Oral history interview with Dennis Myers conducted by Dennis McBride on March 23, 2005 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Myers discusses meeting former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, Fred S. Alward. Myers talks about the public's speculation surrounding Alward's sexual orientation and the impact that had on his career.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mark Douglas conducted by Dennis McBride on May 16, 1999 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Douglas discusses his family and upbringing in the Mormon Church, his realization of his sexuality, first experiences with gay clubs and associations, and the conflict between his feelings and his faith. He continues talking about Church views of homosexuality in a modern and historical context and then details two organizations that offer support to LGBT members of the Mormon Church.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Lee Plotkin conducted by Dennis McBride on August 02, 10, and 16; and October 04, 2006 for the Las Vegas Gay Archives Oral History Project. In these interviews, Plotkin talks about his reaction to Lieutenant Governor of Nevada Myron E. Leavitt's claim that attending the Nevada Gay Rodeo violated Nevada's sodomy laws in the early 1980s. Plotkin recalls his childhood, coming out during high school, his early involvement with the Las Vegas, Nevada gay community, and his memories of Lieutenant Governor Leavitt and Leavitt's family. Plotkin also discusses the development and activities of LGBTQ organizations and demonstrations, including Golden Rainbow and Gay Pride. Lastly, he talks about the repeal of Nevada's sodomy laws in 1993, the defeat of Nevada Citizens' Alliance's anti-gay initiative petition Minority Status and Child Protection Act of 1994, and the growth of the Las Vegas LGBTQ community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard Ham conducted by Dennis McBride on January 18, 2002 for the Las Vegas Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Ham discusses the assault of Nevada Supreme Court Justice Frank McNamee in 1965. Ham describes being accused by McNamee of being a communist, McNamee's sexuality, and how McNamee was able to succeed politically despite being a gay man. He continues, discussing the history of the trial following McNamee's assault, and also describes other aspects of Nevada's political history during that time. Ham concludes by discussing being gay and some of his sexual experiences with men.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Rob Schlegel conducted by Dennis McBride on various dates in March and April of 1998 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In the interviews, Schlegel recalls his early life in Port Angeles, Washington, his conservative Baptist upbringing, and his early experiences with literature. Schlegel then discusses working with newspaper publications in high school and college, understanding his sexuality during college, his first gay sexual experience, and his first trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls working with Robert Lloyd "Bob" Brown at the
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Susan and Holly Carratelli conducted by Dennis McBride on June 24 and 26, 1999 for the Las Vegas Gay Archives Oral History Project. In the interviews, Susan and Holly recall first meeting during the planning for the 1994 National Coming Out Day event in Las Vegas, Nevada. They discuss what they value in a relationship, their past relationship experiences, and their involvement with the Gay and Lesbian Community Center and Metropolitan Community Church. Other subjects they cover include their marriage, anecdotes about living together, having children, their daily routine, and conflicting inter-community perceptions between gay men and women in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rodney Sumpter conducted by Dennis McBride on August 30, 1999 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Sumpter discusses his involvement with repealing one of Nevada’s sodomy laws (NRS 201.190) in 1985. He recalls going to the Nevada State Supreme Court and discusses similar cases involving sodomy laws in the United States.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Edmund Uehling and Marlon Tinana conducted by Dennis McBride on March 14, 21, and 22, 2000 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In the first interview, Uehling discusses his early life in Boulder City, Nevada, his time as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, becoming aware of his sexuality, and his involvement with the founding of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada in 1992. In the second interview, Uehling and Tinana discuss investing in Las Vegas, Nevada gay community real estate beginning in 1988. They also discuss purchasing and managing business properties, including the Gipsy and The Cave nightclubs. In the third interview, Uehling and Tinana recall Uehling's attempt at running for Clark County, Nevada Sheriff in 1994 and memories of confronting police while managing their business properties. Finally, they discuss managing Bright Pink Literature bookstore (later known as Get Booked).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rodney Sumpter conducted by Dennis McBride on January 20, 2004 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Sumpter discusses Fred Schoonmaker, a Reno, Nevada gay activist, and his efforts to create Stonewall Park, a town for LGBTQ members in Nevada that was never realized. Sumpter describes his professional relationship with Schoonmaker as his attorney. He also recalls the early stages for Stonewall Park, including finding a location and struggling to find financial and local support for the town. Lastly, Sumpter talks about Schoonmaker's HIV health issues and his personal thoughts on the LGBTQ community.
Archival Collection