Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Oral History of Bob Harmon |
Collection |
Oral History |
Scope & Content |
Mill Valley resident Bob Harmon has been a lifelong advocate and in this oral history, Harmon provides a glimpse into the life and experiences of a dedicated, community-minded individual who has played an active role in various facets of Mill Valley. Born and raised in Sunshine Gardens, South San Francisco, Harmon’s journey began there before he settled in Mill Valley, where he has deep familial roots. After attending the University of San Francisco, he embarked on a military career, which would become intertwined with politics during the controversial "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" era. In this interview, Harmon shares his coming out story, when he was photographed in uniform by Richard Avedon for a feature in The New Yorker about gays in the military. Harmon’s firsthand experience navigating the complexities of being an LGBTQ+ individual in the armed forces provides a unique perspective on the social and political climate of the time. In addition to his military service, Harmon has actively contributed to the Mill Valley community for decades. He served on the boards of the Community Church and the Redwoods Senior Living center, and ran for City Council, demonstrating his passion for promoting a sense of community and advocacy. In this oral history interview, Harmon describes how he met his husband, Bob Larsen, and their wedding at the Community Church after same-sex marriage became legal in the state of California. Together for four decades, their enduring relationship is a testament to love and resilience in the face of societal challenges and discrimination. Through his activism, community involvement, and personal experiences, Harmon’s oral history provides valuable insights into the experiences of an individual deeply committed to social justice, equality, and community building |
Audio and Transcript |
Click here to hear recording. Click here to read the transcript. |
Dates of Creation |
2023-06-07 |
Interviewee |
Harmon, Bob |
Interviewer |
Thompson, Benja |
Extent and Medium |
Transcript: 24pp Recording: 01:36:38 |
Search Terms |
Ministry of Light Muir Woods Slant, The Marin Independent Journal Tamalpais High School Women's Army Corps (WAC) Forest Service ACLU "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Democratic Central Committee of Marin Community Church Redwoods Retirement Center Proposition 8 Marin Gay Pride Parade Mill Valley Historical Society |
Object ID |
2023.025.001 |
Object Name |
Recording |
Copyrights |
Transcript and recording copyright Mill Valley Public Library, 2023. Materials are made available for research purposes only; all rights are reserved to the Mill Valley Public Library. Requests for permission to quote for publication or for any other usage must be obtained from the Library. |