Making Gay History | LGBTQ Oral Histories from the Archive

Latest Episodes:

Season 10: Preview Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

We’re back with more stories from the AIDS crisis. Hear Eric Marcus in conversation with six people whose lives and activism were transformed by the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and beyond.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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Introducing: We Were Always Here: They Weren't Us Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

Marc Thomson was just getting his footing as a young Black gay man in South East London when AIDS hit. Hear his story as he introduces us to people whose experiences have often been overlooked, including trans people, sex workers, and people of color.

Listen to the entire series here or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Introducing: The Log Books: "Please Be Gentle" Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

In commemoration of World AIDS Day, MGH host Eric Marcus introduces a poignant episode about the early years of the AIDS crisis from The Log Books, an award-winning documentary podcast that tells untold stories from Britain’s LGBTQ history.

Subscribe to The Log Books wherever you get your podcasts, or visit www.thelogbooks.org.

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Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis: Chapter 6: Making History Sep 10, 2021

Show notes

Being HIV+ was a virtual death sentence. So why get tested? But by 1988 there is a promising, if toxic, drug shown to extend life. Eric and Barry schedule their first test just as Eric starts work on his oral history book about the gay and lesbian civil rights movement.

Visit our episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis: Chapter 5: In or Out Aug 27, 2021

Show notes

“You’re doing too many stories on AIDS.” The word had come down from on high at CBS This Morning. Eric didn’t want anyone to think he was biased, but as the only out gay person on the production staff, he felt an obligation to cover the growing epidemic.

Visit our episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis: Chapter 4: Complications of AIDS Aug 12, 2021

Show notes

“I hope you both die of AIDS,” the young man in the pickup truck yells at Eric and Barry as they wait for the light to change while on a run in Central Park. By 1985, the AIDS crisis has arrived on their doorstep.

Visit our episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis: Chapter 3: 318 West 22nd Street Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

A straight drug addict. A gay waiter on a ventilator. Eric is confronted with the reality of AIDS when he volunteers for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Decades later, he speaks with his client’s widow, for whom AIDS is a daily reality.

Visit our episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis: Chapter 2: Not Alone Jul 15, 2021

Show notes

Even as the epidemic spreads, a rousing AIDS fundraiser at the circus, a new boyfriend, and journalism school combine to bring joy, a sense of community, and purpose into Eric’s life.

Visit our episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis: Chapter 1: Buried Headline Jul 01, 2021

Show notes

“Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals,” said the New York Times headline on July 3, 1981. It was the first time Eric Marcus read about what came to be known as AIDS. Nothing for me to worry about, he decided, and turned the page.

Visit our episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis: Preview Jun 24, 2021

Show notes

AIDS first made national news 40 years ago. MGH host Eric Marcus was 22 at the time, a gay kid in search of love and a career in New York City. In this six-part audio memoir, Eric explores his memories of the early years of the epidemic and reconnects with people whose lives intersected with his.

For exclusive Making Gay History bonus content, join our ⁠Patreon community⁠.

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