This episode features Julie Rhoad, the former president and CEO of the NAMES Project Foundation, which serves as caretaker of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, an ever-evolving memorial to lives lost to HIV/AIDS. Julie led the Foundation during its tenure in Atlanta, connecting Southeastern communities with The Quilt’s powerful stories of love and remembrance. She secured the long-term preservation of the AIDS Quilt by establishing the Library of Congress and the National AIDS Memorial as the permanent homes for the memorial and its priceless archival material.

Julie’s oral history was recorded by Morna Gerrard, lead archivist for the Women, Gender, & Sexuality Collection at Georgia State’s University Archives; she is included in the podcast episode to provide additional context.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Produced by Sam Landis, Rachel Garbus, and Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto)

Edited by Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco) , who also created the

podcast’s thematic music.

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis.

Photographer: Alex Pirtle (@photoescapades).

Julie is pictured in front of a panel of The AIDS Quilt in permanent display at The Atlanta History Center.

Project graphic design & social support: Amanda Killian

Project interns: Alyssa Zhang, Alex Campo, Hunter Buchheit, Kaleb Branch, and Oli Turner.

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting:

atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

In this episode, we hear from Sam Park, who is both the first Asian-American Democrat and the first openly gay (male) lawmaker to serve in the Georgia State Legislature. The grandson of refugees and the son of Korean immigrants, Sam has been a powerful voice for Georgia’s Asian-American community, and an affordable healthcare advocate for all Georgians. In addition to his legislative duties, Sam serves as general counsel for Positive Impact Health Centers, which works to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Georgia.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Produced by Sam Landis, Rachel Garbus, and Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto)
Edited by Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco) , who also created the podcast’s new thematic music.

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis.

Sam Park was photographed by Kenedee Hodges. Sam Park is pictured on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol building in Atlanta.

Project graphic design & social support: Amanda Killian
Project interns: Alyssa Zhang, Alex Campo, and Hunter Buchheit.

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About the Project:

The Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project is a multimedia initiative to gather, share, and preserve the history and life stories of LGBTQ+ communities in Georgia and across the Southeast. Through oral history, photography, and archival materials, we bring the voices and stories of LGBTQ+ Atlantans to life.

In this episode, we feature Mary Anne Adams, a lifelong activist and organizer, a brilliant academic, and a beloved member of the Atlanta lesbian community. Mary Anne is the Founder and Executive Director of ZAMI NOBLA, the National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging, which provides resources to aid the coming-of-age process for Black lesbians over the age of 40.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Our project did not record this oral history interview with Mary Anne Adams. This interview was recorded in 2015 as part of the Southern Lesbian Feminist Activist Herstory Project, which collects oral histories and written life stories from lesbian feminists across the Southeast. The Southern Lesbian Feminist Activist Herstory Project has an amazing archive of interviews, stories, and resources about Southern lesbian and feminist history: to learn more and explore their archive, head to slfaherstoryproject.org. We’re very grateful to them for sharing their collection with us.

Mary Anne Adams was interviewed for this oral history by Lorraine Fontana, who’s one of our Honored Subjects in the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project, as well as an amazing lesbian, feminist, and activist in her own right.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and is part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Oral History Recorded with Lorraine Fontana for The Southern Lesbian Feminist Activist Herstory Project. Learn more at slfaherstoryproject.org.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel).

Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus, and Sam Landis(@iam_samlandis).

Episode 5 was edited by Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco)

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis
Photographed by Marilyn Ocasio Nieves.
Mary Anne Adams is pictured in her home in East Point.

Project interns - Alyssa Zhang, Alex Campo, Hunter Buchheit, and Oli Turner.

Our original podcast theme music was created by our sound designer, Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco)

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About the Project: 

The Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project is a multimedia initiative to gather, share, and preserve the history and life stories of LGBTQ+ communities in Georgia and across the Southeast. Through oral history, photography, and archival materials, we bring the voices and stories of LGBTQ+ Atlantans to life.

Explore the project through museum exhibitions, the Out Down South podcast, live and virtual panel series, and online materials. All project materials are archived at Georgia State University Library’s Special Collection & Archives.

Learn more by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org

We are grateful for the partners of the podcast and project: WussyMag and the special collections and archives at Georgia State University Library where all of the oral histories from this project will be archived.

You can find the full show notes and the podcast transcription at atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/out-down-south-episodes/mary-anne-adams

In this episode, we hear from Rabbi Joshua Lesser, an LGBTQ+ activist and rabbi emeritus at Congregation Bet Haverim, a Reconstructionist synagogue founded by Jewish LGBTQ+ Atlantans that welcomes all Jews and their loved ones. Joshua created SOJOURN, the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender & Sexual Diversity, and co-edited Torah Queeries, a weekly Torah commentary with an LGBTQ+ lens. Leading at the intersection of justice and spirituality, he is passionate about incorporating Jewish contemplative practice with a commitment to civil and human rights.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus, and Sam Landis
Edited by Rachel Garbus 

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis
Photographed by Aurie Singletary. Kim Jackson is pictured outside Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.
Project interns: Alyssa Zhang, Alex Campo, and Hunter Buchheit.

Podcast Music Information:

Intro Song: “Break the Mold” by Jack Pierce 

Supplemental Music from AudioJungle 

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

In this episode, we hear from Kim Jackson, Georgia’s first openly LGBTQ+ state senator. She represents the Stone Mountain area in the Georgia General Assembly. Kim is also an ordained Episcopal priest; she serves as vicar of the Church of the Common Ground, which ministers to unhoused Atlantans outside Central Presbyterian Church, in the shadow of the capitol building’s gold dome.

As a state senator, Kim has championed legislation that improves the lives of Georgia’s most vulnerable communities and has been outspoken against laws cruelly targeting LGBTQ+ youth.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel), and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Edited by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel)

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis)
Photographed by Jody Fausett. Grant Henry is pictured at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium in Atlanta.

Oral history transcribed by Alyssa Zhang
Project interns: Alyssa Zhang, Alex Campo, and Hunter Buchheit.

Podcast Music Information:

Intro Song: “Break the Mold” by Jack Pierce 

Supplemental Music from AudioJungle

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

As the proprietor of “Church,” Grant Henry welcomes people of all identities to this beloved fixture of Atlanta nightlife. 

With locations in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, Grant’s bar features whimsical, irreverent art and events like organ karaoke and Sunday Service dance parties. Sister Louisa is Grant’s artistic persona, reflecting stops in his life journey – divinity school, the world of art, and community host

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel), and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Edited by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel)

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis)
Photographed by Jody Fausett. Grant Henry is pictured at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium in Atlanta.

Oral history transcribed by Alyssa Zhang
Project interns: Alyssa Zhang, Alex Campo, and Hunter Buchheit.

Podcast Music Information:

Intro Song: “Break the Mold” by Jack Pierce 

Supplemental Music from AudioJungle

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Ms. Dee Dee Chamblee is the executive director and founder of LaGender Inc., a non-profit organization, led by Black trans women, dedicated to the support of transgender women of color in the metro Atlanta area.

Dee Dee founded LaGender in 2001 to address the unique needs of the transgender community surrounding issues such as HIV/AIDS, homelessness, incarceration, mental health wellness, discrimination and hate crime violence. She’s a true survivor, having lived with HIV since 1987, and she is a tireless advocate for the trans community here in Atlanta and beyond.

In 2011, to honor her work, then-President Obama named DeeDee a Champion of Change during a 30th anniversary commemoration of the beginning of the HIV/AIDS crisis. She was the first Black trans woman to be honored at the White House.

TW: In this episode, there are some themes and discussion of sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse you can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Holtline for 24/7 support online at online.rainn.org or 800.656.4673.

Note: This episode was recorded in the fall of 2022, and when it was released in January 2023, Sam Landis had changed jobs and now works for Delta Air Lines.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel), and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Teaser edited by Kacie Willis

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis)

Project interns - Alyssa Zhang (“Jong”) and Alex Campo.

Podcast Music Information:

Intro Song: “Break the Mold” by Jack Pierce

Supplemental Music from AudioJungle

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

LGBTQ+ history isn’t just made in New York and San Francisco - it’s happening in big cities and small towns around the world. Here in the South, we have our own unique stories of resilience, courage, and transformation. With each episode of the Out Down South Podcast we are going to dive into an oral history interview with a different southern LGBTQ+ history-maker. 

The first season of Out Down South will showcase the stories of 10 LGBTQ+ Atlantans, told in their own words. 

In the teaser you’ll hear clips from future episodes featuring: 

Dee Chamblee, the executive director and founder of La Gender Inc., a non-profit organization, led by Black trans women, dedicated to the support of transgender women of color in the metro Atlanta area. She was the first Black trans woman to be honored at the White House, by then-President Obama, as a Champion of Change. 

Julie Rhoad, the former Executive Director of the Names Project and AIDS Memorial Quilt. 

Reverend Kim Jackson, Georgia’s first out queer State Senator. 

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel), and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Teaser edited by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel)

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis)

Podcast Music Information:

Intro Song: “Break the Mould” by Jack Pierce 

Supplemental Music from Audio Jungle

The podcast is funded by a Georgia Humanities grant and individual gifts from LGBTQ+ history-lovers like you. If you would like to support the project, you can by visiting: atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org/donate

Stay up to date with the Out Down South Podcast and Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project on social: instagram.com/atllgbtqhisproj/ or @atllgbtqhisproj on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.