Harry Demarest Oral History Interview, 2017

Partial Transcript: Can you give your name to the camera?

Segment Synopsis: Harry talks about his background and some of the historical events that have affected his political beliefs, such as the Vietnam War. He also talks about his relationship to the Mormon church, including his ex-communication in support of the ERA (equal rights amendment).

Keywords: Childhood; Equal Rights Amendment; LGBTQ; Mormonism; Politics; Pro-Choice; Schooling; Sexuality; War

Partial Transcript: Do you mind if I ask how you met Merry during all of this?

Segment Synopsis: Harry briefly describes how he met Merry Demarest, his wife and political co-conspirator.

Keywords: Merry Demarest; National Organization for Women

Partial Transcript: So you mentioned before that on top of being involved with the National Organization for Women, you also got involved with the Democratic Party. How did that come about?

Segment Synopsis: Harry talks about his involvement with the Democratic Party of Oregon, how he contributed to various elections, and his relationship to other democrats. He also talks about his work to compile voter lists and design software for people to use them.

Keywords: Democratic Party; elections; government; politics; voter lists

Partial Transcript: So, let's talk about the 90s. I am aware that you were very involved in fighting anti-LGBT measures.

Segment Synopsis: Harry talks about his political efforts against anti-LGBT measures in the 90s.

Keywords: Ballott Measures; LGBTQ; Oregon Citizens Alliance

Partial Transcript: So, you wanted to talk about your uncle at one point...

Segment Synopsis: Harry talks about his gay uncle and an adult son he adopted. Harry also talks about Kelly Worth, a state representative replaced by Sara Gelser.

Keywords: Adoption; Inheritence; Kelly Worth; State Representative; politics

Partial Transcript: So, I am also seeing here that you have a large collection of 50-word short stories that you have written?

Segment Synopsis: Harry talks about getting into creative writing and specifically into writing 50-word short stories.

Keywords: Creative Writing

Partial Transcript: So, has your activism continued sine the tumultuous events of the 90s and 2000s?

Segment Synopsis: Harry briefly describes activism in more recent years before the interviewers conclude the interview.

Keywords: Activism