1960s & Earlier
Paul Raeder
Raeder talks about his work as an associate director for Princeton's Annual Giving office. He speaks about meeting other gay students at his alma mater Colgate College, coming to terms with his gay identity, joining a queer affinity group at Harvard Business School, and his banking career. He also reflects on his reluctance to bring his partner to formal Princeton spaces, publicizing his civil union with his husband, and interacting with LGBT alumni and student groups.
Raeder talks about his work as an associate director for Princeton's Annual Giving office. He speaks about meeting other gay students at his alma mater Colgate College, coming to terms with his gay identity, joining a queer affinity group at Harvard Business School, and his banking career. He also reflects on his reluctance to bring his partner to formal Princeton spaces, publicizing his civil union with his husband, and interacting with LGBT alumni and student groups.
Paul Raeder
Raeder talks about his work as an associate director for Princeton's Annual Giving office. He speaks about meeting other gay students at his alma mater Colgate College, coming to terms with his gay identity, joining a queer affinity group at Harvard Business School, and his banking career. He also reflects on his reluctance to bring his partner to formal Princeton spaces, publicizing his civil union with his husband, and interacting with LGBT alumni and student groups.
Raeder talks about his work as an associate director for Princeton's Annual Giving office. He speaks about meeting other gay students at his alma mater Colgate College, coming to terms with his gay identity, joining a queer affinity group at Harvard Business School, and his banking career. He also reflects on his reluctance to bring his partner to formal Princeton spaces, publicizing his civil union with his husband, and interacting with LGBT alumni and student groups.
Intro
For much of its history, Princeton University students who experienced attraction toward their own gender kept it secret. Some alumni were later outed as homosexuals, such as Alan Turing ’38 (GS), famed World War II cryptographer who was the victim of brutal punishment by the British government once his sexuality was uncovered. Kirk LeMoyne “Lem” Billings ’39, onetime roommate of President John F. Kennedy, is another example of an alumnus who was not out while at Princeton, but who was outed by friends after his death in 1981.
The story of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people at Princeton has often remained invisible; lived out behind closed doors — in dorm rooms and library bathrooms or off campus in New York City. Many of these stories are lost entirely, but mentions in gay publications and alumni oral histories can give a fragmented view.
For much of its history, Princeton University students who experienced attraction toward their own gender kept it secret. Some alumni were later outed as homosexuals, such as Alan Turing ’38 (GS), famed World War II cryptographer who was the victim of brutal punishment by the British government once his sexuality was uncovered. Kirk LeMoyne “Lem” Billings ’39, onetime roommate of President John F. Kennedy, is another example of an alumnus who was not out while at Princeton, but who was outed by friends after his death in 1981.
The story of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people at Princeton has often remained invisible; lived out behind closed doors — in dorm rooms and library bathrooms or off campus in New York City. Many of these stories are lost entirely, but mentions in gay publications and alumni oral histories can give a fragmented view.
Intro
For much of its history, Princeton University students who experienced attraction toward their own gender kept it secret. Some alumni were later outed as homosexuals, such as Alan Turing ’38 (GS), famed World War II cryptographer who was the victim of brutal punishment by the British government once his sexuality was uncovered. Kirk LeMoyne “Lem” Billings ’39, onetime roommate of President John F. Kennedy, is another example of an alumnus who was not out while at Princeton, but who was outed by friends after his death in 1981.
The story of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people at Princeton has often remained invisible; lived out behind closed doors — in dorm rooms and library bathrooms or off campus in New York City. Many of these stories are lost entirely, but mentions in gay publications and alumni oral histories can give a fragmented view.
For much of its history, Princeton University students who experienced attraction toward their own gender kept it secret. Some alumni were later outed as homosexuals, such as Alan Turing ’38 (GS), famed World War II cryptographer who was the victim of brutal punishment by the British government once his sexuality was uncovered. Kirk LeMoyne “Lem” Billings ’39, onetime roommate of President John F. Kennedy, is another example of an alumnus who was not out while at Princeton, but who was outed by friends after his death in 1981.
The story of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people at Princeton has often remained invisible; lived out behind closed doors — in dorm rooms and library bathrooms or off campus in New York City. Many of these stories are lost entirely, but mentions in gay publications and alumni oral histories can give a fragmented view.
Arthur Bellinzoni
Bellinzoni discusses growing up in Brooklyn and coming to terms with his sexuality. He talks about his fears of someone finding out about his sexuality at Princeton, his limited interactions with homosexuality at Princeton, and compares his experiences at Princeton versus Harvard. He discusses cultural understandings of homosexuality as a disease, as well as his struggle to balance his religious beliefs with his sexuality. Bellinzoni ends by discussing the AIDS epidemic, and details his work advancing gay rights politically.
Bellinzoni discusses growing up in Brooklyn and coming to terms with his sexuality. He talks about his fears of someone finding out about his sexuality at Princeton, his limited interactions with homosexuality at Princeton, and compares his experiences at Princeton versus Harvard. He discusses cultural understandings of homosexuality as a disease, as well as his struggle to balance his religious beliefs with his sexuality. Bellinzoni ends by discussing the AIDS epidemic, and details his work advancing gay rights politically.
Arthur Bellinzoni
Bellinzoni discusses growing up in Brooklyn and coming to terms with his sexuality. He talks about his fears of someone finding out about his sexuality at Princeton, his limited interactions with homosexuality at Princeton, and compares his experiences at Princeton versus Harvard. He discusses cultural understandings of homosexuality as a disease, as well as his struggle to balance his religious beliefs with his sexuality. Bellinzoni ends by discussing the AIDS epidemic, and details his work advancing gay rights politically.
Bellinzoni discusses growing up in Brooklyn and coming to terms with his sexuality. He talks about his fears of someone finding out about his sexuality at Princeton, his limited interactions with homosexuality at Princeton, and compares his experiences at Princeton versus Harvard. He discusses cultural understandings of homosexuality as a disease, as well as his struggle to balance his religious beliefs with his sexuality. Bellinzoni ends by discussing the AIDS epidemic, and details his work advancing gay rights politically.
Mattachine Society
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Mattachine Society was the most prominent homophile organization, and one of very few, in the United States. In May of 1958, advertisements for the Mattachine Review, the monthly publication of the Mattachine Society, began to appear in The Daily Princetonian, Princeton University’s student newspaper (sometimes referred to as The Prince). On April 15, 1967, Dick Leitsch, President of the New York State Mattachine Society, gave a lecture, “The Homosexual in Society” in McCosh 10. Leitsch’s lecture, which was well attended, led to several weeks of editorials and student conversations about the morality and place of homosexuals in America.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Mattachine Society was the most prominent homophile organization, and one of very few, in the United States. In May of 1958, advertisements for the Mattachine Review, the monthly publication of the Mattachine Society, began to appear in The Daily Princetonian, Princeton University’s student newspaper (sometimes referred to as The Prince). On April 15, 1967, Dick Leitsch, President of the New York State Mattachine Society, gave a lecture, “The Homosexual in Society” in McCosh 10. Leitsch’s lecture, which was well attended, led to several weeks of editorials and student conversations about the morality and place of homosexuals in America.
Mattachine Society
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Mattachine Society was the most prominent homophile organization, and one of very few, in the United States. In May of 1958, advertisements for the Mattachine Review, the monthly publication of the Mattachine Society, began to appear in The Daily Princetonian, Princeton University’s student newspaper (sometimes referred to as The Prince). On April 15, 1967, Dick Leitsch, President of the New York State Mattachine Society, gave a lecture, “The Homosexual in Society” in McCosh 10. Leitsch’s lecture, which was well attended, led to several weeks of editorials and student conversations about the morality and place of homosexuals in America.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Mattachine Society was the most prominent homophile organization, and one of very few, in the United States. In May of 1958, advertisements for the Mattachine Review, the monthly publication of the Mattachine Society, began to appear in The Daily Princetonian, Princeton University’s student newspaper (sometimes referred to as The Prince). On April 15, 1967, Dick Leitsch, President of the New York State Mattachine Society, gave a lecture, “The Homosexual in Society” in McCosh 10. Leitsch’s lecture, which was well attended, led to several weeks of editorials and student conversations about the morality and place of homosexuals in America.
Charles Ihlenfeld
Ihlenfeld speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted gay student and his psychiatric work with LGBT patients. He reflects on the lack of support or visibility of gay students while he attended Princeton, his time as a member of the Cloister Inn eating club, and how his relationship with his ex-wife. He then talks about publicly coming out in the New York Times, his work with the endocrinologist Harry Benjamin, and how his experience with transgender patients influenced his decision to come out. Finally, he discusses his relationship with his husband, returning to Princeton for his 50th reunion, and his interest in the Princeton Alumni Weekly magazine.
Ihlenfeld speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted gay student and his psychiatric work with LGBT patients. He reflects on the lack of support or visibility of gay students while he attended Princeton, his time as a member of the Cloister Inn eating club, and how his relationship with his ex-wife. He then talks about publicly coming out in the New York Times, his work with the endocrinologist Harry Benjamin, and how his experience with transgender patients influenced his decision to come out. Finally, he discusses his relationship with his husband, returning to Princeton for his 50th reunion, and his interest in the Princeton Alumni Weekly magazine.
Charles Ihlenfeld
Ihlenfeld speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted gay student and his psychiatric work with LGBT patients. He reflects on the lack of support or visibility of gay students while he attended Princeton, his time as a member of the Cloister Inn eating club, and how his relationship with his ex-wife. He then talks about publicly coming out in the New York Times, his work with the endocrinologist Harry Benjamin, and how his experience with transgender patients influenced his decision to come out. Finally, he discusses his relationship with his husband, returning to Princeton for his 50th reunion, and his interest in the Princeton Alumni Weekly magazine.
Ihlenfeld speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted gay student and his psychiatric work with LGBT patients. He reflects on the lack of support or visibility of gay students while he attended Princeton, his time as a member of the Cloister Inn eating club, and how his relationship with his ex-wife. He then talks about publicly coming out in the New York Times, his work with the endocrinologist Harry Benjamin, and how his experience with transgender patients influenced his decision to come out. Finally, he discusses his relationship with his husband, returning to Princeton for his 50th reunion, and his interest in the Princeton Alumni Weekly magazine.
Nancy Lamar
Lamar discusses her identity as a cross-dresser and attending Princeton amidst an atmosphere which excluded LGBTQ identities. She talks about her familial background, her educational experience at Princeton, and her perspective on the traditional, privileged place of the eating clubs. In addition, she speaks about her introduction to cross-dressing and transgender culture in New York City, navigating her gender identity with former and current partners, and her leadership with the New York organization CDI. Finally, Lamar reflects on the CDI's general history, the development of transgender culture over her lifetime, and how she gives back to her community.
Lamar discusses her identity as a cross-dresser and attending Princeton amidst an atmosphere which excluded LGBTQ identities. She talks about her familial background, her educational experience at Princeton, and her perspective on the traditional, privileged place of the eating clubs. In addition, she speaks about her introduction to cross-dressing and transgender culture in New York City, navigating her gender identity with former and current partners, and her leadership with the New York organization CDI. Finally, Lamar reflects on the CDI's general history, the development of transgender culture over her lifetime, and how she gives back to her community.
Nancy Lamar
Lamar discusses her identity as a cross-dresser and attending Princeton amidst an atmosphere which excluded LGBTQ identities. She talks about her familial background, her educational experience at Princeton, and her perspective on the traditional, privileged place of the eating clubs. In addition, she speaks about her introduction to cross-dressing and transgender culture in New York City, navigating her gender identity with former and current partners, and her leadership with the New York organization CDI. Finally, Lamar reflects on the CDI's general history, the development of transgender culture over her lifetime, and how she gives back to her community.
Lamar discusses her identity as a cross-dresser and attending Princeton amidst an atmosphere which excluded LGBTQ identities. She talks about her familial background, her educational experience at Princeton, and her perspective on the traditional, privileged place of the eating clubs. In addition, she speaks about her introduction to cross-dressing and transgender culture in New York City, navigating her gender identity with former and current partners, and her leadership with the New York organization CDI. Finally, Lamar reflects on the CDI's general history, the development of transgender culture over her lifetime, and how she gives back to her community.
Paul Sisco
Sisco speaks about his childhood in segregated Tennessee and attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality. He discusses his decision to attend Princeton, majoring in history, the social isolation he experienced due to his sexuality, and seeking therapeutic treatment. He also reflects on his career in genetics, meeting his long-term partner during a professorship at North Carolina State, and his work with the American Chestnut Foundation. Finally, he talks about his family's reaction to his partner and Princeton's diverse population.
Sisco speaks about his childhood in segregated Tennessee and attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality. He discusses his decision to attend Princeton, majoring in history, the social isolation he experienced due to his sexuality, and seeking therapeutic treatment. He also reflects on his career in genetics, meeting his long-term partner during a professorship at North Carolina State, and his work with the American Chestnut Foundation. Finally, he talks about his family's reaction to his partner and Princeton's diverse population.
Paul Sisco
Sisco speaks about his childhood in segregated Tennessee and attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality. He discusses his decision to attend Princeton, majoring in history, the social isolation he experienced due to his sexuality, and seeking therapeutic treatment. He also reflects on his career in genetics, meeting his long-term partner during a professorship at North Carolina State, and his work with the American Chestnut Foundation. Finally, he talks about his family's reaction to his partner and Princeton's diverse population.
Sisco speaks about his childhood in segregated Tennessee and attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality. He discusses his decision to attend Princeton, majoring in history, the social isolation he experienced due to his sexuality, and seeking therapeutic treatment. He also reflects on his career in genetics, meeting his long-term partner during a professorship at North Carolina State, and his work with the American Chestnut Foundation. Finally, he talks about his family's reaction to his partner and Princeton's diverse population.
Theatre Communities
On April 18, 1968, the Town Topics reported that the Princeton Public Library was carrying Tangents, a “homosexual magazine” out of Hollywood. In the late 1960s, the Princeton arts community featured a number of films and plays with LGBTQIA+ content or characters. For example “A Taste of Honey,” a play with a primary gay character, was put on by the Murray Theater in May of 1967. In November 1968, McCarter Theater showed Andy Warhol’s My Hustler. According to the Daily Princetonian, the movie was about “the homosexual underworld of American society.” McCarter also showed The Queen in 1969, described as “a transvestite beauty pageant in full color.” In May 1969, Theater Intime, on campus, also put on a production of “A Dissenting Sensibility.” Male alumni who were on campus and somewhat “out” in the late 1960s and early 1970s often cite the theater and arts communities on campus and in the community as places where they met other men like them.
On April 18, 1968, the Town Topics reported that the Princeton Public Library was carrying Tangents, a “homosexual magazine” out of Hollywood. In the late 1960s, the Princeton arts community featured a number of films and plays with LGBTQIA+ content or characters. For example “A Taste of Honey,” a play with a primary gay character, was put on by the Murray Theater in May of 1967. In November 1968, McCarter Theater showed Andy Warhol’s My Hustler. According to the Daily Princetonian, the movie was about “the homosexual underworld of American society.” McCarter also showed The Queen in 1969, described as “a transvestite beauty pageant in full color.” In May 1969, Theater Intime, on campus, also put on a production of “A Dissenting Sensibility.” Male alumni who were on campus and somewhat “out” in the late 1960s and early 1970s often cite the theater and arts communities on campus and in the community as places where they met other men like them.
Theatre Communities
On April 18, 1968, the Town Topics reported that the Princeton Public Library was carrying Tangents, a “homosexual magazine” out of Hollywood. In the late 1960s, the Princeton arts community featured a number of films and plays with LGBTQIA+ content or characters. For example “A Taste of Honey,” a play with a primary gay character, was put on by the Murray Theater in May of 1967. In November 1968, McCarter Theater showed Andy Warhol’s My Hustler. According to the Daily Princetonian, the movie was about “the homosexual underworld of American society.” McCarter also showed The Queen in 1969, described as “a transvestite beauty pageant in full color.” In May 1969, Theater Intime, on campus, also put on a production of “A Dissenting Sensibility.” Male alumni who were on campus and somewhat “out” in the late 1960s and early 1970s often cite the theater and arts communities on campus and in the community as places where they met other men like them.
On April 18, 1968, the Town Topics reported that the Princeton Public Library was carrying Tangents, a “homosexual magazine” out of Hollywood. In the late 1960s, the Princeton arts community featured a number of films and plays with LGBTQIA+ content or characters. For example “A Taste of Honey,” a play with a primary gay character, was put on by the Murray Theater in May of 1967. In November 1968, McCarter Theater showed Andy Warhol’s My Hustler. According to the Daily Princetonian, the movie was about “the homosexual underworld of American society.” McCarter also showed The Queen in 1969, described as “a transvestite beauty pageant in full color.” In May 1969, Theater Intime, on campus, also put on a production of “A Dissenting Sensibility.” Male alumni who were on campus and somewhat “out” in the late 1960s and early 1970s often cite the theater and arts communities on campus and in the community as places where they met other men like them.
Alice Miller
Miller talks about growing up in a small town in Western New York, and about majoring in Chinese History at Princeton. She discusses what it was like to try to figure out her gender identity without a frame of reference, and how coming to Princeton was in part her attempt to be "just a normal guy." She also talks about her work with the CIA, as well as her work as an academic. She then details exploring her gender identity as a trans woman later in life through therapy and a support group, coming out to family and at work, and transitioning in the early 2000s.
Miller talks about growing up in a small town in Western New York, and about majoring in Chinese History at Princeton. She discusses what it was like to try to figure out her gender identity without a frame of reference, and how coming to Princeton was in part her attempt to be "just a normal guy." She also talks about her work with the CIA, as well as her work as an academic. She then details exploring her gender identity as a trans woman later in life through therapy and a support group, coming out to family and at work, and transitioning in the early 2000s.
Alice Miller
Miller talks about growing up in a small town in Western New York, and about majoring in Chinese History at Princeton. She discusses what it was like to try to figure out her gender identity without a frame of reference, and how coming to Princeton was in part her attempt to be "just a normal guy." She also talks about her work with the CIA, as well as her work as an academic. She then details exploring her gender identity as a trans woman later in life through therapy and a support group, coming out to family and at work, and transitioning in the early 2000s.
Miller talks about growing up in a small town in Western New York, and about majoring in Chinese History at Princeton. She discusses what it was like to try to figure out her gender identity without a frame of reference, and how coming to Princeton was in part her attempt to be "just a normal guy." She also talks about her work with the CIA, as well as her work as an academic. She then details exploring her gender identity as a trans woman later in life through therapy and a support group, coming out to family and at work, and transitioning in the early 2000s.
Bob Ling
Ling discusses his experiences at Princeton as a gay, Asian student. He speaks about how he developed his interest in marketing, his time as a member of the Key and Seal eating club, forming his first relationship, and his experience attending compulsory chapel sermons. In addition, he reflects on witnessing a student's suicide during his senior year. Finally, he talks about the work he does as an alumni, his career at Bloomingdale's, the gay community in New York City, and how he met his current partner.
Ling discusses his experiences at Princeton as a gay, Asian student. He speaks about how he developed his interest in marketing, his time as a member of the Key and Seal eating club, forming his first relationship, and his experience attending compulsory chapel sermons. In addition, he reflects on witnessing a student's suicide during his senior year. Finally, he talks about the work he does as an alumni, his career at Bloomingdale's, the gay community in New York City, and how he met his current partner.
Bob Ling
Ling discusses his experiences at Princeton as a gay, Asian student. He speaks about how he developed his interest in marketing, his time as a member of the Key and Seal eating club, forming his first relationship, and his experience attending compulsory chapel sermons. In addition, he reflects on witnessing a student's suicide during his senior year. Finally, he talks about the work he does as an alumni, his career at Bloomingdale's, the gay community in New York City, and how he met his current partner.
Ling discusses his experiences at Princeton as a gay, Asian student. He speaks about how he developed his interest in marketing, his time as a member of the Key and Seal eating club, forming his first relationship, and his experience attending compulsory chapel sermons. In addition, he reflects on witnessing a student's suicide during his senior year. Finally, he talks about the work he does as an alumni, his career at Bloomingdale's, the gay community in New York City, and how he met his current partner.
Roger Frazier
Frazier discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He speaks on his experiences as a broadcaster for WPRB, his time as student body president, working as a student proctor, and his reflections on Dirty Bicker. He reflects on the lack of visibility and resources allowed to LGBT students during his time at the university. He also talks about interacting with current LGBT Center staff and voices his frustrations with the alumni funding group Fund for Reunions. In addition, he speaks about his acting career, a major injury he sustained while horse-back riding, and how he re-connected with other alumni.
Frazier discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He speaks on his experiences as a broadcaster for WPRB, his time as student body president, working as a student proctor, and his reflections on Dirty Bicker. He reflects on the lack of visibility and resources allowed to LGBT students during his time at the university. He also talks about interacting with current LGBT Center staff and voices his frustrations with the alumni funding group Fund for Reunions. In addition, he speaks about his acting career, a major injury he sustained while horse-back riding, and how he re-connected with other alumni.
Roger Frazier
Frazier discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He speaks on his experiences as a broadcaster for WPRB, his time as student body president, working as a student proctor, and his reflections on Dirty Bicker. He reflects on the lack of visibility and resources allowed to LGBT students during his time at the university. He also talks about interacting with current LGBT Center staff and voices his frustrations with the alumni funding group Fund for Reunions. In addition, he speaks about his acting career, a major injury he sustained while horse-back riding, and how he re-connected with other alumni.
Frazier discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He speaks on his experiences as a broadcaster for WPRB, his time as student body president, working as a student proctor, and his reflections on Dirty Bicker. He reflects on the lack of visibility and resources allowed to LGBT students during his time at the university. He also talks about interacting with current LGBT Center staff and voices his frustrations with the alumni funding group Fund for Reunions. In addition, he speaks about his acting career, a major injury he sustained while horse-back riding, and how he re-connected with other alumni.
Women Come to Campus
Proponents of coeducation argued that the proximity of women would decrease homosexuality. This position was tacitly supported by Dr. Louis E. Reik '33, University Director of Mental Health, and other campus psychiatrists. In 1966, Reik said that a "tendency which was latent before might well be strengthened here" (on a single gender campus), but in 1969 said coeducation would not have a notable effect on homosexuality, since he believed that it developed before the age students typically attended college.
Many Princeton alumni threatened to cut off financial support from the university, arguing that welcoming women to campus destroyed Princeton’s “unique charisma” and “manly dedication” by introducing “distractions” into the classroom, thereby decreasing the University’s “productivity.” Some organized to form Concerned Alumni of Princeton (CAP), which lobbied for more socially conservative policies on the campus.
For the Fall of 1969, Princeton opened its undergraduate admissions to female applicants, joining a wider movement toward coeducation among its peer institutions. It also opened the door to controversial changes to its traditions.
Proponents of coeducation argued that the proximity of women would decrease homosexuality. This position was tacitly supported by Dr. Louis E. Reik '33, University Director of Mental Health, and other campus psychiatrists. In 1966, Reik said that a "tendency which was latent before might well be strengthened here" (on a single gender campus), but in 1969 said coeducation would not have a notable effect on homosexuality, since he believed that it developed before the age students typically attended college.
Many Princeton alumni threatened to cut off financial support from the university, arguing that welcoming women to campus destroyed Princeton’s “unique charisma” and “manly dedication” by introducing “distractions” into the classroom, thereby decreasing the University’s “productivity.” Some organized to form Concerned Alumni of Princeton (CAP), which lobbied for more socially conservative policies on the campus.
For the Fall of 1969, Princeton opened its undergraduate admissions to female applicants, joining a wider movement toward coeducation among its peer institutions. It also opened the door to controversial changes to its traditions.
Women Come to Campus
Proponents of coeducation argued that the proximity of women would decrease homosexuality. This position was tacitly supported by Dr. Louis E. Reik '33, University Director of Mental Health, and other campus psychiatrists. In 1966, Reik said that a "tendency which was latent before might well be strengthened here" (on a single gender campus), but in 1969 said coeducation would not have a notable effect on homosexuality, since he believed that it developed before the age students typically attended college.
Many Princeton alumni threatened to cut off financial support from the university, arguing that welcoming women to campus destroyed Princeton’s “unique charisma” and “manly dedication” by introducing “distractions” into the classroom, thereby decreasing the University’s “productivity.” Some organized to form Concerned Alumni of Princeton (CAP), which lobbied for more socially conservative policies on the campus.
For the Fall of 1969, Princeton opened its undergraduate admissions to female applicants, joining a wider movement toward coeducation among its peer institutions. It also opened the door to controversial changes to its traditions.
Proponents of coeducation argued that the proximity of women would decrease homosexuality. This position was tacitly supported by Dr. Louis E. Reik '33, University Director of Mental Health, and other campus psychiatrists. In 1966, Reik said that a "tendency which was latent before might well be strengthened here" (on a single gender campus), but in 1969 said coeducation would not have a notable effect on homosexuality, since he believed that it developed before the age students typically attended college.
Many Princeton alumni threatened to cut off financial support from the university, arguing that welcoming women to campus destroyed Princeton’s “unique charisma” and “manly dedication” by introducing “distractions” into the classroom, thereby decreasing the University’s “productivity.” Some organized to form Concerned Alumni of Princeton (CAP), which lobbied for more socially conservative policies on the campus.
For the Fall of 1969, Princeton opened its undergraduate admissions to female applicants, joining a wider movement toward coeducation among its peer institutions. It also opened the door to controversial changes to its traditions.
Robert Press
Press speaks about attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality and his experience coming out as gay later in life. He discusses dating women at other schools, struggling with his sexuality, his conservative class year, attending mandatory chapel services, and befriending other pre-medical students. He also talks about pursuing an MD/PhD, his experience working as an infectious disease physician during the AIDS crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on leaving his wife, his first long-term gay relationships, and working as the Chief Medical Officer for his hospital.
Press speaks about attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality and his experience coming out as gay later in life. He discusses dating women at other schools, struggling with his sexuality, his conservative class year, attending mandatory chapel services, and befriending other pre-medical students. He also talks about pursuing an MD/PhD, his experience working as an infectious disease physician during the AIDS crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on leaving his wife, his first long-term gay relationships, and working as the Chief Medical Officer for his hospital.
Robert Press
Press speaks about attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality and his experience coming out as gay later in life. He discusses dating women at other schools, struggling with his sexuality, his conservative class year, attending mandatory chapel services, and befriending other pre-medical students. He also talks about pursuing an MD/PhD, his experience working as an infectious disease physician during the AIDS crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on leaving his wife, his first long-term gay relationships, and working as the Chief Medical Officer for his hospital.
Press speaks about attending Princeton while questioning his sexuality and his experience coming out as gay later in life. He discusses dating women at other schools, struggling with his sexuality, his conservative class year, attending mandatory chapel services, and befriending other pre-medical students. He also talks about pursuing an MD/PhD, his experience working as an infectious disease physician during the AIDS crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on leaving his wife, his first long-term gay relationships, and working as the Chief Medical Officer for his hospital.
Paul Christner
Christner speaks about his decision to attend Princeton and his mental health struggles while attending the university. He elaborates on the romantic relationships he formed as a closeted student at Princeton, joining Terrace eating club, and spending a gap year in Austria. Finally, he reflects on his personal life after Princeton and later interactions with other alumni.
Christner speaks about his decision to attend Princeton and his mental health struggles while attending the university. He elaborates on the romantic relationships he formed as a closeted student at Princeton, joining Terrace eating club, and spending a gap year in Austria. Finally, he reflects on his personal life after Princeton and later interactions with other alumni.
Paul Christner
Christner speaks about his decision to attend Princeton and his mental health struggles while attending the university. He elaborates on the romantic relationships he formed as a closeted student at Princeton, joining Terrace eating club, and spending a gap year in Austria. Finally, he reflects on his personal life after Princeton and later interactions with other alumni.
Christner speaks about his decision to attend Princeton and his mental health struggles while attending the university. He elaborates on the romantic relationships he formed as a closeted student at Princeton, joining Terrace eating club, and spending a gap year in Austria. Finally, he reflects on his personal life after Princeton and later interactions with other alumni.
James Saslow
Saslow discusses growing up in Newark, NJ, being a theatre kid in high school, and coming to Princeton and majoring in architecture as a way to "butch it up." He details coming out, as well as the fear and lack of knowledge surrounding sexuality. Saslow speaks about being a grad student in art history at Columbia, as well as his job at the Advocate in the 1970s and 1980s. Other topics include the counterculture movement, the AIDS epidemic, and the academic postmodern revolution.
Saslow discusses growing up in Newark, NJ, being a theatre kid in high school, and coming to Princeton and majoring in architecture as a way to "butch it up." He details coming out, as well as the fear and lack of knowledge surrounding sexuality. Saslow speaks about being a grad student in art history at Columbia, as well as his job at the Advocate in the 1970s and 1980s. Other topics include the counterculture movement, the AIDS epidemic, and the academic postmodern revolution.
James Saslow
Saslow discusses growing up in Newark, NJ, being a theatre kid in high school, and coming to Princeton and majoring in architecture as a way to "butch it up." He details coming out, as well as the fear and lack of knowledge surrounding sexuality. Saslow speaks about being a grad student in art history at Columbia, as well as his job at the Advocate in the 1970s and 1980s. Other topics include the counterculture movement, the AIDS epidemic, and the academic postmodern revolution.
Saslow discusses growing up in Newark, NJ, being a theatre kid in high school, and coming to Princeton and majoring in architecture as a way to "butch it up." He details coming out, as well as the fear and lack of knowledge surrounding sexuality. Saslow speaks about being a grad student in art history at Columbia, as well as his job at the Advocate in the 1970s and 1980s. Other topics include the counterculture movement, the AIDS epidemic, and the academic postmodern revolution.
John Pariseau
Pariseau speaks about his experience at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses repressing his sexuality on campus, cruising areas near the Princeton train station and bathrooms, and his awareness of other gay students at the time. He also talks about his academic interests, his time as a major in the Wilson School of Public Policy, and his career after Princeton. In addition, he speaks about meeting his husband, finding out that he was HIV positive, his relationship with his parents, and marrying his husband when New York state legalized gay marriage.
Pariseau speaks about his experience at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses repressing his sexuality on campus, cruising areas near the Princeton train station and bathrooms, and his awareness of other gay students at the time. He also talks about his academic interests, his time as a major in the Wilson School of Public Policy, and his career after Princeton. In addition, he speaks about meeting his husband, finding out that he was HIV positive, his relationship with his parents, and marrying his husband when New York state legalized gay marriage.
John Pariseau
Pariseau speaks about his experience at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses repressing his sexuality on campus, cruising areas near the Princeton train station and bathrooms, and his awareness of other gay students at the time. He also talks about his academic interests, his time as a major in the Wilson School of Public Policy, and his career after Princeton. In addition, he speaks about meeting his husband, finding out that he was HIV positive, his relationship with his parents, and marrying his husband when New York state legalized gay marriage.
Pariseau speaks about his experience at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses repressing his sexuality on campus, cruising areas near the Princeton train station and bathrooms, and his awareness of other gay students at the time. He also talks about his academic interests, his time as a major in the Wilson School of Public Policy, and his career after Princeton. In addition, he speaks about meeting his husband, finding out that he was HIV positive, his relationship with his parents, and marrying his husband when New York state legalized gay marriage.
1970s
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