In 1974, Chana interviewed her mother in the studio of the radio station KPFA-FM in Berkeley.
Two years prior to the KPFA interview, Chana’s mother Gloria had revealed the secret of her affair with another married woman when Chana was a baby, and how psychiatric treatment aimed at converting her to heterosexuality had led to her suicidal despair. Yet this interview was the first time Chana got to hear such a detailed narrative of her mother’s life. It was a profound, intimate moment. Such a revelatory discussion also fit the historical time of the women’s and gay liberation movements, when consciousness-raising sessions and sharing stories was considered a transformative, collective act. Gloria declares: “I think that young people today who are coming out are really lucky that they are able to be themselves.” The interview was broadcast throughout northern California.
Chana Wilson 