LGBT Oral History 020A: Nancy Datres

Number of Pages
22
Date
June 19, 2013

Nancy Datres was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1948 and moved to Harrisburg to pursue computer science after becoming blacklisted by the Altoona Police Department when she was just 27 years old. Thereafter, Nancy moved through several careers, holding positions such as college professor, journalist, legal writer, and lawyer. In her interview, Nancy discusses the incredible impact of her sexuality on the course of her academic and professional life, which required her to change schools and even careers whenever an environment became too unsafe for her to stay. She illustrates several examples of harassment and discrimination in her life, as well as the inefficiency of local law enforcement, educational institutions, and court systems to help alleviate these injustices. Additionally, Nancy remarks on lesbian bar culture, her difficult financial situation, and her 20-year relationship and engagement with another woman. Although she began identifying as a lesbian as a teenager, Nancy explains her difficulty to fully “come out,” insisting that she does not feel completely “out” in all aspects of her life. She believes that her hardships have impacted her ability to consistently feel comfortable sharing her sexuality with others, but expresses great hope for feeling that freedom someday.

People
General Subjects
Year
Time Period
Origin
Gift of Nancy Datres
Collection
Location
LGBT Oral History - Datres, Nancy - 020A

LGBT History Project: LGBT-019 Nancy Datres & Riitaa Lukkari Collection

Number of Pages
1
Date
1978-1885

These materials document the holy union of Nancy Datres and Riitta Lukkari. They also contain court documents and a photograph dealing with harassment Datres and Lukkari experienced from their neighbors.

Year
Time Period
Origin
Gift of Nancy Datres & Riitta Lukkari
Location
LGBT-019 Nancy Datres & Riitta Lukkari

LGBT Oral History 020B: Nancy Datres

Number of Pages
17
Date
August 27, 2014

Nancy Datres was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1948 and first moved to Harrisburg to pursue computer science after becoming blacklisted by the Altoona Police Department when she was just 27 years old. Thereafter, Nancy moved through several careers, holding positions such as a community college professor, journalist, legal writer, and lawyer. In her interview, Nancy discusses the incredible impact of her sexuality on the course of her academic and professional lives, which required her to change schools and even careers whenever an environment became too unsafe for her to stay. She illustrates several examples of harassment and discrimination in her life, as well as the inefficiency of local law enforcement, educational institutions, and court systems to help alleviate these injustices. Additionally, Nancy remarks on her difficult financial situation and her 20-year relationship and engagement with another woman. Since her first interview with the LGBT History Project, Nancy has become at peace with her sexuality, saying that after everything she’s been through, she does not care who knows she is gay.

People
Year
Time Period
Origin
Gift of Nancy Datres
Collection
Location
LGBT Oral History - Datres, Nancy - 020B