Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project
Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project
The Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is a growing archive of the life stories of longtime LGBTQ+ residents of Colorado Springs. It aims to document and honor the struggles and triumphs of queer and trans folks in a place that has often been called "ground zero" of the late 80s-90s "culture wars". The archive highlights the voices of underrepresented queer and trans communities that continue to fight hard to make this city home. Founding Director: Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College; Faculty Collaborator: Dr. Tre Wentling, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Episodes
Justice Lord
Justice Lord is a Colorado Springs based activist, educator, and changemaker. In this interview with Colorado College (CC) students CJ Riehle-Merrill and Brooklyn Colvin, he discusses his experiences living as a mixed-race trans person in Colorado Springs, and his advocacy work for housing security and more, in the south side. Season 8 is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, faculty in the Feminist and Gender Studies Department at CC, in collaboration with students in his class, "LGBTQ Social Movements in the US", Spring 2026.
Tom Shepard
Interview with Tom Shepard for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Kathy Bard
Interview with Kathy Bard for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Rev Julia McKay
Interview with Rev Julia McKay for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Ajay Resha
Interview with Ajay Resha for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Nancy-Josephine Leah Morris
Interview with Nancy-Josephine Leah Morris for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Eliot
Interview with Eliot for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Jerome Carter
Interview with Jerome Carter for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Kai Hong
Kai Hong is the owner of the beloved queer haven that is Sunday Barber Co North and South. She is also a musician and dog parent extraordinaire. In this interview she talks to CC students Max Blair Houston, Millie Mancini and Jane Watson about navigating Colorado Springs as a young queer business owner. Season 6 is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, faculty in the Feminist and Gender Studies Department at Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class, "LGBTQ Social Movements in the US", Spring 2024.
Shawna Rae Kemppainen
Born in Michigan, Shawna Rae Kemppainen has lived in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. They have been a longterm leader and an integral part of several queer non-profit organizations in the Springs. In this interview with CC students Michaela Ocko, Lev Sugerman-Brozan and Walker Thompson, they discuss their experiences advocating for housing for queer youth, and share their insights about non-profit work and funding in the current socio-economic climate. Season 6 is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, faculty in the Feminist and Gender Studies Department at Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class, "LGBTQ Social Movements in the US", Spring 2024.
Dominque (DMINQ) Robbins
DMINQ is a Colorado based musical artist, entrepreneur, and activist. His arts and entertainment production company and recording studio named ART MATTERS PRODUCTIONS is the only queer owned business in Rocky Ford. In this interview with CC students Chloe Agenor and Meridian Mensch, he discusses his experience growing up in the church, dating in Colorado Springs, mental wellness, and his work uplifting queer BIPOC artists. Season 6 is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, faculty in the Feminist and Gender Studies Department at Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class, "LGBTQ Social Movements in the US", Spring 2024.
Susan Peiffer
Susan Peiffer is a renowned poet, writer, and educator who has mentored several queer artists and poets in the Springs. They were named the 5th Pikes Peak Poet Laureate, and have a long track record as a youth advocate and organizer. In this interview she talks to CC students Riley Diehl and Phebe O'Connor. Season 6 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Spring 2024. Photo credit: Broken Glass Photography
Darolyn Stewart
Darolyn Stewart, who identifies as "Black first, and then queer", has been a tireless advocate for youth in Colorado Springs. Her work spans across several groups, non-profits, and educational institutions from Safe @ Schools Coalition at the K-12 level, to Inside Out Youth Services, and now to her current position teaching undergraduate students at Pueblo Community College. Learn about her life and work in this interview with CC students Aden Berry, Mia Smith and Sarah Buchman. Season Coordinator: Kylie Haney, Colorado College '24. Season 6 is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, faculty in the Feminist and Gender Studies Department at Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class, "LGBTQ Social Movements in the US", Spring 2024.
Dara Hoffman
As author, gender affirming therapist, blogger, podcast host, LGBTQ+ community health equity liaison and much more, Dara Hoffman has been transforming trans and nonbinary mental health in the Springs for several years. In this episode, they share some personal reflections about their work and life in the Springs with CC students Sophia Murphy, Andrew Hoffman, and Kylee Lynn. Season Coordinator: Kylie Haney, Colorado College '24. Season 6 is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, faculty in the Feminist and Gender Studies Department at Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class, "LGBTQ Social Movements in the US", Spring 2024.
June Berry
June Berry worked at the Pikes Peak Library District until recently, and is a phenomenal labor organizer and activist. Berry shares stories of surviving the medical system and DIYing her own trans healthcare. In a full circle moment for this Project, Berry shout outs several of this Project's featured queer and trans narrators for their role in shaping her experience of Colorado Springs over the years. Interviewers: CC students EmRhys Jenkins and Lennea Gregg. Season 6 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Spring 2024.
Joshua Jiron
Interview with Joshua Jiron for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Victoria Lipscomb
Interview with Victoria Lipscomb for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Jesse Perez
Interview with Jesse Perez for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Colleen McElvogue
Interview with Colleen McElvogue for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Avalon Manly
Interview with Avalon Manly for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Taylor Salazar
Interview with Taylor Salazar for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Daemon LaVey
Interview with Daemon LaVey for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Ari Carlin
Interview with Ari Carlin for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Diane Hansen
Diane Hansen (she/her) has lived in Colorado Springs since 1982 and witnessed the voting cycle of Amendment II initiative in 1992. After a career in the military, she worked as a courier for 19 years and is now with Centura at Penrose Hospital. Interviewers: CC Students Kylie Haney and Flor Vargas. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Alekx Schneebeck
Alekx Schneebeck (they/them) was born and raised in Colorado Springs. They work as a case manager with TESSA, an organization that empowers survivors of partner and sexual violence. They are especially engaged in thinking through what trauma-informed care can look like in the Springs. Interviewers: CC Students Ella Fritz and Adrian Larkspur. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Goddess Tyescha
Goddess Tyescha (they/them/Goddess) has lived in Colorado Springs for seven years. They are an organizer who cares about liberation for all, with an emphasis on QTPOC liberation. They have worked in numerous advocacy positions in the Springs. Interviewers: CC Students Judson Thomas and Mikenna Grotto. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Heidi Beedle
Heidi Beedle (she/her) is a reporter for the Colorado Springs Indy and has previously been a teacher in Colorado Springs. She has been in the Springs since 2011 and graduated from UCCS after serving in the military. Interviewers: CC students Sammy Ries and Ruben Margolis & edited by Persie Baroody. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Kris Wright
Kristina “Kris” Wright was the owner of the very popular Pens and Needles Custom Tattoo (now Certified Tattoo Studios) in Colorado Springs. Kris was the 2018 Woman of Influence, and the Assistant Director of the Tattoo Academy after serving in the military. Interviewers: CC Students Emmaline Hawley, Brooktie Frogge, and Kit Slaymaker. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Nico Wilkinson
Nico Wilkinson (they/he) grew up in Denver but has lived in Colorado Springs since 2012. They are a locally beloved poet, and serve as Development Director at Inside Out Youth Services. They are also a leader in the “Keep Colorado Springs Queer” initiative which hosts regular open mic nights in the Springs. Interviewers: CC students Liv Normandeau and Vicente Taijeron. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Rev. Mallory Everhart
Rev Mallory Everhart (she/her) has lived in Colorado Springs since 2013. She is a social justice oriented pastor at the progressive Vista Grande Community Church, an active member of the local queer community, and a cat mom extraordinaire. Interviewers: CC Students Natalie Van Tol and Kinsey Clark. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Tara (DJTBeatz) Bush
Tara Bush (DJ TBeatz) was born in Colorado Springs, grew up a “military brat”, and is a veteran of the Springs lgbtq party scene. They are a local DJ who has been spinning since 2013, including at Club Q for the past six years. Interviewers: CC Students Shay Anderson and Madeline Herman. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022.
Ashley Cornelius
Ashley Cornelius (she/her) has lived in Colorado Springs since she was three years old. She is a registered LPC/therapist, the current Poet Laureate of the Pikes Peak Region, as well as a community organizer, especially with their work with Poetry 719 in Colorado Springs. Interviewers: CC Students Mar Wilson and Sallie England. Season 4 of the COS LGBTQ+ Oral History Project is directed by Dr. Rushaan Kumar, Colorado College, in collaboration with students in his class titled “LGBTQ Social Movements in the US”, taught in Fall 2022. Stream this oral history interview on Spotify, and the CC Tutt Library Digital Archives!
Mary Tatum
Interview with Mary Tatum for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Tamara Bartlett
Interview with Tamara Bartlett for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Brianna Salazar
Interview with Brianna Salazar for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Suzanne Anderson
Interview with Suzanne Anderson for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Tom Jacobs
Interview with Tom Jacobs for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Tramyna Harris
Interview with Tramyna Harris for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Christopher Robertson
Interview with Christopher Robertson for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Cone Vaughan
Interview with Cone Vaughan for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Bryan Griffin
Interview with Bryan Griffin for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Regina DiPadova
Interview with Regina DiPadova for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Boo Gilligan
Interview with Boo Gilligan for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) students, led by Dr. Tre Wentling.
Juliet and Pam Draper
Interview with Pam Draper and Juliet for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by Colorado College students Avia Hailey, Zahra Cheeseman and Sarah Shepard.
Barbara Graham
Interview with Barbara Graham for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by Colorado College students Gaby Alamillo Sanchez, Audra Bosak-Harper and Kat Piraglia.
Alex Valdez
Interview with Alex Valdez for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by Colorado College students Jeremy Cashion and Pardes Lyons-Warren.
Shean Belle
Interview with Shean Belle for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by Colorado College students Elle Triplett and Elie Dishommes.
Tip Ragan
Interview with Tip Ragan for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by Colorado College students Quinn Jones and Kate Nixon.
Brian Groben and Ricky Martinez
Interview with Brian Groben and Ricky Martinez for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by Colorado College students Fiona, Ismael and Emma.
Adison Quin Petti
Interview with Adison Quin Petti for the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, conducted by Colorado College students Christian Olsen and Maya Elias.