© The contents of this finding aid are the copyright of the University of Chicago Library
© 2022 University of Chicago Library
The collection is open for research.
Transcriptions were made by the project coordinators for the majority of the interviews, but not all. When available, the recordings and transcriptions are linked to in the inventory section of this finding aid.
Seven oral histories are anonymized at the request of the interviewees. The transcriptions for these interviews were anonymized by project coordinators, but the audio recordings were not. The audio recordings are accordingly restricted for these seven interviews.
Additional oral histories were conducted but are closed to research due to incomplete release forms. Any individuals who were interviewed for the project who do not see their interview in this finding aid are urged to
When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: [identification of oral history], Closeted/Out in the Quadrangles Oral Histories Collection, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
“Closeted/Out in the Quadrangles: A History of LGBTQ Life at the University of Chicago” was a research project of the University of Chicago’s Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality (CSGS) from 2012 to 2015. Led by Lauren Stokes (PhD 2016) and Monica Mercado (PhD 2016), the project’s mission was to document the histories of LGBTQ individuals and communities at the University of Chicago from the early twentieth century to the present. The project included collecting oral histories and other records from LGBTQ alumni, faculty, and staff and an exhibition in the gallery of the University of Chicago Library’s Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center on view March 30-June 12, 2015.
With support from the CSGS’s undergraduate oral history internship program and undergraduate seminars, the project collected 89 oral histories. Interviewers included Amanda Bennett, Kelsey Ganser, Molly Liu, Ash Mayo, Monica Mercado, Kristofer Rosentel, and Lauren Stokes. Transcriptions were created by Amanda Bennett, Mich Elliott, Skylar Liam, Molly Liu, Monica Mercado, and Lauren Stokes.
This collection contains 67 oral histories conducted from 2012 to 2015 for “Closeted/Out in the Quadrangles: A History of LGBTQ Life at the University of Chicago.” Interviews were conducted with LGBTQ UChicago alumni, faculty, and staff. Most interviewees are alumni. Class years of interviewed alumni range from 1958 to 2014.
Transcriptions were made by the project coordinators for the majority of the interviews, but not all. When available, the audio recordings and transcriptions are linked to in the inventory section of this finding aid.
Seven oral histories are anonymous at the request of the interviewees. The transcriptions for these interviews were anonymized by project coordinators, but the audio recordings were not. The audio recordings are accordingly restricted for these seven interviews.
Additional oral histories were conducted but are closed to research due to incomplete release forms. Any individuals who were interviewed for the project who do not see their interview in this finding aid are urged to
Demographic forms for the project included a space for interviewees to self-describe their sexual identity. Terms interviewees used to describe themselves included: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Dyke, and Queer. Gender identities were not disclosed in the demographic form.
Demographic forms for the project included a space for interviewees to self-describe their sexual identity. Terms interviewees used to describe themselves included: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Dyke, and Queer. Gender identities were not disclosed in the demographic form.
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