describe the LGBTQ+ community in Athens, forming connections within it, and its relationship to the larger Athens community.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

AQOH-003 JW Chin audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AQOH-004 Adrya Stembridge interviewed by Caro Caden

1 interview(s) 64 minutes

Adrya Stembridge was born in 1970 and grew up in Athens. In this interview, she discusses the fraught process of discovering her transgender identity and the resistance she has faced in that process. She also talks about issues such as inclusivity, transgender healthcare, and the representation of transgender people in media. In addition, she talks about her involvement in the Athens music scene and the support, and lack thereof, for LGBTQ+ people in Athens.

Athens, Georgia

Content Warning: This interview includes references to mental distress and suicide.

AQOH-004 Adrya Stembridge audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AQOH-005 Christiana Henry interviewed by Caro Caden

1 interview(s) 39 minutes

Christiana Henry was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, before moving to Atlanta, and finally settling in Athens in 2015. In this interview she discusses her experiences as a trans woman and finding Queer community in Athens through the art and music scenes as well as the service industry. Additionally she gives her opinions on how Queer people and other marginalized groups may be better served in Athens.

Athens, Georgia

AQOH-005 Christiana Henry audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AQOH-006 James Barbour (Semaj Onyx Coxring) interviewed by Caro Caden

1 interview(s) 52 minutes

James Barbour was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and moved to Atlanta when he was a child. He came to Athens to study business at the University of Georgia, and remains in Athens today. He is a drag performer and a founding member of the drag troupe, The Kourtesans. In this interview he discusses the discovery and development of his Queer identity, his upbringing, the Athens Queer community and drag culture's place within it.

Athens, Georgia

AQOH-006 James Barbour (Semaj Onyx Coxring) audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online