Ben Barr, 2016

File — Box: 1, Folder: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Ben Barr grew up in the 9th and 9th neighborhood of Salt Lake City, in a Jewish immigrant family. He recounts his early childhood bullying, a result of effeminate behavior, and how he banded together with classmates who suffered the same abuses. As a teenager, he was in a relationship with a female classmate, and the two became teenage parents at the ages of 15 and 16. Barr discusses his relationship with his daughter's mother, and the experience of coming out a few years after his daughter's birth. His relationship with his ex-girlfriend remained positive, and Barr co-parented with her, and her future children. Barr also recounts gay culture in Salt Lake City, including cruising, conversion therapy, and tensions between the gay community and religious organizations. Barr discusses his activism surrounding the AIDS epidemic, and his volunteer work as a care giver to AIDS patients.
Interviewed by Elizabeth Clement.

Dates

2016

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.