Interviewer
Erin Heaton
Description
Parker Mickel (they/them) describes their gender identity as nonbinary and sexual orientation as queer/demisexual. As a military brat, their childhood involved living in multiple places and moving frequently. They describe opening their eyes to politics and how queer communities are established and how they evolve. Parker recalls the day that Germany legalized same sex marriage and the feelings of joy that came with. They describe that after graduation they plan to move to the Bay area of California and work towards a Master’s in education through an AmeriCorps program called Teach for America. They chose California because they see it as more progressive, queer-friendly, and diverse. Their decision to leave stems from finding a lack of joy in Montana, especially given the political system, and the need for a positive change.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
Non-binary identity, demisexual, autistic, immigration challenges, trans community, Montana politics, healthcare access, employment challenges, community support, identity evolution, educational experiences, family dynamics, cultural differences, queer identity, trans person, family support, Chick-fil-A, pride merch, military kid, hometown, German ancestry, heartbreaking decision, acceptance, personal growth, community, belonging, military brat.
Original Date
2-3-2025
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 494-010
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
01:37:22 minutes
Local Filename
OH_494_010_audio_use.mp3; OH_494_010_transcript.pdf
Citation
Mickel, Parker, "Parker Mickel Interview, February 3, 2025" (2025). Queer In and Out of Montana Oral History Project. 3.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/queermontana_oralhistories/3