Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project

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.

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.

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 (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 (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 (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 (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.

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 (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 (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.