Breaking Barriers | Prairie Public Broadcasting

Breaking Barriers

Excerpts from the Red River Rainbow Seniors oral history project called “Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains.” It features stories from folks who grew up back when being “out” was socially unacceptable.

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Contact the oral history project at redriverrainboworalhistory@gmail.com

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Episode 10: David Fischer

By • Sep 24, 2019

David Fischer was born in South Dakota in 1950, but soon moved to North Dakota, growing up when being gay was often puzzling, and being out wasn’t imaginable. He attended NDSU, enjoyed a 38 year career in area hospitals, and retired in 2012.

Episode 9: Randy Mann

By • Aug 27, 2019

Randy's path takes him through Catholic schooling, traditional marriage, and parenthood before finally embracing his true self.

Episode 8: Robert Uebel

By • Aug 7, 2019

In this episode, we hear from Robert Uebel as he visits with volunteer Mark Chekola.

Episode 7: Lynn Runck

By • Jun 12, 2019

Lynn recalls some difficult times.

Episode 6: Anita Bender

By • Apr 15, 2019

In this excerpt, Anita Bender shares part of her coming out story, including the consequences her Mennonite parents faced for supporting her. She visits with volunteer Larry Peterson.

Episode 5: A Minister's Path

By • Apr 13, 2019

We hear from a former minister who served in churches in Iowa and Minnesota. He married a fellow seminarian, a woman, in 1969 and raised a family. But he eventually came to terms with his true self, came out to family and friends, and discovered a life he never thought possible. Here’s a portion of his visit with volunteer Darrell Hansen.

Episode 4: Jan Titus

By • Apr 13, 2019

Jan Titus grew up in a Methodist church, and later became a Lutheran minister. In this excerpt from his oral history, we learn how church leaders reacted when they learned he was gay. He visits with volunteer Larry Peterson.

Episode 3: Roger Schobinger

By • Apr 13, 2019

Roger Schobinger was known across North Dakota for speaking on the issue of HIV & AIDS. On August 1st, 2018, he passed away at the age of 63.  In this episode of the Breaking Barriers podcast, we share an excerpt from Roger’s oral history as he visits with volunteer Bob Stone.

Episode 2: A Gradual Awakening

By • Apr 13, 2019

An anonymous interviewee describes his gradual realization about his sexuality, the impact on his family, and the joy he finds in his new life with his new love. He is interviewed by project volunteer Larry Peterson, professor of history emeritus.

Episode 1: An Introduction

By • Apr 12, 2019

Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains is an oral history project from the Red River Rainbow Seniors. It features stories from folks who grew up back when being “out” was much harder. In this first episode, we get an introduction to the project and hear an excerpt as Mark Chekola, a member of the Red River Rainbow Seniors visits with Prairie Public host Doug Hamilton.