Out in the South cover art

Out in the South

Out in the South

Written by: Tidewater Queer History Project
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Ever wondered what life was like for queer people before you? OITS uses oral history interviews, archival audio footage, and the papers left behind by activists and long-gone social groups to chronicle queer life in Southeastern Virginia. Listen as OITS tells the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. OITS is brought to you by the Tidewater Queer History Project.Copyright 2026 World
Episodes
  • S1E2 - Not Another Gay Newspaper

    S1E2 - Not Another Gay Newspaper
    Apr 9 2026

    When it published its last issue in 1998, Our Own Community Press was one of the longest running gay publications in the nation. Learn how the paper grew from a modest one page newsletter to an established, highly regarded newspaper in just a few years. Our Own united the LGBTQ community of Tidewater and provided positive visibility in the media. This is part one of a short series about Our Own and covers the early years of the paper and its impacts.

    In this episode:

    00:00 Intro

    03:07 UUGC Recap (Listen to episode 1 for the full story!)

    04:36 Our Own’s Early Days

    05:50 Why are gay publications so important?

    11:09 The humble production of Our Own

    13:39 Growing paper, growing costs

    16:50 Features of the paper

    21:05 Tensions within the paper and a preview of part 2

    21:44 Credits

    Out in the South is brought to you by the Tidewater Queer History Project, a community/academic partnership dedicated to collecting and preserving LGBTQ history in and around Hampton Roads, Virginia. Please listen, subscribe, and rate our show on your chosen podcast platform.

    For more information and to stay up to date with us, follow the Tidewater Queer History Project on Facebook or on Instagram @tidewaterqueer, or email us at

    tidewaterqueerhistoryproject@gmail.com.
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    23 mins
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