World AIDS Day has been observed annually on December 1st since 1988. This year, 2025, is the first time since 1988 that the United States government has not honored World AIDS Day. 

We took an opportunity, however, to commemorate World AIDS Day by interviewing Nicole Pascarelli O’Brien about her deep connection to the people involved in the early days of the AIDS Action Committee in Boston, and her efforts to preserve their stories.

At the end of this episode, you will hear a few voices from Nicole’s oral history archive: Larry Kessler, Linette Liebling, and Mary Clark.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

Harvey Milk may already be familiar to you, as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, and for the tragedy that ended his life far too soon. But his legacy is much more than time-stamped moments. In this episode, you will learn a fuller story about Milk's legacy and why this great leader’s messages of visibility and hope still matter.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In this episode, we are exploring one of the most fascinating and misunderstood figures in Native American storytelling: the trickster. This figure embodies complexities and contradictions that reveal deep truths about ourselves and our place in the universe.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In this episode, you will meet Charley Parkhurst, who lived an extraordinary life as one of the most famous stagecoach drivers during the California Gold Rush! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not know how Charley identified or might identify today. The content in this episode uses language from primary source materials and conveys attitudes and circumstances from the time period.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

There are plenty of conversations about gender today, in the media, pop culture, recent legislation, and even in Executive Orders. In this episode, our host, Kathleen Barker, will unpack the first known case of when someone’s gender became a legal matter. And the testimonies in the court records read like a soap opera. 

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

Before there was k.d. lang, Janelle Monáe, or Brandi Carlile, there were queer women — bold, brilliant, and unapologetic — whose voices redefined music genres and challenged social norms. In this episode, you will meet three pioneers whose music and lives defied social norms and changed music forever.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In 1873, off the coast of a small village in Nova Scotia, the SS Atlantic was pulled off course by the tides of the Bay of Fundy and it crashed headlong into the rocks. 1,000 people were on board. 

Fast forward to the 21st Century, when Lynette Richards, author and artist - and super sleuth  - moved to this little coastal village, called Lower Prospect, and discovered the mass graves of 500 lives who perished in the wreck. This led Lynette on a years-long journey that rescued lives and stories that are now living in Lynette's graphic novel, Call Me Bill. Have a listen as our host, Kathleen Barker, talks with Lynette about the mysteries and injustices that have been discovered and corrected in Lower Prospect and beyond!

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

On April 27th, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Executive Order 10450, a quiet but devastating policy that institutionalized fear, fueled decades of discrimination against LGBTQ people, and erased countless lives from public service. Our host, Kathleen Barker, will unpack the context that led to this order, how it impacted generations of Americans, and why understanding this history matters more today than ever.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

On January 13, 1983, Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón went to Papa Choux restaurant in Los Angeles for a romantic dinner. Little did they know that their desire to dine in one of the restaurant’s booths would lead to a landmark civil rights case, Rolón v. Kulwitzky. And in the pursuit of justice, some cases transcend the courtroom, shaping history and shifting the cultural landscape. 

In our previous episode, you heard from Zandra, and now you will hear from Deborah about how this historic court case impacted her life and activism.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

On January 13, 1983, Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón went to Papa Choux restaurant in Los Angeles for a romantic dinner. Little did they know that their reservation for a romantic dinner would lead to a landmark civil rights case. 

In this episode, we spoke with Zandra to learn how this historic court case impacted her life. Have a listen!

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

From landmark legal battles to the everyday ways we express ourselves, free speech is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. But with great freedom comes great responsibility. In this episode, you will learn about a few Supreme Court cases - related to free speech - that impact our lives and freedoms.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

Stories about penguins get more attention during the chill of winter, but they have a lot to teach us any time of the year. These fascinating birds are known for their unique behaviors and unbreakable bonds, but it is their same-sex love stories - and roles as adoptive parents - that seem to capture hearts and minds worldwide. 

In this episode, we’ll explore the science, stories, and symbolism behind these same-sex penguin pairings, and celebrate how the natural world is a mirror to the beautiful diversity of the human experience. 

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

This episode introduces Billie Jean King's legacy, which extends far beyond her achievements and athleticism on the tennis court. As an LGBTQ pioneer and an unwavering advocate for women’s rights, King has used her platform to challenge social norms, fight for equal pay and gender equality, and break down barriers for the LGBTQ community.   

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

This episode is a deep dive into a monumental Supreme Court case that opened the door for marriage equality and other extensions of liberty for LGBTQ people. You will learn the backstory about how and why this case traveled from Texas to the highest court in the nation, hear quotes from a few of the Justices, and more!  

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

Hear from author and podcaster Matt Baume who discusses his book, Hi Honey, I’m Homo! Sitcoms, Specials, and The Queering of American Culture. As Matt unpacks the history, you will hear a few clips from the groundbreaking sitcoms in his book - and the messages are as profound and relevant today as they were decades ago!

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

This episode explores a topic that is both timeless and timely: Drag. Drag has deep historical roots and is a vibrant art form that has not only entertained but provided a critique of cultural, political, and social topics. We had the opportunity to sit down with Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City* author and historian Elyssa Maxx Goodman to learn more about the history, significance, and evolution of drag, as well as its enduring impact on our culture. 

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. 

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In this Deep Dives and Backstories episode, you will meet someone whose life and career bridged diverse worlds—East and West, traditional and modern, queer and straight—and built a legacy that deserves its rightful place in the story of America. 

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. 

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

For this Deep Dives and Backstories episode, we had the opportunity to speak with the Honorable Patrick Murphy, who has served our nation - and American democracy - in many capacities.  After Rep. Marty Meehan's 14-year fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" from 1993 to 2007, Rep. Patrick Murphy (2007 - 2011) continued the fight. The Murphy Amendment ultimately repealed the policy in 2010. 

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. 

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

Language Note: In our attempt to find a common language that is conceptual and applicable across the historical narrative, before the well-recognized acronym of today's world, we are using the word 'queer' in this episode for the people whose lives began - and ended - before the 21st Century. 

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. Special thanks to our colleagues Danny Roberts, Triana Wilson, Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas, and Dinah Mack for lending their voices to read the letters featured in this episode.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In this episode, you will meet someone whose influence and impact on the story of America is monumental. He famously said, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” Keep that idea in mind as you listen.

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. Special thanks to Jocardo Ralston for being the voice of James Baldwin.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In this episode, you will meet two fascinating people who expand our understanding of the possible motivations people may have had to venture into the Wild West. Welcome to the fluid frontier!

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In this episode, our host Kathleen Barker will introduce a surprising backstory to a well-known holiday classic. You will also hear commentary from a few members of our team who gathered online for a screening of this holiday special - and then hit “record” to capture an unscripted discussion about the queerness in this classic story.

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

In this episode, you will meet a little-known and underappreciated figure connected to the Revolutionary War.  In addition to his backstory, you will also hear commentary from two special guests we interviewed for this episode - the author and illustrator of a graphic novel that invites young adults (or adults of any age) to dive into this Revelation about the Revolution!

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

We have learned, throughout the course of history, that it is often incidental acts - by everyday people - that prove to be historic, consequential actions.

In this episode, Kathleen will introduce you to someone whose story needs to be told, deserves to be told, and for a variety of reasons - especially today.

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org

Did you know that there are actually a number of schools in the United States that are named in honor of LGBTQ individuals – some knowingly and some unintentionally? This episode is an exploration of school names that uncover some LGBTQ history hiding in plain sight! 

This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place — the classroom. UnErased.org