The Hudson County LGBTQ Oral History Archive
Uncovering Our Community's Vibrant Past, One Story at a Time
Dive into the untold history of LGBTQ Life in Hudson County, New Jersey - a diverse community with its own story to tell.
About Our Project
Born from a collaboration between Dr. Jennifer Musial's Community Engaged Learning class LGBTQ Social Change at New Jersey City University and our community partner Hudson Pride Center in Fall 2021, this archive preserves the voices of our local LGBTQ elders. Conducted by NJCU students, each interview offers a window into the rich tapestry of LGBTQ experiences right here in Hudson County.
Why It Matters
New York City is a historic hub of queer life in the United States. Just east of New York City, across the Hudson River, is Hudson County, New Jersey. Boasting 12 municipalities, including Jersey City, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country, Hudson County has its own LGBTQ story to tell.
These interviews were conducted by students at New Jersey City University, many of whom are from Hudson County and/or part of the LGBTQ community. This project was an opportunity for intergenerational exchange: students were intrigued to learn from their elders and elders were just as curious to know more about the lives of young people in the community.
This project is a testament to the power of intergenerational dialogue and community-engaged learning. We invite you to listen, learn, and be inspired by the voices that have shaped Hudson County's LGBTQ community.
What You'll Discover in this Archive
You'll hear in-depth, life stories from people from all walks of life. We intentionally gathered stories from everyday people as well legendary community organizers. The archive features racial, ethnic, and gender-diverse voices with experiences spanning from the 1950s to today.
Start Exploring
Each interview is a journey into Hudson County's LGBTQ past and present. Click on any story to begin your adventure!
Get Involved
Are you an LGBTQ elder with a life story to share? Would you like to volunteer or intern with this archive? Would you like to take LGBTQ Social Change at NJCU in the future? Learn how you can contribute to this growing archive by clicking on Want to know more? at the top left.
Acknowledgements
This project was inspired by an off-handed comment by Mercy Villa, then youth coordinator at Hudson Pride Center, who said, "you should talk to our elders. They love to talk!". When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it was the perfect opportunity to connect virtually with LGBTQ elders. In the first years, David Rosen, Clinical Director at Hudson Pride Center, and Gordon Sauer, Group Leader of the Rainbow Elders at Hudson Pride Center, reached out to interested parties and connected us with potential narrators.
This project is deeply collaborative and would not be possible without the incredible commitment from WGST 226 LGBTQ Social Change students. They arrived with a willing spirit and deep curiosity about LGBTQ life of past generations.
Thank you to the Learning Without Limits grant (US Education Department Title V DHSI Grant #P031S230090) at New Jersey City University that enabled Dr. Musial to get this off the ground with Anna Trachsler, a summer intern in 2024. This site is indebted to Anna for their data entry work and site design collaboration.
Finally, we are deeply grateful to all narrators who gave us their time and stories. This site is for you ... this site is for us.