WNC LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project in the News

Follow us on Instagram @wnc_lgbtqia for the most current news on our project. Publications associated with our archive include . . .

Community & University Archivists: The Western North Carolina LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project | Oct 25, 2019 | UNC Asheville Ramsey Library | Video (54:59)

Amanda Wray, Gene Hyde, Rachel Muir, and English Department interns introduce the LGTBQIA+ Oral History Archive project. In short, they address: What is oral history and why is it so important to marginalized communities? Amanda and her interns provide an overview of the research project. The LGBTQIA+ Oral History Archive Project is a collaboration of the Blue Ridge Pride Center, YMCA of Western NC, and UNC Asheville. 2019.

Activists Strive To Make Southern Queer History Visible | Feb 28, 2019 | Blue Ridge Public Radio | Audio (4:07) and Article

Reporter Lilly Knoepp speaks with Invisible Histories Project founder Josh Burford and UNC Asheville Professor Amanda Wray about archiving the untold stories of queer history in the South.

UNCA Professor’s Hidden LGBT Archive | Oct 31, 2021 | Blue Banner | Article

Student newspaper writer Makayla Towns UNCA Professor’s Hidden LGBTQ Archive

Taking Action| Apr 22, 2021 | Mountain Xpress | Article

Thomas Calder reports on the growing volunteer base of the LGBTQIA+ Archive.

WCU Teams with Blue Ridge Pride Center| Jan 21, 2021 | WCU | Article

Announcing our partnership with Western Carolina University.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Mental Health Providers

Eric Davis MS, LCPA, NCC, Counselor

Willow Wellness and Recovery, PC 9 All Souls Crescent Suite B, Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Phone: (828) 490-4137 | Website I am a firm believer in empowerment and self-determination. In the past, I have worked well with folks experiencing a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, substance-use, sleep disturbances, relationship issues, and issues unique to the LGBT community.

Scott Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCAS

Silver Lining Therapy 70 Woodfin Place STE 21, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (828) 705-3084 | Website I believe humor can be a powerful tool for healing and seek to incorporate this into our time together. Unique to my practice is an approach that truly puts you at the center of the counseling experience, and I draw from a wide variety of techniques to help you see and experience real change in your life. To see if therapy might be a good fit, I offer free phone consultations.

James Harrison, PhD Psychologist

12 Westridge Dr , Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Phone: (828) 348-6300 | Website I enjoy helping people achieve physical and emotional intimacy whether they are young or old, straight or gay, in healthy, responsible, and mutually affirming ways. I also enjoy helping people improve their earning and manage their assets. And I like working with older people. I offer free phone consultations.

Judy Maris, Counselor, LPC, LCPC, MA, MS

Maris Psychotherapy 41 Clayton St, Suite 301, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (828) 537-4489 | Website We can explore troublesome patterns that tend to repeat themselves in your life or look at new issues that have just come up. The important thing is for us to work together to get to the bottom of your difficulties and resolve them. I will assist you in becoming more aware of what you are feeling and thinking in the present moment. The untapped wisdom within you is a powerful healing force. Let me help you gain access to your full inner resources. I offer free phone consultations.

Elizabeth Heaney, Counselor, MA, LPC

166 E Chestnut Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (520) 447-3319 | Website I work with individual adults with concerns like: family history issues, relationship concerns, life satisfaction issues (related to jobs, living situations or relationships), anxiety and depression. I’ve had a particular focus on working with couples, addressing every aspect of relationship challenges – relationship dissatisfaction/boredom, affairs, sexual/intimacy issues, etc. And I was a civilian counselor on military bases for several years, so I have a clear understanding of the unique pressures and challenges facing service members and families. I offer free phone consultations.

Siljoy Maurer

Holistic Perspectives P.O. Box 333, Enka, NC 2872 Phone: (828) 333-0103 | siljoy@me.com or www.HolisticPerspectives.com For many years now I have been mentoring men and women from all walks of life. It continues to be my greatest joy to accompany someone from “just being ok” into thriving! As a Mentor & Healer I partner with my clients in creating authenticity, wellness and deep contentment, in whatever area of their lives they are seeking change. The combination of giving very practical, livable tools for direct “next steps” while “holding the big picture” and then manifesting that big picture often feels like this: a new client brings me their life or life situation in a jigsaw puzzle box, they lost the lid and forgot what the picture on it looked like. I am good at knowing that picture and then guiding my clients/mentees to put all the puzzle pieces together.