Interview with Jo Soske

Item

Title
Interview with Jo Soske
Description
Jo Soske discusses her involvement with Herland, beginning from its early days when the collective first envisioned the creation of a women’s bookstore and resource center. The initial idea for the space, LaSalle de Femme, emerged from the collective's work on the Brazen Hussey Rag, a feminist newspaper launched in December 1981. Soske explains how members Jana Bircham and Tanya Peters discovered an empty storefront, negotiated a rent, and initiated the process of opening the bookstore. Through various fundraisers and workdays, the group worked to establish the space, despite challenges, including internal issues and financial setbacks. Soske details their role in organizing fundraising efforts, such as a campaign to pay off the bookstore's mortgage, and mentions their long-term connection with the center, including running a counseling practice there for over a decade. They also touch on the evolution of the space, its move to a new location, and its expansion into community organizing, including hosting events, retreats, and participating in Pride Parades. Through the interview, Soske reflects on their diverse roles in the group, from fundraising to volunteering, and discusses the legacy of LaSalle de Femme, later known as Herland, as a gathering place for feminist and LGBTQ+ communities.
interviewee
Jo Soske
Date
2016
Language
English
uri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7pIk3X30C8&list=PLfobseV2uSi-XjCPXH3TsWYmJEnmvY1N6&index=3
Is Part Of
Herland Oral History Project
Herland Oral History Project
Relation
Herland Voice
Herland Sisters Resources
Herland Newsletter
Herland: Creating a Women's Community
Interview with Susan Bishop
Interview with Pat Reaves
Interview with Sally Blevins
Interview with Pam Schonauer
Interview with Margaret Cox
Interview with Marian Halsey and Kris Marek
Interview with Wahru Cleveland
Interview with Ginger McGovern
Interview with Peggy Johnson
Herland Group Interview
Interview with Jean Kelsey
Interview with Jo Soske
Interview with Terri Hoersch
Herland: Creating a Women's Community
Subject
LGBTQ+
Feminism
LGBTQ+
Lesbianism - Personal Stories
Lesbianism - Advocacy
Feminism - Personal Stories
Feminism - Advocacy
Item sets
Herland Oral History Project
Herland Demo Site
LGBTQ+
Feminism
Lesbianism - Personal Stories
Lesbianism - Advocacy
Feminism - Personal Stories
Feminism - Advocacy
Site pages
Creating Community
Media
Interview with Jo Soske
Hierarchies
Herland Topics and Themes