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.
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.
Oral history interview with Jay and Jayson Dicotignano conducted by Dennis McBride on November 05, 2006 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, the Dicotignanos talk about their marriage and the Men’s Movement of the late 1980s. Jay discusses his career as a therapist, in public health, and the process to have a gay marriage ceremony at a church. Later, the two describe gay parenthood and what gay couples did to have children. Lastly, they recall foster parent training and becoming foster parents.
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.
Oral history interview with Albert Hood conducted by Dennis McBride on June 16, 1998 for the Las Vegas Gay Archives Oral History Project. In this interview Bert Hood discusses his early life, getting married to a woman, joining the army, discovering his sexuality, and the various loves of his life. He also talks about coming to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1962, working at the Sands Hotel as a bartender, serving The Rat Pack, who tipped him generously, cruising at Squires Park, local gay landmarks, and the first drag shows in Las Vegas.
Records (1994-1999) are comprised of planning documents, newspaper clippings, external communication, and memoranda documenting the establishment and operations of the Nevada Women's Archives at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The records primarily document collection materials from the first exhibit created using the Nevada Women's Archive.
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.