Oral History Interview with Joseph Izzo (2016)

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Moving to the DC area in 1965, Joe Izzo discusses their early experiences in the Catholic ministry, from attending a Xaverian Brothers High School in Leonardtown, MD, to attending Catholic University and the University of Maryland, College Park. They worked in the campus ministry for both the University of Maryland and Catholic University. They also worked for the Quixote Center before being excommunicated from the Catholic Church. After being excommunicated, they got a Master's degree from Howard University School of Social Work and they started volunteering with the Gay Men's Counseling Collective. 

Joe Izzo eventually got a job at Whitman-Walker to create HIV Prevention Education to the underserved populations on the streets. In this role, they discuss training volunteers and providing HIV education to people living on the streets and sex workers, as well as working with club owners to provide sex education at bars. They also provided education workshops at prisons and jails. Eventually, their role at Whitman-Walker would change to providing therapy and counseling services. Joe talks about the evolution of the type of patients they receive overtime and the evolution of the AIDS Walk. 

Further Listening
- Joe Izzo (RHP- Oral History 2026)

This interview belongs to the Rainbow History Project. These materials are for scholarly and research purposes and should not be used for commercial gain without permission.

Jeff Donahoe

Washington, D.C.

Transcript Available

Yes, recording available, 01:12:18
(audio .m4a, 112 MB)