Oral History Interview with Mary Jean Collins, 1939-

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Mary Jean Collins lead during the foundational years of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and as her time progressed in Washington, she found herself leading not just in the queer community, but in the city and the country as a whole. Motivated by her Catholic upbringing and her family’s strong values in grassroots activism, Collins grew up dedicated to working to better the community around her. Especially influenced by the Catholic nuns in her city, she came to NOW inspired by the fact that it was the first organization she had seen created and run by empowered women. Collins also talks about her experiences as a Lesbian during the late twentieth century, and the changes and developments she herself witnessed.

The interview belongs to the Rainbow History Project.
The RHP release form was used and all rights belong to RHP.

Marty Webb

Yes, transcript available

Yes, recording available, 01:05:28
(audio .mfa, 60 MB)