My most recent interview with Dianne Barrett for the B-E Collection is now available on the website under Coming Out stories. I think it’s probably my best of the three I’ve had with her. Certainly my most relaxed. If you or someone you know should be included, please help spread the word.
The B-E Collection Mission Statement
My spouse, Margaret Elfering, and myself, in conjunction with archives such as the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives and the Gerth Archives and Special Collection at California State University Dominguez Hills, will contribute an ongoing series of interviews of lesbians and their careers. The collection will be known as the B-E Collection: Lesbians and Their Careers.
The “B-E” of the collection is a shorthand for our last names (Barrett – Elfering). However, there is a second meaning to our collection’s name: the verb “be” is also defined as “to exist” or “to occur or take place”. Our collection is a means of bearing witness to the stories of lesbians of different generations, from different walks of life.
The mission of this collection is to dignify the accomplishments, pride, and effort lesbians put forth in their careers on their journey in life. We make oral histories to document our existence then and now. Many of us had the “don’t talk – say nothing – you are wrong” experience. Now we are talking.
We would appreciate a referral of lesbians who might be interested in participating in our project. We would be more than delighted to speak with anyone who you think would be interested in participating in the B-E Collection.
Your support is always a gift.
Dianne Barrett
Please check out this important project and consider adding your stories at the following address:
Won’t you please contact Dianne to add your voice – every story is important, and it’s so simple: a zoom call that’s less than an hour, at your convenience. The project has been expanded to include stories on additional topics.
Bring it, sisters. Tell your Coming Out stories to someone who will not only appreciate but also preserve them.
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P.S. I also want to say a huge personal thank you to Barbara Embick for her participation in this important project.
I'll Call It Like I See It 
Good luck!
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