LGBTQ History

Oral History collaboration with the West Volusia Historical Society

DeLand Pride has partnered with the West Volusia Historical Society to create a series of oral histories in celebration of Pride Month. Each video explores the life and experiences of one member of the LGBTQ+ West Volusia community. Documenting stories that represent ourselves is incredibly important, especially in this political climate, and we can't thank the Historical Society enough for recognizing that need and standing behind the effort!

Click each image below to view their oral history video on the West Volusia Historical Society’s YouTube page!

DeLand Pride and Support Volusia are committed to preserving LGBTQ+ history in Volusia County and beyond. We’ll be documenting our projects and collaborations as we continue to grow this part of our organization.

Chuck Werner

Charles “Chuck” Werner is a Circus Man! In this upbeat oral history interview he admits that he was smitten by the circus at an early age when his parents took him to the circus every year. In college Chuck earned two degrees in education and though he was a teacher for a few years, his happiest jobs were being a Captain with the Windjammer Cruise Line in the Caribbean and being a marketing specialist for the DeLand based Clyde Beatty – Cole Brother Circus from 1984 – 2014 when it closed. Chuck calls DeLand home, along with several former circus people including four human cannonball performers. He supports DeLand Pride and is encouraged to see their many activities become an integral part of life in West Volusia communities. His advice to anyone who is searching for identity and self-fulfillment is to be your true self, live your life the way that brings you satisfaction by figuring out what you want to do and how to get paid for doing it!

Cheryl Lankford

Cheryl Lankford, owner and director of the Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand, eloquently describes her life growing up in the city she loves, the experiences she has had, and her insight into the changes that have occurred in West Volusia. In this oral history interview Cheryl describes herself as a “Cracker” – born in DeLand at Fish Memorial Hospital and a life-long Florida resident. Cheryl’s dad, Clyde Lankford, opened the Lankford Funeral Home in 1973 on E. New York Avenue, and it remains a mainstay business in the heart of DeLand. Cheryl became a member of the staff at a young age but laughs about being “fired” by her dad one time. Though surprised, she moved to another town, worked in a corporate funeral business and developed, she states, into a more compassionate person. Eventually she returned to Lankford’s, and after her father passed away in 2000, Cheryl bought out her brother’s interest and became the sole owner. Cheryl’s interview closes with her reflection on the importance of giving back to your community and her advice to today’s youth is to stay the course you feel is best and strive to become the person you want to be.

Karen Kaivola

In Karen Kaivola’s oral history interview, viewers will be impressed by her insight on higher education, her impression of DeLand and the people she knew here, and her 22 years serving on the faculty at Stetson University. From 1991 to 2013, Karen served the University in various capacities - a professor in the English Department, Director of the Women and Gender Studies Program, and Associate Dean of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences. She also served as President Doug Lee’s Adviser on Gender Equity and in 2009 assumed new responsibilities as Associate Provost for Faculty Development. Throughout her time at Stetson, Karen worked with many students, campus leaders, and colleagues who impressed her with their commitment not only to education, but to the local community, to social justice, and to civil and human rights. As Karen moved into various campus leadership roles and eventually came to serve as Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, her personal leadership mantra became “courage, integrity, and humility” - personal commitments honed during her years at Stetson that have helped her navigate difficult decisions and challenges in her professional and personal life.

Ronnie Solomon

In this candid and passionate interview Ronnie Solomon describes himself as a “gentle giant”! Ronnie is a big guy, and his gentleness is expressed by his love for his family, friends, and all people. His job as a Certified Nursing Assistant allows him to help others and treat them with kindness and compassion. Ronnie grew up in DeLand and speaks warmly of his life here as a young black and gay person who feels welcome and respected for being who he is. He expresses no animosity toward anyone and in fact states that he has always found most people to be friendly and approachable. As a senior at DeLand High School in 2005-6 he was the captain of the varsity cheerleader squad, was elected every year to the Homecoming Court, and was on the Step Dance team. Before becoming a cheerleader he was a member of the varsity football team as a “water boy” and wore his team jacket with pride. Viewers of Ronnie’s interview will enjoy his candidness and wholesome attitude about respecting yourself for who you are and being proud of your own accomplishments. He states that when you give love you will receive love and your cup will always be full!