Speaker for the Dead: A Genealogy Blog
LGBTQ Genealogy & Software – Part 3
Modernizing Genealogical Software for Inclusive Family Histories
Genealogical software has played a pivotal role in documenting family histories, but the evolution of family constellations has outpaced the capabilities of most applications. In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of genealogical software, focusing on same-sex relationship documentation and the […]
LGBTQ Genealogy at FindMyPast
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
LGBTQ Genealogy & Software – Part 2
Evolving Family Structures
In our rapidly changing world, family structures are diversifying, challenging the traditional norms embedded in genealogical software. As I discussed in the previous installment, family constellations today are often unique and complex, encompassing relationships defined by DNA, adoption, step-parenting, fostering, or personal choice. It’s not just an […]
LGBTQ Genealogy & Software – Part 1
Imagine Software Beyond Hetero-Centricity
This installment marks a shift in our LGBTQ Genealogy series, turning the spotlight onto genealogical software—both online and offline. Often, the available software falls short in accommodating diverse family constellations, as it tends to be hetero-centric, designed primarily for cisgender, heterosexual couples with biological children. To […]
#LGBTQgenealogy: A History
#LGBTQGenealogy: Charting its Evolution
In 2017, Judy Russell, known as The Legal Genealogist, delivered a compelling presentation at the FGS Conference in Pittsburgh titled “Rainbows and Kaleidoscopes: Inclusion as a Society and Corporate Genealogical Standard.” Her call for diversity and inclusivity within the genealogical profession resonated deeply, challenging the narrative […]
Writing Your Own Obituary
Write your own obituary, because who can do it better than you? Who amongst your surviving relatives will know why you took the life paths you did? Who will have the insight and writing skills to convey to generations to come who you were in life?
As genealogists, we are happy […]
LGBTQ Genealogy – Part 20
Embracing Diversity in Genealogy with a Rainbow Prism Perspective
Throughout this blog series, we’ve embarked on the journey of uncovering LGBTQ clues when someone in our family’s history raises our rainbow flag fancy. Remember the confirmed bachelor or spinster aunt was not by default unlucky in finding a spouse. Perhaps they […]
LGBTQ Genealogy – Part 19
Unlocking LGBTQ Heritage by Navigating the Archives
Perhaps an LGBTQ ancestor left behind a collection of love letters like Willa Cather or Charity Bryant. Or maybe there is an existing dairy confessing details of their love life. An ancestor may have been mentioned in a queer organization’s newsletter. With […]
Taphophilia
Taphophilia
I love cemeteries.
I am a taphophile. And maybe you are too.
Taphophilia is “a love of funerals, cemeteries and the rituals of death.” [1] You might also call me a Tombstone Tourist but I like the term taphophile best.
Cemeteries are art, history, genealogy, class, religion all rolled into one. A grave allows a tangible […]
