W0059_Transcript |
Previous | 1 of 1 | Next |
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
large ( > 500x500)
Full Resolution
|
Object Description
Interview no. | W-0059 |
Restrictions | In-library use only. Access through the Southern Historical Collection. |
Project | W.2. LGBTQ Life in the South: Sweet Tea Interviews by E. Patrick Johnson |
Project description | Interviews, 2003-2006, conducted by E. Patrick Johnson with black gay men from the South including men from many Southern states regarding their experience of growing up gay in the South with particular focus on such topics as the influence of the church in upbringing, coming out experiences, gay vernacular, college and career in the South, gay life in small towns, segregation, gay social life, and whether the South is hospitable to gays. These interviews form the basis for Johnson's book, “Sweet Tea: Black Gay men of the South,” published in 2008 by University of North Carolina Press. |
Date | 27 October 2004 |
Interviewee | Kent. |
Interviewee occupation | Musicians |
Interviewee DOB | 1967 |
Interviewee ethnicity | African Americans |
Interviewer | Johnson, E. Patrick, 1967- |
Abstract | Kent was born in North Carolina in 1967, the son of a farming family who also owned a restaurant in town. He spent most of his early life living in the rural community of Berea, N.C., just outside of Oxford. He went to college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and majored in music. Kent explains his college years as time where he found out a lot about himself and states that the college atmosphere was both welcoming and confining to gays on campus. A lot of time is spent discussing the effect that church has had on his life. Kent explains how growing up black in the South meant going to church and he cannot recall a time in his life where he was not involved with the church. He also explains how the church tends to turn a blind eye to the homosexuality of its members even though it is “sometimes obvious” that they exist, especially in the music-related roles. Finally, Kent discusses his family dynamics, stating that his sister and brother-in law were the first people he came out to and they accepted him. His mother was accepting, but still tried to talk him out of it at times. He explains that it also helps that his older brother was also gay, which paved the way for him. This interview is part of the E. Patrick Johnson collection and was conducted for Johnson's book, “Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South.” |
Citation | Interview with Kent by E. Patrick Johnson, 27 October 2004 W-0059, in the Southern Oral History Program Collection #4007, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. |
Description
Interview no. | W0059_Transcript |