The Gayest Generation | Ann Arbor District Library

Welcome to The Gayest Generation, where we hear LGBTQ older adults speak for themselves. Every episode, we sit down with a different member of the LGBTQ community who laid the foundation for the freedoms we have today. Their stories make noise where there is silence and that silence has lived for far too long. In this episode, we speak with theater director and educator Michael Walling. We discuss growing up in Portland during the 70's, being a New Yorker during the AIDS crisis, and the staying power of Tom Selleck's moustache. AADL is excited to announce that you can listen to this episode, or any episode of The Gayest Generation, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, email thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

Welcome to The Gayest Generation, where we hear LGBTQ older adults speak for themselves. Every episode, we sit down with a different member of the LGBTQ community who laid the foundation for the freedoms we have today. Their stories make noise where there is silence and that silence has lived for far too long. In this episode, we speak with Lisa Middleton. We learn about what it's like to be one of first openly transgender people elected to an American city council, how libraries played a role in her quest to live authentically, and how true love can look like driving around the same roundabout for three hours. AADL is excited to announce that you can listen to this episode, or any episode of The Gayest Generation, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, email thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

Welcome to The Gayest Generation, where we hear LGBTQ older adults speak for themselves. Every episode, we sit down with a different member of the LGBTQ community who laid the foundation for the freedoms we have today. Their stories make noise where there is silence and that silence has lived for far too long. It is time we let their voices fill the room. In this episode, we speak with Kansas State Congresswoman Stephanie Byers. We learn about what it's like to be one of first openly transgender people elected to a State Legislature, growing up as a member of the Chickasaw nation, and what it means to live life authentically. AADL is excited to announce that you can listen to this episode, or any episode of The Gayest Generation, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, email thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

Welcome to The Gayest Generation, where we hear LGBTQ older adults speak for themselves. Every episode, we sit down with a different member of the LGBTQ community who laid the foundation for the freedoms we have today. Stories—their stories—make noise where there is silence and that silence has lived for far too long. It is time we let their voices fill the room. In this episode, we hear from CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund and former Mayor of Houston, TX Annise Parker. We learn about how she overcame immense adolescent anxiety, what an average day looks like for the mayor of a major American city and the unexpected kindnesses that led Mayor Parker to where she is today. AADL is excited to announce that you can listen to this episode, or any episode of The Gayest Generation, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, email thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

Welcome to The Gayest Generation, where we hear LGBTQ Elders speak for themselves. Every episode, we sit down with a different member of the LGBTQ community who laid the foundation for the freedoms we have today. Stories—their stories—make noise where there is silence and that silence has lived for far too long. It is time we let their voices fill the room. In this episode, we hear from Ann Arbor's own Annie Wolock. We learn what is was like growing up Jewish in Detroit, Ann Arbor's forgotten Disco scene, and we remember Michigan Womyn's Music Festivals. Due to adult language, listener discretion is advised. AADL is excited to announce that you can listen to this episode, or any episode of The Gayest Generation, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, email thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

Welcome to The Gayest Generation, where we hear LGBTQ Elders speak for themselves. Every episode, we sit down with a different member of the LGBTQ community who laid the foundation for the freedoms we have today. Stories—their stories—make noise where there is silence and that silence has lived for far too long. It is time we let their voices fill the room. In this episode, we get to know Ann Arbor's own Carol E. Anderson. You will hear about her experiences growing up in a fundamentalist Baptist home, what it was like to live in Ann Arbor during the freewheeling 70's , and how to make your relationship last. Due to adult situations and language, viewer discretion is advised. This is the Gayest Generation. We want to give a special thank you to Carol for speaking with us. Be sure to check out her memoir, "You Can't Buy Love Like That: Growing Up Gay in the Sixties." AADL is excited to announce that you can listen to this episode, or any episode of The Gayest Generation, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, email thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

In this episode, we get to know Washtenaw County drag legend Maxi Chanel. We'll hear about her experiences growing up in Nigeria, what it was like to be a part of Ann Arbor's soon-to-be-forgotten gay club scene, and the purpose of drag, which is all the more important during these grim times. Due to adult situations and language, viewer discretion is advised. This is the Gayest Generation. We want to give a special shout out to Maxi Chanel and the Boylesque drag troupe. To keep up with their events, be sure to follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/boylesque.michigan. AADL is excited to announce that you can listen to this episode, or any episode of The Gayest Generation, on Apple Podcasts (or whatever your preferred place for podcast listening is!) If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, e-mail thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Enszer and Rick Farrand. We'll hear about what it is like to be a closeted parent raising a lesbian child, the magic of falling in love later in life, and how small town communities came together to support those suffering with HIV/AIDS. Due to adult situations and language, viewer discretion is advised. This is the Gayest Generation. Special thanks to Bob and Rick, as well as everyone who makes The Gayest Generation a reality.  If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the show, e-mail thegayestgeneration@aadl.org. .

Welcome to The Gayest Generation, where we hear LGBTQ Elders speak for themselves. Every episode, we sit down with a different member of the LGBTQ community who laid the foundation for the freedoms we have today. Stories—their stories—make noise where there is silence and that silence has lived for far too long. It is time we let their voices fill the room. In this episode, we speak with Randy Hasso. He shares his experiences in Tunisia as a member of the Peace Corp, growing up on a pickle farm, and what it was like to care for AIDS patients in small town America during a time where even the President wouldn't say the word AIDS publicly. Due to adult language and situations, viewer discretion is advised. This is the Gayest Generation. This episode features the following music: Prospects by Chris Juergenson Epiphany by Eternal Jazz Project Freedom by Jeff Wahl Seasons by Eternal Jazz Project Special thanks to our guest Randy Hasso, as well as to those who make The Gayest Generation a reality. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on The Gayest Generation, email thegayestgeneration@aadl.org.

In this episode, we speak with Pat Buerkel. She shares her experiences working on the line at GM in the 70's, her lifelong friendship with a transgender trailblazer, and crossing “going to jail” off her bucket list. Viewer discretion, due to adult language and situations, is advised. This is The Gayest Generation. This episode features the following music: Prospects by Chris Juergenson Epiphany by Eternal Jazz Project Freedom by Jeff Wahl Seasons by Eternal Jazz Project Red Arrow Highway by Chris Bathgate Special thanks to our guest Pat Buerkel, as well as to those who make The Gayest Generation a reality.