Connell O'Donovan, 2016

File — Box: 3, Folder: 10

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Connell O’Donovan was born in Syracuse, Utah, but spent most of his early years in Alaska. O’Donovan describes his first understanding of homosexuality and what it was like to grow up as a homosexual in Alabama, Texas, and Alaska. He also talks about his experiences in the LDS Church. He went on a LDS Church mission to Brazil and when he returned he joined the Army. O’Donovan continued to have homosexual feelings on his mission and in the Army but decided to marry his girlfriend whilestationed in California. Eventually, O’Donovan and his wife moved back to Salt Lake City and he became an activist for gay issues, including HIV/AIDS. O’Donovan came out and his wife and hedivorced. He worked for the AIDS Project Utah, as well as supportgroups for people living with AIDS. O’Donovan describes the political atmosphere of AIDS organizations in the ’80s. He also talks about the gay community and gay culture in Salt Lake City. He then explains his view of how HIV/AIDS affected the country andhow that effect changed over time.
Interviewed by Seth Anderson.

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.