What did I learn? (Week 4)

Although I wish I could have had a more emotion provoking project that portrayed the difficult and demeaning lives of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders during 50s-90s time frame; I will give myself credit for discovering a vital part of a civil rights movement within Corpus Christi. I never knew about Lee Elliff, or Rachel Sanchez who are heroines to the LGBT community, and I feel ashamed because these people fought for where the LGBT community is today and at the very least they should be acknowledged for presenting ideas that were considered radical at the time and probably ruined their reputations.

For my first choice I decided to observe "The Art Center" by Lizzy Garcia. Her topic impacts Corpus Christi similarly in a way that mine does by touching on the social attitudes of society. She explains how the art center brings cultural enrichment to Corpus Christi (which I agree with). I enjoyed hers because like mine it was interesting to see a community establish and develop individually within Corpus yet still consequently affect Corpus Christi.

Lastly I viewed Esmeralda's exhibit board, about Water St. I learned that it has a social impact on Corpus Christi by providing a place to enjoy your night at social gatherings and encompassing many defining areas that are part of downtown. Water St is really just the little life that Corpus has in it, and without it Corpus would just be a dead honestly, and that is exactly what I indirectly learned from Esmeralda.

Historical marker #3 - Corpus Christi Fire Department

I chose the Corpus Christi Fire Department historical marker because it is interesting to learn about the local heros in our community! I really admire those people that put their life on the line for other people!! 

Historical Marker #2 - Dr.Hector P.Garcia

This photo looks so weird, and its hard taking a selfie with people watching you...

Dr.Hector P. Garcia kind of like a role model to me because I am a very big advocate for civil rights and he plays a key role in the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement. I think I could really learn from people like him, but Its not about me its about him. THANK YOU DR.HECTOR P. GARCIA, many of us would not be here without you!!

Putting it all together (Week three)

*Week 1 (May 12-16) is titled library visit #1
  Week 2 (May 19-23) is titled library visit #3
(I never blogged my library visit #2, whoops! It was similar to visit #3 though..)

 Now that I have all my information it's time to cut and paste it into my exhibit board!!! Yay!!! No just kidding this actually the most tedious part, cutting, pasting, etc. I'd rather be back in the library reading, that is what I really enjoyed!! I've come a long way with this project (3 weeks actually so not that long..) and I have truly been shocked about what information I have been presented with.. I just wish Friday was not beach day, I could use an extra day to cut and paste.. Anyways I'm glad I was given the opportunity to participate in this project and I hope that my journey does not end here, and that I continue to find information out about the LGBT community.

  I cannot wait to see what other people create for their projects!!!

Library visit #3 (Week two)

I have no idea what this photo is describing, the article did not mention anything related to it. Although from the picture there is a general understanding that gays were not wanted in certain jobs.

 

This photo represents a series that was issued for a week only from July 13th to July 20th 1975, it isn't clear how the series began or why it ended but from my conclusions it was probably an informative or exploratory type series. The series attempts to analyze the gay community within Corpus Christi and seems to point out that it is distinct from that of the heterosexual lives. My opinion is although it is a triumph within the gay community to have its own series, the articles within the series are odd, it is as if they kind of section homosexuals off which is not what we are trying to achieve presently, we are trying to achieve equality. However, I personally enjoyed reading the articles, it gives the reader a sense of the attitudes towards homosexuality in the mid 70s.

Good news!

So quick update there is information regarding my topic at the library, and the history of the LGBT community goes back to the 1970s!! So I am hoping my second visit I leave with some photo copies of newspaper clippings!!

Library Visit #1 (Week one)

   After visiting the library I left empty handed but I am still going to get an email from the librarians who said they would get back to me about my topic. While I was there I focused on finding information about two gay bars, one called "Ubu", and "The Hidden Door & The Loft", both places contain rich history for my topic. I was actually informed that "Ubu" had been picketed when it was established in the 80s!! That was exciting (exciting in the sense that it was part of my topic, but it is not actually exciting to know the discrimination took place) information, and I hope when the librarians email me so I get to see that story plus more stories! I am also attending an event that could be geared towards my project as well!!!

Buc Days

     I interviewed my mother about Buc days. She told me she remembers going almost every year with her cousin Clara and other family members. The event was special to my family because a lot of her relatives went to Miller High School and the parade just so happens to also take place their as well (I think it has changed now though). Throughout our interview she kept mentioning how it has been tradition to attend Buc Days in her family so I came to the conclusion that maybe it is important to Corpus Christi because the people here like tradition and the Buc Days provides them that and also a sense of community. 

Historical Marker #1 - Cheston L. Health School

   I'd like to to start off by saying it was surprisingly difficult to take a selfie with the marker. We tried to capture the full marker with both of us, but the marker is too tall!

Picture taken: 4/15/14

   After reading the marker I felt that I wish this information had been taught to me earlier, I think it is kind of depriving not knowing my own city's history. The marker is significant because it provides insight one of the many Mexican American triumphs in our local history. I think the marker also identifies prominent historical figures in Corpus Christi, I mean now I know where the elementary school Rose Shaw gets their name from, and it also mentions Cheston L. who is another important figure. Going back to what I stated earlier, I am curious about the topic, and I feel like I should have already known about such important information concerning our local history.  

LGBT History

   My topic is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) history. I want to expose the discrimination that the community has faced but I also want to examine our triumphs as well. I am thinking the most logical place to start is by asking local organizations such as the Gay & Straight Alliance at Del Mar, there might be another one but I am not too sure. Another start I have thought of might be far fetched but I think the "gay" bars are also a valuable place to look into, although I do not know how to go about contacting the owners. I think gay bars will allow me to see the emergence of LGBT culture within Corpus Christi, but at the same time I know I might be limited as to how I get the information considering I am a minor.
   I chose my topic because it is something I am passionate about. I feel like some individuals think I chose the topic because I am homosexual and while that is partially true I really chose the topic because I am also a strong advocate for civil rights not just for the LGBT community but also other minorities as well, so I think sharing the story will kind of open peoples eyes to the harsh discrimination that the LGBT community has faced and still faces today.
    A couple of months ago we talked civil rights activist Cesar Chaves, and Dr.Hector P Garcia, which greatly influenced me to start thinking about civil rights activist for the LGBT community, and while Mr. Martinez's dad always questions "what about the Mexicans?" I am left questioning "what about the LGBT community?". Civil rights was the topic of discussion a couple of months ago and I feel like the LGBT community is worthy of being included when we discuss concepts that concern civil rights.
   To conclude while I am enthusiastic for this project, I am also worried about that there might be a lack of information about the topic.