Johnny Barber Interview, January 28, 2025

Johnny Barber (they/them) begins by addressing some key aspects of their identity such as being queer, being a partner, and a soon-to-be parent. They describe how their upbringing in a religious family living in Miles City, Montana, greatly influenced their coming out experience. They describe moving and coming out in Missoula, where they found a more accepting, queer community and performed drag as Johnny Spritzer. They describe the evolving vocabulary associated with queer identity and how the reclamation of the word ‘queer’ allowed them to find a label that fit better than lesbian or bisexual. Additionally, Johnny’s involvement in drag, specifically running for Mr. Gay and befriending Papa Cherry, allowed them to better understand their own gender identity. While living in Chicago, Johnny discusses how the queer community is very different from that in Missoula. They also explain their decision to move for job opportunities, educational opportunities, and a lack of queer protection in Montana.