Interview with Mark Johnson, December 8, 2017

Interview Summary

Mark Johnson talks about growing up in Owingsville, Kentucky and his experiences in school just after integration. He talks about being called various names because of his racial identity as well as his sexuality. He talks about his struggles in college due to discrimination, including a burning cross being put on his door. He discusses the discrimination he faced in his professional life as a social worker. Johnson talks about the unique struggles of being in an interracial relationship. He discusses places in Lexington where he feels comfortable as a Black gay man, as well as places where he feels unwelcome. Johnson talks about Bluegrass Black Pride, Inc. and his leadership role within the organization. He talks briefly about performing as a female impersonator.

Interview Keyword

Bluegrass Black Pride, Inc. African American community Black community LGBTQ community Gay community Cross burning Harassment Prejudice Childhood School integration Morehead State University

Interview LC Subject

African Americans--Education. African Americans--Segregation African Americans--Social conditions. Race discrimination. Violence Coming out (Sexual orientation) Gays--Violence against Homosexuality--Social aspects. Sexual minorities--Identity. Gays--Mental health. Race relations--Kentucky

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.