[2004] Steve Aberson and Brent Ortolani Interview

[2004] Steve Aberson and Brent Ortolani Interview

Steve Aberson and Brent Ortolani Oral History Project Interview from July 25, 2004

Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on July 25, 2004. Video and Transcript restricted to on-site research. Steve was born in Okemah, Oklahoma on July 1, 1959. At age 5, the family moved to Tulsa to be more involved in the local Jewish community. Brent was born in Pittsburg, Kansas but was raised in Coffeyville, Kansas. In the interview, Steve and Brent discussed their early experiences with the gay life in Tulsa and awareness as the AIDS crisis began. Brent discussed his experiences at two universities in a public relations role and involvement with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), including as president in the early 2000s. Steve talked about some of the prejudices he faces as a Jew and out gay person in the retail business. Both discussed their coming out experiences with family and friends. Steve discussed his volunteer work with the AIDS service organization Shanti, Brent talked about his experience as a volunteer HIV/AIDS educator. Brent reviewed the challenges TOHR faced in the early 2000s. They discussed the rewarding experience of helping raise a transgender high school boy originally from Thailand.

Steve Aberson, Brent Ortolani

July 25, 2004