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Hazel Gay oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00662

Abstract

Oral history interview with Hazel Gay conducted by Claytee D. White on December 02, 1995 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Gay discusses her husband being the first African-American mortician in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as being the assistant manager at the Sands Hotel and Casino and an executive at the Union Plaza. Gay also discusses running dress shops and working as a display artist and retail clerk in other shops.

Archival Collection

James A. "Jimmy" Gay oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00665

Abstract

Oral history interview with James A. Gay III (Jimmy Gay) conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 12, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gay discusses becoming the first African-American mortician in Las Vegas, Nevada and his work improving race relations, social, economic, and civic issues.

Archival Collection

James A. "Jimmy" Gay III oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00664

Abstract

Oral history interview with James A. (Jimmy Gay) Gay III conducted by Joyce M. Wright in 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Gay recalls details about his education in Arkansas and his training in mortuary science in Chicago, Illinois and discusses the nine-year delay in obtaining his license to practice as a mortician in Nevada because of racial discrimination. He recounts his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1946, his experiences as a recreation director and as a personnel and communications director for the hotel industry, work that he took while waiting for his licensure to practice. He also talks about his career as a mortician with Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas, the atomic testing of the 1950s and 1960s, and his long involvement with the NAACP and the Freedom Fund. He closes by reciting two poems that have inspired him and express his philosophy.

Archival Collection

Kendall Stagg oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01754

Abstract

Kendall Stagg oral history interview conducted by Dennis McBride on January 11, 2002 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In the interview, Stagg discusses his early life in Utah, his religious upbringing, coming out as gay, and his involvement with the gay community in Reno, Nevada. He also talks about running for Nevada State Assembly District 32 in 2000 as one of Nevada's youngest openly gay politicians. Lastly, Stagg recalls his time as president of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union in University of Nevada, Reno and co-founding Reno’s first Gay Pride parades in 1999.

Archival Collection

Jan Jones oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00970

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jan Jones conducted by Dennis McBride on March 26, 1998 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Jones discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1981 and describes the car dealership commercials she was involved in with Kenny Kerr in the 1980s. Jones recalls the No Hate rallies that were organized in Nevada to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. She then talks about the backlash she received as Mayor of Las Vegas because of her support for the gay community.

Archival Collection

Lee Martin oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02557

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lee Martin conducted by Dennis McBride on May 01, 2013 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Martin discusses his involvement with the Nevada Gay Action League and the Pacifica Hotel, an effort to open a gay resort in Las Vegas, Nevada during the mid 1980s. He describes managing Paradise Bookstore, a bookstore for gay literature, in downtown Las Vegas. Lastly, Martin discusses other gay businesses that he was involved with in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

George Smith oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02566

Abstract

Oral history interview with George Smith conducted by Dennis McBride on June 28, 2002 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses his life as a priest of the Christian Orthodox church and a gay man. He describes his experiences living in an Orthodox monastery, his interactions with the gay community of Las Vegas, Nevada since the 1960s, and other gay priests Smith has known. Smith also details bringing in speakers for talks with his gay congregation to provide information on topics including sexually transmitted diseases and careers. He concludes by discussing his involvement with gay student groups at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Rick May oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01232

Abstract

Oral history interview with Rick May conducted by Dennis McBride on December 29, 2001 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. May begins by discussing his upbringing in Texas, what it was like growing up knowing he was gay while living in a conservative area, and the moment he accepted his sexuality. May describes some of his early sexual experiences with other men and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, so that he could contribute to the gay community. May details attending and organizing gay pride events in Las Vegas, participating in the gay community, and starting his own gay-friendly business, named "R & R Sorted Sundries." May also discusses his work as a nurse.

Archival Collection

Wendy Butler oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02538

Abstract

Oral history interview with Wendy Butler conducted by Dennis McBride on May 23, 2007 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Butler discusses her involvement with the magazine Lesbian Voice in Las Vegas, Nevada. She recalls that other gay magazine publications at the time would not include women’s issues or representation. Butler describes the development of her publication by reaching out to a diverse group of gay people in Las Vegas, and addressing issues surrounding gay people. Lastly, Butler discusses how she advertised her magazine and branching out to find support outside of the gay community.

Archival Collection

Gudrun Fonfa oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-02549

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Gudrun Fonfa conducted by Dennis McBride on June 15, 2008 and June 22, 2008 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In these interviews, Fonfa discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1981 and describes the lesbian community at the time. She talks about the founding of organizations to support the rights of the gay community. Fonfa discusses her contributions to Nevadans for Human Rights (NHR) and the development of the gay community. Lastly, Fonfa describes Women United of Nevada (WUN) and the organization's decision to change their mission statement.

Archival Collection