This week, we're sharing the story of Ms. Mabel Hampton, in partnership with The Lesbian Herstory Archives. Ms. Hampton (1902-1989) was an African-American lesbian, an activist, a dancer, a singer, and a domestic worker. She was also a dear friend and mentor of Joan Nestle, one of The Lesbian Herstory Archives' founders. Between 1976 and 1988, Joan Nestle sat down with Ms. Hampton numerous times to record a series of oral history interviews. We've pulled bits and pieces from these tapes to share some of Ms. Hampton's life story.

The Lesbian Herstory Archives is home to the world’s largest collection of materials by and about Lesbians and our communities.

This episode is a part of a series we’re calling Cruising the Archives. We’re featuring extended interviews with LGBTQ+ icons from our own archives, as well as from the collections of queer and lesbian archives throughout the country.

Thank you for listening to Cruising Podcast!

-Reviews help other listeners find Cruising! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review!

-For more Cruising adventures, follow us @cruisingpod on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

-Support Cruising here! Cruising is an independent podcast. That means we're entirely funded by sponsors and listeners like you!

-Cruising is reported and produced by a small but mighty team of three: Sarah Gabrielli (host/story producer/audio engineer), Rachel Karp (story producer/social media manager), and Jen McGinity (line producer/resident road-trip driver). Theme song is by Joey Freeman. Cover art is by Nikki Ligos. Logo is by Finley Martin.

Support the show