Oral History Interview, Patricia Calchina (1456)

Abstract

In her 2015 interview with Michele Besant, Pat Calchina details her life in Madison. She spoke of the time period around 1987 when she arrived in Madison, and the present. The following topics were covered: motivation to come to Madison, graduate studies at UW Madison, organizing the first major Gay and Lesbian Pride March in Madison, Wisconsin, teaching a Lesbian Her story class at community centers in Madison, the creation of Apple Island, a women’s culture and performance space, the Michigan Women’s Music Festival, teaching at Ethan Allen School for boys and Memorial High School, advisor to multiple student organizations, GSA, PACT (peace group), teaching Women’s History at the high school, creation of Bra Flag, conflicts with right wing political groups, and working at WORT (public radio station) on QUEERY, Madison’s GLBT radio show.