Interviewer
Erin Heaton
Description
Johnny Barber (they/them) begins by addressing some key aspects of their identity such as being queer, being a partner, and a soon-to-be parent. They describe how their upbringing in a religious family living in Miles City, Montana, greatly influenced their coming out experience. They describe moving and coming out in Missoula, where they found a more accepting, queer community and performed drag as Johnny Spritzer. They describe the evolving vocabulary associated with queer identity and how the reclamation of the word ‘queer’ allowed them to find a label that fit better than lesbian or bisexual. Additionally, Johnny’s involvement in drag, specifically running for Mr. Gay and befriending Papa Cherry, allowed them to better understand their own gender identity. While living in Chicago, Johnny discusses how the queer community is very different from that in Missoula. They also explain their decision to move for job opportunities, educational opportunities, and a lack of queer protection in Montana.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
LGBTQ+, thematic analysis, gender identity, sexual orientation, community well-being, leaving Montana, drag performance, queer community, mental health, political climate, career opportunities, family relationships, Chicago, second parent adoption, Montana, community, slower pace, outdoors, hot springs, cost of living, retirement
Original Date
1-28-2025
Time Period
Twenty-first century
Geographic Coverage
Montana
Language
eng
Original Collection
Queer In and Out of Montana Oral History Project, OH 494, Archives & Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana
Digital Publisher
University of Montana--Missoula. Mansfield Library
Rights
Copyright to this collection is held by the interview participants and by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Permission may be required for use. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections: (406) 243-2053 / library.archives@umontana.edu
Oral History Number
OH 494-006
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
01:40:51 minutes
Local Filename
OH_494_006_audio_use.mp3; OH_494_006_transcript.pdf
Citation
Barber, Johnny, "Johnny Barber Interview, January 28, 2025" (2025). Queer In and Out of Montana Oral History Project. 2.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/queermontana_oralhistories/2