This presentation explores using autoethnography as a research method in dissertations. The presenter used autoethnography in her own dissertation to juxtapose the lived experience of her 19th century Mormon ancestor with her own experience as a 21st century lesbian. Autoethnography allowed her to integrate various data sources, including primary sources, historical documents, family lore, personal reflection, and shamanic journeying. Key themes of personal and societal neglect, persecution, perseverance, and resilience emerged from this research. The presentation provides examples and defines transpersonal genealogy and autoethnography as research methods.