UnErasing LGBTQ History and Identities: A Podcast

In May 1970, a group of badass women organized a direct-action "zap," a surprise protest, at the Second Congress to Unite Women. Wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Lavender Menace," they transformed the conference － and the women's movement － by forcing its members to confront a question they had largely avoided.  History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its...

In this episode, nine women read a paragraph from the "Woman Identified Woman Manifesto." In order of their voice appearance, we extend a hearty thank you to Holly Cashman, Kate Way, Tess Fox Tree Andersen, Cheyenne Fox Tree Andersen, Triana Wilson, Shel Jackson, Nicole Pascarelli O'Brien, Deb Fowler, and Dinah Mack. History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place —...

In the 1950s, at a time of heightened fear, stigma, and persecution of homosexuals (the language of the time), a small group of women gathered behind closed doors, in secret, to find community in a society determined to keep them invisible. But they didn’t stay behind closed doors for long.  Please subscribe, rate, and share! History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the cl...

On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride made history when she became the first American woman to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger . She would also make history in another way. Buckle up for this deep dive into Sally Ride’s life and legacy! History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom — and uniting all "We the People" with a more complete story o...

Zora Neale Hurston was a brazen, boundary-breaking literary genius who was almost lost to history. You might be familiar with her contributions during the Harlem Renaissance, but that is merely the beginning of her indispensable relevance. This "deep dive and backstory" episode unpacks why. Be sure to check the transcript for links to audio primary sources from the Library of Congress to...

For decades, much of what we knew about Cathay Williams came from military documents and a newspaper article published in 1876. But as historians continue to study Cathay’s life, new questions arise. What if we’ve had the story backwards this entire time?  History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom — and uniting all "We the People" with a more complet...

Alice Austen's story is one of artistic brilliance and rebellion (not an unusual pairing), but her body of work, over 7,000 images, was almost lost to history. In this episode, you will learn how the social commentary in her photographs, taken during the turn of the century, is exceedingly relevant today, and how these photographs were discovered decades later. History UnErased is putting LGB...

World AIDS Day has been observed annually on December 1st since 1988. This year, 2025, is the first time since 1988 that the United States government has not honored World AIDS Day.  We took an opportunity, however, to commemorate World AIDS Day by interviewing Nicole Pascarelli O’Brien about her deep connection to the people involved in the early days of the AIDS Action Committee in Boston, and h...

Harvey Milk may already be familiar to you, as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, and for the tragedy that ended his life far too soon. But his legacy is much more than time-stamped moments. In this episode, you will learn a fuller story about Milk's legacy and why this great leader’s messages of visibility and hope still matter. History UnErased is putting LG...

In this episode, we are exploring one of the most fascinating and misunderstood figures in Native American storytelling: the trickster. This figure embodies complexities and contradictions that reveal deep truths about ourselves and our place in the universe. History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom — and uniting all "We the People" with a more comp...

In this episode, you will meet Charley Parkhurst, who lived an extraordinary life as one of the most famous stagecoach drivers during the California Gold Rush!  IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not know how Charley identified or might identify today. The content in this episode uses language from primary source materials and conveys attitudes and circumstances from the time period. History UnErased is puttin...

There are plenty of conversations about gender today, in the media, pop culture, recent legislation, and even in Executive Orders. In this episode, our host, Kathleen Barker, will unpack the first known case of when someone’s gender became a legal matter. And the testimonies in the court records read like a soap opera.  History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroo...

Before there was k.d. lang, Janelle Monáe, or Brandi Carlile, there were queer women — bold, brilliant, and unapologetic — whose voices redefined music genres and challenged social norms. In this episode, you will meet three pioneers whose music and lives defied social norms and changed music forever. History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom — and uniting all...

In 1873, off the coast of a small village in Nova Scotia, the SS Atlantic was pulled off course by the tides of the Bay of Fundy and it crashed headlong into the rocks. 1,000 people were on board.  Fast forward to the 21st Century, when Lynette Richards, author and artist - and super sleuth   - moved to this little coastal village, called Lower Prospect, and discovered the mass graves of 500 lives...

On April 27th, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Executive Order 10450, a quiet but devastating policy that institutionalized fear, fueled decades of discrimination against LGBTQ people, and erased countless lives from public service. Our host, Kathleen Barker, will unpack the context that led to this order, how it impacted generations of Americans, and why understanding this history mat...

On January 13, 1983, Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón went to Papa Choux restaurant in Los Angeles for a romantic dinner. Little did they know that their desire to dine in one of the restaurant’s booths would lead to a landmark civil rights case, Rolón v. Kulwitzky. And in the pursuit of justice, some cases transcend the courtroom, shaping history and shifting the cultural landscape.  In our previ...

On January 13, 1983, Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón went to Papa Choux restaurant in Los Angeles for a romantic dinner. Little did they know that their reservation for a romantic dinner would lead to a landmark civil rights case.  In this episode, we spoke with Zandra to learn how this historic court case impacted her life. Have a listen! History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful...

From landmark legal battles to the everyday ways we express ourselves, free speech is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. But with great freedom comes great responsibility. In this episode, you will learn about a few Supreme Court cases - related to free speech - that impact our lives and freedoms. History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom —...

Stories about penguins get more attention during the chill of winter, but they have a lot to teach us any time of the year. These fascinating birds are known for their unique behaviors and unbreakable bonds, but it is their same-sex love stories - and roles as adoptive parents - that seem to capture hearts and minds worldwide.  In this episode, we’ll explore the science, stories, and symbolism beh...

This episode introduces Billie Jean King's legacy, which extends far beyond her achievements and athleticism on the tennis court. As an LGBTQ pioneer and an unwavering advocate for women’s rights, King has used her platform to challenge social norms, fight for equal pay and gender equality, and break down barriers for the LGBTQ community.    History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its ri...

This episode is a deep dive into a monumental Supreme Court case that opened the door for marriage equality and other extensions of liberty for LGBTQ people. You will learn the backstory about how and why this case traveled from Texas to the highest court in the nation, hear quotes from a few of the Justices, and more!   History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classro...

Hear from author and podcaster Matt Baume who discusses his book, Hi Honey, I’m Homo! Sitcoms, Specials, and The Queering of American Culture. As Matt unpacks the history, you will hear a few clips from the groundbreaking sitcoms in his book - and the messages are as profound and relevant today as they were decades ago! History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroo...

This episode explores a topic that is both timeless and timely: Drag. Drag has deep historical roots and is a vibrant art form that has not only entertained but provided a critique of cultural, political, and social topics. We had the opportunity to sit down with Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City* author and historian Elyssa Maxx Goodman to learn more about the hist...

In this Deep Dives and Backstories episode, you will meet someone whose life and career bridged diverse worlds—East and West, traditional and modern, queer and straight—and built a legacy that deserves its rightful place in the story of America.  This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.  History...

For this Deep Dives and Backstories episode, we had the opportunity to speak with the Honorable Patrick Murphy, who has served our nation - and American democracy - in many capacities.  After Rep. Marty Meehan's 14-year fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" from 1993 to 2007, Rep. Patrick Murphy (2007 - 2011) continued the fight. The Murphy Amendment ultimately repealed...