Charles Ballance oral history interview, May 28, 2014
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by Hillery Rink. Ballance describes his upbringing and how and why Christmas is important to him. He discusses how he comes from generations of farmers and the lessons he’s learned from the women in his family. He shares his experiences in the 1960s and '70s with the Civil Rights Movement and the theatre community that provided him a safe space to love his partner. He details his coming out story to his religious family. Ballance reflects on what unconditional love and acceptance looks like and what he is most proud of in his life.
Dates
- Creation: May 28, 2014
Creator
- Ballance, Charles, 1954- (Interviewee, Person)
Restrictions on Access
Oral history available for research.
Biographical Note
Born into a Baptist farming family, Charles Ballance was raised in North Carolina, where his education was segregated until high school. He studied music in college, where he met his life partner, John Carson. Ballance and his partner moved to Atlanta to pursue musical theatre. The couple lives in Decatur and were married after same-sex marriage was legalized.
Extent
1 item(s) (audio (2:24:09 duration) transcript (41 pages))
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
100 Decatur St., S.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-413-2880
404-413-2881 (Fax)
archives@gsu.edu