In this podcast Paul talks about some of the techniques he uses when researching queer subjects. Paul specifically talks about his research into the Charles Mackay and D'Arcy Cresswell case of 1920; where Mackay - the then Mayor of Wanganui - shot Cresswell after a homosexual encounter.
This podcast was funded by a generous grant from the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames legacy fund.
Summary
In the recording "Paul Diamond - Creating Our Stories," Paul Diamond discusses their research and storytelling journey, from their early career in forensic accounting to becoming a curator at the Turnbull Library in Wellington. Their investigative background helped them transition into journalistic roles, leading to involvement in oral history projects and writing, particularly around queer issues in New Zealand.
Diamond's queer-focused work includes interviews with gay Vietnam War veterans for an oral history project now part of the Turnbull Collection, and research on the Green International, a supposed group of homosexual individuals in the 1940s and 50s New Zealand, associated with arts funding controversies. Their work also covers the historical case of Charles Mackay, mayor of Whanganui, who in 1920 shot Walter D'Arcy Creswell after being blackmailed due to their homosexuality.
Research challenges encounter are discussed, including suppressed histories and the difficulty in finding records and media coverage of certain queer history events. Diamond emphasizes the skill required in historical research, including utilizing secondary sources to establish context, and engaging with primary sources to unearth previously undocumented material. Issues around permissions and ethical considerations when dealing with living relatives of historical figures are touched upon.
Diamond advises thorough documentation, not only for credibility but as a sign of respect and to provide a clear path for subsequent researchers. Utilizing libraries and engaging with a community of researchers and curators is highlighted as valuable for enriching research and overcoming access challenges.
The conversation between Diamond and interviewer Gareth Watkins covers the transformation of queer acceptance and representation in archiving and scholarship. Throughout their discourse, the effects of technology advancement, digitalization, and changing societal attitudes towards queer narratives within New Zealand’s cultural history are evident.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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1920s, 2010s, aotearoa new zealand, archives, asia pacific outgames (2011), charles mackay, courts, crime, documentary, green international, health, homintern, homophobia, law, legacy, library, media, oral history, paul diamond, radio, research, walter d'arcy cresswell, wellington, whanganui, writing
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