About Me

Randy Hoffman (he/they) is an educator, historian, preservationist, and quilter committed to making history accessible and relevant to diverse communities. As an independent researcher of Utah’s LGBTIQIA+ history, Randy focuses on amplifying overlooked narratives and fostering spaces where historical preservation intersects with community empowerment. They hold a bachelor’s degree in History Education from Brigham Young University–Idaho and are currently pursuing a masters in U.S history at the University of Utah.  

 

Randy’s research interests span social histories, place-making, gender and Queerness, and community-based archival work. They are involved co-founder of the Mildred Berryman Institute of LGBTIQ2S+ Utah History alongside other local historians. This initiative centralizes, professionalizes, and safeguards the state’s LGBTIQ2S+ history, culture, and humanities for future generations.  

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A passionate advocate for the preservation of tangible histories, Randy serves on the Board of Trustees for Preservation Utah, where they contributed to the organization’s advocacy efforts.

 

In addition to their professional and nonprofit work, Randy is currently working on several writing projects, including an analysis of Utah newspapers' portrayal of Oscar Wilde, the evolution of Utah’s LGBTIQ+ community and political organizations, and how twentieth century (post-Stonewall) gays and lesbians in Utah organized.

 

Through all their work, Randy strives to honor the power of storytelling, foster inclusive spaces, and build connections between the past and present that inspire community growth and belonging.