Files
Loading...
Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Max Mae Mostek, Class of 2018. The interview was conducted by Milner Library’s Digitization Center Coordinator Karmine Beecroft on July 30, 2024.
In the interview, Mostek, who uses they/them pronouns, reflects on their journey through self-discovery, identity challenges, and finding community while attending Illinois State University in the 2010s. Growing up on the south side of Chicago in the largely Irish Catholic neighborhood of Beverly, Mostek struggled to reconcile their emerging queer identity with the conservative environment. Despite these challenges, Mostek recalls having their parents’ support, particularly after a negative experience with a local priest. They also recount attending Whitney Young High School in downtown Chicago, which allowed them to feel more accepted and explore their identity openly.
Mostek’s decision to attend ISU was driven partly by practical reasons like in-state tuition, but also by a desire to get away from the Chicago area. Mostek spent a year at a community college before transferring to ISU. They were initially uncertain about academic goals and career aspirations before finding a passion for English, a subject that allowed for creativity and self-expression. Professors like Christopher Breu and Karen Coats were instrumental in their academic experience, challenging Mostek to explore topics on gender and identity, and supporting their intellectual and personal growth.
Mostek found a sense of community outside of academics through the DIY punk scene in central Illinois. This community offered Mostek a space to connect with like-minded individuals who shared interests beyond just sexuality or gender identity, including music and social justice issues. Although Mostek experienced harassment and microaggressions related to their non-binary identity—such as targeted graffiti and inappropriate comments from peers—the punk scene allowed them a reprieve and sense of belonging. They describe this network as a “found family” that complemented the supportive relationship they maintained with their biological family.
The political and social climate during Mostek’s time at ISU was turbulent, marked by events like the 2016 election and the rise of the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements. The election particularly impacted the ISU community, and Mostek recalls taking on a protective role by organizing Safe Rides for students who felt unsafe on campus. Mostek also recounts the challenges of navigating ISU’s administrative response to LGBTQ+ needs, expressing frustration at temporary gestures, like short-lived gender-neutral bathroom signs.
Socially, Mostek’s time at ISU was rich with unique experiences, including participating in Theatre of Ted, an open-mic event popular among ISU’s theater community, and working at Spencer’s in Eastwood Mall during the election period.
After graduation, Mostek left Bloomington for Chicago, where they began working as a teacher’s aide at an alternative school for children with behavioral and emotional disorders. Reflecting on their time at ISU, Mostek shares that they might have been truer to themselves earlier, as much of their first year was spent trying to fit in.
Please note that the final three minutes and 12 seconds of this interview have been omitted from the publicly available audio recording and transcript at the request of the interviewee.
Interview Date
7-30-2024
Index
- Introduction; Mostek’s childhood and high school years: 00:00-04:38
- Deciding to attend ISU: 04:38-05:14
- First impressions of central Illinois: 05:14-08:08
- Mostek describes their identity: 08:08-12:50
- Deciding to major in English: 12:50-15:06
- Favorite and least favorite faculty and classes: 15:06-19:49
- DIY punk scene, Theatre of Ted: 19:49-25:38
- Working at Spencer’s; finding community at The Bistro: 25:38-29:32
- Living situation while a student: 29:32-31:53
- Leaving job at Pier 1 for Spencer’s: 31:53-33:10
- Steps after graduation: 33:10-34:01
- Additional extracurricular activities: 34:01-35:54
- Chicago Cubs winning the World Series: 35:54-36:59
- 2016 election and political movements; setting up Safe Ride program: 36:59-39:42
- Living as an out non-binary person; lack of all-gender restrooms on campus; anti-trans graffiti: 39:42-50:40
- Wishing they spent less time trying to fit in freshman year: 50:40-52:22
City
Normal, IL
Recommended Citation
Mostek, Max Mae, "Interview with Max Mae Mostek, Class of 2018" (2018). Alumni Oral Histories. 76.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/76