FindMyPast At Home Interview Recap
I extend my gratitude to Jen Baldwin and Eleanor Overthrow-Jones of FindMyPast for their interest in LGBTQ Genealogy. A heartfelt thank you to all the listeners who participated in the live interview on February 25, 2021, or are currently watching the recording on YouTube. During the live session, I was grappling with side effects from my second Moderna vaccination, which led to a somewhat fuzzy-headed state. In this blog post, I aim to address and improve upon some of the answers given during the interview now that I have a clearer mind.
One crucial clarification pertains to the definitions of L, G, B, T, and Q within the LGBTQ acronym. It’s essential to recognize that we are addressing two distinct aspects—Sexual Preference and Gender Identity. LGB denotes sexual preferences related to attraction, while T refers to Gender Identity. A transgender person’s sexual preference can be toward their own identified gender or not.
The Homo History photography blog is authored by Jeffery Gent.
For those interested in exploring police records, the relevant FindMyPast database is titled “England & Wales, Crime, Prisons & Punishment Browse, 1770-1935.”
There was a question during the interview regarding how to name someone who was previously married, then transitioned and married again. It’s crucial to approach this matter with sensitivity and respect for the individual’s identity. Avoid using deadnames in any shared publications. Reserve deadnames for private notes and personal research. In shared writings, always use the individual’s chosen name.
Consider the example of Bob and Sue, who were initially married. Sue later transitioned to Fred and married Georgia. In your database, update Fred’s name and keep the name Sue private. This might result in a record that seems inaccurately labeled as a gay marriage between Bob and Fred. However, this compromise respects Fred’s identity without exposing the deadname. In your narrative, explain Fred’s transition and that his first marriage was to a heterosexual cis-man without revealing Fred’s deadname.
Additionally, I invite you to explore other insightful FindMyPast At Home interviews on YouTube:
- “Family History Resources for Queer History,” February 10, 2021
- “Tracing LGBT Ancestors,” February 18, 2021
Thank you once again for your engagement and interest in LGBTQ Genealogy.
