LETTERS READ INCUBATOR XVI: Brad Ott, Activism & Independent Publishing

From 1981 to 1998, K. (Kenneth) Brad Ott wrote, edited, and published the grassroots Dialogue Newsjournal reporting community activism and activities in New Orleans. This third mini podcast in the four-part LETTERS READ series is produced in support of LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and New Orleans AIDS MemoryProject. Antenna is LETTERS READ fiscal sponsor. This podcast is about activism. Independent publishing in the later part of the 20th Century. At a time when mainstream media would not, The Dialogue Newsjournal published progressive ideas in New Orleans questioning social issues such as: immigration and poverty, police corruption, racism, reproductive rights, gay bashing and AIDS paranoia, that strange new disease plaguing the male gay population, intravenous drug users, sex workers, and marginal members of society country-wide. Until 1982, there wasn’t even a name for the disease later known as HIV|AIDS. Letters Read is an ongoing series in which local performers interpret letters and written documents about culturally vital individuals from various times and Louisiana communities—focusing on New Orleans. Now in its eighth consecutive season. Performances are free and open to the general public.