A brief history of the OLOHP
The Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project, OLOHP, began in 1997 when Arden Eversmeyer started working with women she knew who were ill and dying in her area, Houston, Texas. Next, she began collecting stories from friends as she traveled. And now, she and others are working to collect the life stories from lesbians 70 and older wherever they are found and whenever they are willing to share them.
Arden was also integrally involved in OLOC, Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. In October 2000, OLOC agreed to serve as a sponsor for the project, helping Arden connect with more old lesbians.
There is an urgency inherent in the nature of the OLOHP. Each year, women whose stories the project wanted to gather slip away. Some old lesbians die before we are able to interview them; others become unable to do the interview.
The herstories of the women who lived through a unique period in time need to be preserved. The women deserve to be recognized for their experiences and contributions.
And, just as importantly, there are thousands of other old lesbians who need to know they are not alone.
Arden was also integrally involved in OLOC, Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. In October 2000, OLOC agreed to serve as a sponsor for the project, helping Arden connect with more old lesbians.
There is an urgency inherent in the nature of the OLOHP. Each year, women whose stories the project wanted to gather slip away. Some old lesbians die before we are able to interview them; others become unable to do the interview.
The herstories of the women who lived through a unique period in time need to be preserved. The women deserve to be recognized for their experiences and contributions.
And, just as importantly, there are thousands of other old lesbians who need to know they are not alone.
