Michael Jackson and André Pérez

Recorded September 24, 2014 39:56 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id: chi000868

Description

Michael Jackson (71) is interviewed by StoryCorps staff Andre Perez (26) about coming out and what his experiences in life have been like as a gay man.

Subject Log / Time Code

M says that her was born in 1943 just two years before WWII ended in London. He says he grew up in a pretty conventional family. He remembers still getting ration books and says he didn't know what chocolate or "sweets" tasted like until he was around ten or eleven years old.
M talks about first thinking he might be gay. he remembers hearing gay slurs and thinking to himself that there wasn't anything wrong with a man liking another man or a woman another woman.
M talks about an Iranian nightclub dancer who he had his first male sexual experience with. This man later set him up on a blind date with a "very handsome" lawyer and who is still friends with.
M talks about being in the Windy City Chorus because performing is always something he enjoyed. One night at a party for theater and choir managers het met Fred who he was in a 30 year partnership with.
M says when he was younger there was a huge emphasis on education and getting a good job and then setting down with a partner.

Participants

  • Michael Jackson
  • André Pérez

Recording Locations

Chicago Cultural Center

Venue / Recording Kit

Partnership Type

Outreach

Keywords