Browse Items (18 total)

Thomas Duane recounts his time in the State Senate fighting for legislation like the Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Act (SONDA) and Mental Health Parity (Timothy's Law), as well as his personal relationships with HIV and addiction.

Thomas Duane recounts the early years of his life, his relationship with sexuality and time at Lehigh University, as well as his early interactions with activism and politics.

Thomas Duane describes his time in the New York City Council, advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, fighting for the Division of AIDS Services (DAS), and working to ensure habitable living conditions for New Yorkers.

Thomas Duane talks about his life after Lehigh University organizing in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, time in office as a district leader and city councilmember, and his experiences as the first and only openly gay, HIV-positive member of…

Sandy Mesics describes her childhood, growing up in Bethlehem, PA; her reflections on Bethlehem Steel, including her father’s employment with the company and working-class steel communities; and her experiences as young transwoman trying to find…

Sandy Fluck recalls her childhood in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, work in higher education, connection to A Chorus Celebrating Women (ACCO), and relationship with her partner of over 30 years.

Rick Balmer recalls his life as a gay man in the Lehigh Valley, and the process of “coming out”, as well as his work with Lehigh Homophile Organization (Le-Hi-Ho) and its legacy on the LGBTQ+ community.

Ricardo Almodovar describes his early life, activist work, the creation of Amor y Rabia, and his multitude of passions.

Kevin Jefferson describes their early life in the Lehigh Valley, personal relationships and coming to terms with their sexuality, and their pivotal non-profit work with Black Lives Matter Lehigh Valley and Change Now.

Justan Parker Fields describes his early years of life in Scranton, Harrisburg, and the Lehigh Valley, personal relationships, and work with the organization Change Now and in the play The Color Purple.