LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 5)
Activism, AIDS, Books, Coming Out, Feminism, Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, Gender, Images, The Ladder, Lesbiana, Lesbians of Color, Publications, Racism
The majority of this video depicts Barbara and her partner, Donna McBride, going through photo albums and images of Barbara’s childhood, her family, and then her later years with Donna. Some topics that come up include Helen Bennett, Barbara’s relationship before Donna, and Naiad Press. The last 30 minutes or so of the video focus on Barbara as she discusses The Ladder and the various women who contributed to it and how publications helped shape social change for the gay and lesbian movement.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving students. Edited by Lauren Allshouse, Kim Loconto, Rachel Smiley, and Sara White.
See the LHA Copyright Statement Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 7)
Activism, Libraries, Women, Books, Education, Gay Liberation Movement, Identity, The Ladder, Paperbacks, Relationships
This video consists of a brief interview with Grier’s partner, Donna McBride, and then follows a discussion Grier leads on her book collection, favorite authors, and publishing experience. She and McBride talk about Naiad press and its successes over the years and the video shows their office workspace and the multitude of submissions they receive for publication. Donna McBride’s segment focuses on her awareness of being a lesbian, the aftermath of telling her parents, and her later involvement with women’s activist groups.
See the LHA Copyright Statement Photograph by: Morgan Gwenwald Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, May 9, 1987 (Tape 2)
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon discuss changing attitudes of mental health care professionals towards lesbianism, contemporary support networks for lesbians. They are interviewed by Manuela Soares.
Edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, May 9, 1987 (Tape 3)
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon discuss DOB's National Conventions. They are interviewed by Manuela Soares.
edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW187 - SPW190
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, and Nina Kaiser, May 12, 1987 (Tape 4)
Both Del Martin and Nina Kaiser discuss the end of DOB in 1970. Del also touches upon her name and Nina Kaiser touches upon her first lesbian relationship at 19, her involvement with the Navy and her involvement with the National Organization for Women. They are interviewed by Sara Yager.
edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yager
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW184
Linda Lopez is interviewed in 1988. She talks about growing up in the South and how she fared as a lesbian living in a conservative community. She discusses the Dallas DOB and how the membership consisted of a number of women who had been married, divorced and had kids (including herself). She talks about the custody battle she had with her parents over her son and how many women faced similar battles but with their spouses. She also talks about how she and a number of women lost their jobs when it was discovered that they were lesbians. She discusses the Dallas DOB's events. On tape 2, she talks about the impact of the Dallas DOB in Dallas and beyond, how it inspired activism and other organizations. She talks about Rob [Shivers]' leadership and its role in DOB's strength. She discusses Dallas and the South in General - how lesbians were treated and how they lived. She talks about the need for job security, the roles and expectations of women.
Interviewer: N/A, Interviewee: Linda Lopez
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving students. Edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger.
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW167
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW168
Physical: 52, Digital: lopez_tape1of2_19881022
Physical: 53, Digital: lopez_tape2of2_19881022
Lesbians--Family relationships--New York (State)
Linda talks about her relationships and the idea there are no longer clearly defined lesbian roles (i.e. butch and femme) in relationships, as there were when she first came out in the 1960s. She describes her family life growing up and when she came out to her family.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, 665 Projects in Digital Archives Students
This recording is 1 of 2 tapes recorded with Linda on 1978-11-19.
Linda discusses work and how her coworkers knew that she is a lesbian, which did not bother them. She recalls beginning to wear men's clothes to work in the 1970s when women began to wear pants. Linda discusses her relationship, and how her life centers around her lover. She believes that the younger generation is less monogamous than hers. Linda also discusses butch and femme dynamics in relationships. The sound quality is poor in the beginning. The tape cuts off abruptly at the end.
See the LHA Copyright Statement
This recording is 2 of 2 tapes recorded with Linda on 1978-11-19.
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th century
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--Social conditions
This tape is part of a roundtable discussion between different researchers working on aspects of lesbian social history. Liz Kennedy discusses the early stages of work on the Buffalo lesbian community and how the project was changing from strictly an oral history and becoming a book. She also talks about how the interview format and questions have changed as a result of the earlier attempts and how they were surprised by some of what they were beginning to learn.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 665 Projects in Digital Archives students
In this oral history conducted by the Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club, Liz Salen discusses her early feelings of attraction to girls, her experience having girlfriend at her Hebrew high school, remaining closeted through college and the beginning of law school and her ultimate coming out process and her family's reaction after her sister had also come out as a lesbian. She speaks about her work in her private law practice counseling non-profit activist organizations including OUT Week, ACT UP, and other queer focused organizations, becoming a mother with her partner's biological child, her own pregnancy journey and complications, and adopting a son. She discusses her daughters coming out to her as non-binary and moving to Rossmoor with her partner.
Please see the Lesbian Herstory Archive's Rights Statement and the donor agreement form. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Butch and Femme, Clubs, Counseling, Friendship, Gay Men, The Ladder, Police Harassment, Sailing, Social Life, Support Groups
Lois Beeby discusses her early experiences and confusion as to recognizing she was a lesbian. She speaks about her role as a member and officer in the Daughters of Bilitis, and the eventual unrest and split in the group, leading to her leaving DOB. She speaks of unrest between gay men and lesbians and the desire for the two to join together as a united front.
See the LHA Copyright Statement Photo by Morgan Gwenwald Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Lois Johnson and Sheri Barden Interview, April 1, 1989
Journalists, Music, bars, Relationships, Anger, Humor, Housing, Animals
The interview begins with Lois Johnson, who discusses when she realized that she was a lesbian, which caused her to move out to California and take a job in journalism. It was there that she met a woman who eventually became her lover, and they used to play music together. Sheri Barden talks about her social life after she met Lois Johnson, though she did like to party with her landlord, who was also a lesbian, though these social affairs pretty much came to an end when her relationship began with Lois. On tape 2, Lois Johnson discusses expressing herself emotionally, and how she repressed her anger initially, unlike Sheri, who would often explode, leading to a lot of crying in the early part of their relationship. However, she continues to believe in love and commitment, and credits Sheri for having a great sense of humor. Sheri Barden also talks about her businesses, including a bed and breakfast that houses many lesbians. The two then reminisce on what they have in common, including their love of cats.
Digital: Preservation: .avi Access: .mp4
Lesbians--United States--Social conditions
The interviewee discusses the time she considered getting a sex change. She talks about religion. At the end she talks about getting respect. There is significant distortion at the end of the tape. Lou and Jane discuss their sexual relationship and further aspects of female sexuality.
Sound Physical Object Oral History Interview
Lou and Jane discuss what life is like as an interracial lesbian couple. They discuss how white "studs" feel threatened by black "studs", feeling they will steal their women. Alcoholism is briefly discussed. They also discuss having to tell lies to their family to prevent them from knowing about their sexuality. On Side B- Jane begins with her experience as Fem lesbian, and her difficulty with what that means to her. She talks about her difficulty with coming "out", and then is interrupted by one of their children. Lou discusses her relationship with her Fem partner (Jane), as someone who self-identifies as a Butch. She discusses her choices in life, and her commitment to her relationship, her partner, and her family. She also talks about her disillusionment with the future, and her lack of hope for change. Lou references Jane's feelings, and her hope for Jane to recognize what it means to be a Fem.
Lou+Jane (Interviewees) Madeline Davis (Interviewer)
Tape 4 of 4. Preceded by SPW516, SPW517, SPW518
Sound PhysicalObject Oral History Interview
Lou discusses her experience raising children as a lesbian woman, discussing at length her love of children, and wanting them to have a better life then she did. She also discusses her experience with police harassment as both a black women, and a lesbian. Side B includes songs about lesbians, their lives and realities, and their relationships with children and their families.
eng (http://www.loc.gov/standards/iso639-2/php/code_list.php)
In this oral history conducted by the Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club, Lynn Gold discusses being married right out of college, raising two children, their divorce after 20 years, and a second marriage to a man during which time she fell in love with a woman. She also discusses coming out later in life around the same time Ellen DeGeneres came out and that point of culture helping her come out. Despite the shifting cultural views she discusses issues that she had with some friends and family members over her sexuality and eventual marriage to a woman. She also discusses her relationship with her mother in regards to her sexuality and her mothers sexuality.
Interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses her life with Lillian Foster, the lesbian movement, and performing and singing.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1138_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1138_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1138_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1138_B.wav
Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Mabel Hampton Interview [1920s / World War II]
African American lesbians [sh85001859] Lesbian culture [sh2004003370] Prisons [sh85106996] Prisoners--Recreation [sh85106961] World War, 1939-1945 [sh85148273]
Side A: Mabel Hampton describes meeting other lesbians and associating with other women "in the life". Also discussed is her experience during the 1920s of being set up and sentenced to serve three years for a fabricated prostitution charge at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. Side B: Mabel's WWII era activities, including being an Air Raid Warden in Harlem, and meeting married women who ""came out"" during their husband's absence due to the war."
Mabel Hampton (Interviewee), Madeline (Interviewee)
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1146_A.mp3 Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1146_B.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1146_A.wav Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1146_B.wav
Mabel Hampton for Feminary / Mabel Hampton; Joan Nestle, 1979 (Tape 1)
African American lesbians, Lesbian culture, Lesbian community, Race relations
Oral history interview for Feminary: A Lesbian-Feminist Journal for the South. Joan Nestle interviews Mabel Hampton at 77. Mabel describes her childhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, her train journey to New York City, the city vs. the country, meeting lesbians and her views on race, sisterhood and the fight for lesbian rights.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw47_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw47_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw47_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw47_B.wav
Harlem Renaissance New York (N.Y.) Lesbian couples
This oral history interview begins with the title card “Our Faces Our Voices Our Words” and that the video is sponsored by The Lesbian Herstory Educational Foundation Inc. Mabel Hampton talks about her life story, including memories of her childhood, lesbian friendships, and romantic relationships. The video ends with her singing, starting at 00:42:27.
The Lesbian Herstory Educational Foundation Inc.
Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Mabel Hampton Interview [Books / Working at the Lesbian Herstory Archive / Documentary]
Women--Sexual behavior, Rape, Lesbian erotic literature, Childhood and youth, African American lesbians
Oral History interview of Mabel Hampton. Conversations between Joan and Mabel about a book Mabel enjoyed, working at the Lesbian Herstory Archives, a documentary film in the making, and Mabel's early life and sexuality.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1136_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1136_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1136_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1136_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Coming out / Lillian]
Lesbianism, African American lesbians, Sexually abused children
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel talks about her childhood; coming out with a woman she met at Coney Island; her relationship with Lillian Foster; the LHA and her respect for Joan Nestle and Deborah Edel.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw58_1A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw58_1A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw58_1B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw58_1B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Coney Island / Lillian / Fashion]
African American lesbians [sh85001859] Lesbian couples [sh85076154] Lesbians--Identity [sh94004083]
Mabel Hampton discusses, with Joan Nestle, gender identity, attraction, men, and marriage. Mabel Hampton also discusses nicknames she shared with Lillian Foster, including "Little Bear" and "Big Bear." They look at photographs and reminisce about Coney Island, buying new clothes, and Nestle's preparation of slideshows for the LHA. The second half of the recording covers a few takes of stories surrounding Mabel's time living with Joan and Deb after an apartment fire, Mabel and Lillian's nicknames for each other, and the meaning of Mabel's fashion choices.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw64_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw63_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw64_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw63_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Coney Island / Mildred]
African American lesbians--Identity, African American lesbians
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Side A: Mabel discusses Coney Island, and her relationships with women, including Mildred Mitchell.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw48_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw48_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw48_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw48_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Early Childhood]
Oral History interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel describes her early childhood and rural upbringing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the early 1900s. Notable facts include her mother's death (possibly by poisoning) not long after Mabel's birth, and that Mabel was very small (perhaps premature) at birth. Mabel also discusses a range of subjects including a description of and anecdotes about her early caretaker, life on a farm/agricultural setting, and memories of going to church.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1134_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1134_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1134_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1134_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Gay Language and Culture]
Oral History interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses the language and culture of being gay in her time.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1139_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1139_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1139_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1139_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Lillian Foster / Femininity]
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel talks about Lilian Foster, her partner, that she has never dated any man, and is a feminine type of lady who likes to dress up.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw61_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw61_A.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Lillian Foster / Youth]
Lesbian couples, African American lesbians, Lesbian community
Oral history interview with Mabel Hampton. Mabel tells stories of different women she dated and how she met Lillian Foster, who would be her partner from 1932-1978. She also talks about friends and jobs she had in her youth.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw52_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw52_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw52_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw52_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Marriage / Jealousy]
Same-sex marriage, Lesbian couples, African American lesbians
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses lesbian marriage in the 1930s and 1940s, including stories of women getting married and where the ceremonies were. She tells stories about women she knew who had husbands and families, jealousy among women, and passion. She talks about her own experiences with passion and jealousy, including her crushes and relationships. She discusses her first relationship with a white woman, women she had crushes on, women she felt threatened by, her relationship with Lillian, and an experience at a "party house" in Bedford Hills. At the end of the tape there is a discussion about Lillian's tombstone and what to put on it.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1137_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1137_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1137_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1137_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Married Women / Singing]
Lesbian community, Fashion, Popular music, African American lesbians
Oral history interview with Mabel Hampton. Side A: Mabel discusses relationships she had with married women. She also discusses what she wore when she was in her early 20s and about her feelings about the openness of lesbians today. Side B: Mabel sings two songs- "My Buddy" and "Come to Me".
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw53_A.mp3
Mabel Hampton Interview [New Jersey / Singing]
African American lesbians, Popular music, Rape, Childhood and youth, Adultery
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Side A: Mabel tells the story of her arrival in New Jersey, and how she found the people who first took her there. Side B: Mabel sings the American popular song, "My Buddy", and also explains how she left her uncle in New York and went to New Jersey. She talks in detail about the first couple days that she spent in a home in Jersey City, and her reticence to discuss details about her origins with the people that took her in. Additional discussion includes a description of the first time she was kissed by a woman, and why she didn't pursue relationships with married women.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw49_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw49_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw49_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw49_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Parties / 1930s]
Lesbianism, Harlem Renaissance, Minority lesbians
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses "slumming party" where she first met A'Lelia Walker, and what it was like being gay during the 1930s.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw57_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw57_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw57_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw57_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Stories of Performing / Singing]
African American lesbians--Identity, Popular music, Lesbian couples
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses meeting her partner Lillian Foster in 1932, whom she was with for 40 years until her passing in 1979. Mabel also mentions highlights of her professional career including performing at the World's Fair (perhaps 1939 World's Fair in New York), Carnegie Hall and Coney Island. Mabel also recounts a story involving an incident with a classmate in her youth. The tape finishes with a rendition of "My Buddy", sung by an unidentified vocalist and pianist
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw56_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw56_A.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [The Twenties and Life With Lillian]
African American lesbians, Lesbian couples, Lesbian community
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel Hampton reminisces about her life in the early 1920s. Mabel talks about going to Coney Island, cabarets, and various parties around New York City where women could meet other women. She discusses her friends and relationships with particular emphasis on Lillian Foster.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw62_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw62_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw62_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw62_B.wav
Oral History interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses her early life in South Carolina and New York.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1140_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1140_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1140_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1140_B.wav
Tape 1 of a 4 Tape Series, followed by SPW1141
Mabel Hampton Life Stories, November 20, 1978 (Tape 1)
African American lesbians [sh85001859] Literatures [sh2003003668]
Mabel discusses the importance of lesbian writing and how she considers being a lesbian to be the most important aspect in shaping her life. She goes on to give a description of her childhood. She also describes the the girl with whom she had her first lesbian experience.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1133_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1133_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1133_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1133_B.wav
Oral history interview with Mabel Hampton. Side A: Mabel sings and talks about her life with Lillian Foster, and stories from her youth. Side B: She describes her life in Jersey City, Coney Island and the rape by her uncle. She also talks about the pitfalls of falling in love, and being a working woman at 80 years old.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw59_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw59_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw59_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw59_B.wav
Mabel Hampton talks about Lillian and more, January, 1988 (Tape 1)
Lesbian couples [sh85076154] World War, 1939-1945 [sh85148273] Lesbian community [sh95005870] Childhood and youth [sh99004940]
Mabel discusses meeting Lillian Foster, her wife, Lillian's childhood, and their life together in the community as well as various events they were a part of against the backdrop of World War II.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1147_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1147_A.wav
A two-volume transcript of several tapes in the Mabel Hampton Oral History collection. In addition to tape transcriptions, the volumes include notes and other annotations by Joan Nestle and Sara Atatimur. The final pages of volume two also include Joan Nestle's article "I Lift My Eyes to the Hill: The Life of Mabel Hampton as Told by a White Woman;" Mabel Hampton's obituary in the New York Times; and a draft of Joan Nestle's article "Her Spirit Soars Above Us."
Mabel Hampton Oral History Collection, 1976-1989
African American lesbians, Adultery, Lesbians--Sexual behavior
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses her relationships during her twenties, including how and why she chose her sexual partners and her relationships with married women. She relates a story about being caught with her partner's husband and hiding under the bed.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw54_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw54_A.wav
Side A: Some discussion of when Mabel first heard the word lesbian, her experiences as a dancer. Side B: Mable describes her experiences caring for children, finding freedom as a child, running away from her aunt and uncle to New Jersey to live with the White family, and her spirituality.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_B.wav
Lesbian culture [sh2004003370] Greenwich Village (New York, N.Y.)--Maps [sh2009125702] Same-sex marriage [sh92003901] Lesbians--Identity [sh94004083] Race [sh85110232] African American lesbians [sh85001859]
Mabel discusses her early life as a lesbian in the Village between the two world wars, including the rooming house where she lived and the parties she attended. She describes how women dressed, what they ate at the parties, what they did at the parties, including dancing, the records they listened to, and the general social life of these parties. She describes the interracial relations between white and black lesbians. She also discusses the language lesbians used to describe themselves at the time, including "bulldaggers", "lady lovers", and "butches". She also tells the story of a large lesbian marriage ceremony in Central Park West, officated by a gay minister named Rev. Monroe and how the couple managed to get an offical marriage certificate. She also discusses gay life in Harlem and the New York City drag balls.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1145_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1145_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1145_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1145_B.wav
Mabel Hampton, Lillian Foster, 1976 (Tape 1)
Audio cassette. Oral History Interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel discusses her first girlfriend, a white woman she met while working at a girl's school. She also discusses her three year relationship with a married woman she worked for as a domestic worker, whom she considers her first love. In addition, she discusses her life as a dancer and her trips to a private lesbian club, frequented by notable women. She then relates how she was briefly abducted, attacked and robbed, and how she escaped and how her friends sought revenge on her attackers.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1132_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1132_A.wav
Mabel Hampton, Morgan Gwenwald, Pam Hicks: Breakfast at Pam's, April 9, 1989 (Tape 1)
Lesbianism [sh85076157] Dreams [sh85039483] Bereavement [sh85013296] Lesbian couples [sh85076154]
Morgan Gwenwald visited Mabel Hampton at Pam Hicks' place. Over breakfast, they talked about the dreams Mabel had been having lately, how people thought about her. Morgan made plans to visit Lillian's cemetery with Mabel together and listened to a tape that Mary gave Mabel.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1148_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1148_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1148_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1148_B.wav
Mabel Hampton, Morgan Gwenwald, Pam Hicks: Breakfast at Pam's, April 9, 1989 (Tape 2)
Lesbianism [sh85076157] African American lesbians [sh85001859] Death [sh85036085]
Pam Hicks and Morgan Gwenwald chat with Mabel Hampton over breakfast about mundane topics, including lost keys and colors. The three get in a car and try to find the cemetery where Mabel has purchased a plot to be buried in. They locate the cemetery, but it is closed to visitors, so they proceed on to see if they can find where she purchased the tombstone.
spw1149_B.mp3 http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1149_B.mp3 spw1149_B.wav http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1149_B.wav
Mabel Hampton, November 28, 1986 (Tape 1)
Lesbianism, Lesbian community, Nineteen twenties, Harlem Renaissance, Dance, African American lesbians
Mabel talks about her life at theater Lafayette on Coney Island in the 20s. She also talks about the dress code of her and her friends; also the language describing lesbians back in the 1920s.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1144_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1144_A.wav
Rural youth, Gay rights, Race, African American lesbians
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel describes her early childhood and rural upbringing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She details her journey from Winston-Salem to New York City to live with her aunt. Mabel continues her story with her development into a young lesbian woman and the issues concerning lesbianism in the North versus the South. She speaks about her lifestyle and her no-regrets stance on her life. Her connection with her childhood is vivid and candid and is described in detail.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1135_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1135_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1135_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1135_B.wav
Child abuse, Rape, Marriage, Prostitution
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel describes running away from home and the New Jersey family who cared for her, while they sought Mabel's family. Mabel falsified her personal information in order to avoid reuniting with her abusive uncle in New York. Mabel speaks of her early 20s, her interaction within the underground gay and lesbian community. She begins explaining her 1923 arrest at Bedford Hills Prison and how she was setup by her friend's husband for prostitution. Side A = 9:38 minutes
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1141_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1141_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1141_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1141_B.wav
Mabel Hampton's Story, July, 1986 (Tape 3)
Arrest (Police methods), Prisons, Race discrimination, African Americans, African American lesbians, Lesbianism, Race
Mabel describes her 1923 arrest (at age 18) and term at Bedford Hills Prison, and the period shortly thereafter.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1142_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1142_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1142_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1142_B.wav
Mabel Hampton's Story, July, 1986 (Tape 4)
African American lesbians, Prisons, Race discrimination, Rape, Families, Work
Mabel describes her life after being released from Bedford Hills, relationships with women in the early 20th century, economic and working situation, and more details about her family history (including the murder of her mother, the death of her father, Mabel's rape by her uncle).
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1143_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1143_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1143_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1143_B.wav
Mabel's Parties / Mabel Hampton, 1981 (Tape 1)
African American lesbians, Lesbian community, Parties, Lesbian couples
Oral History interview dated . Side A: Mabel talks about the parties she attended, the atmosphere, the people she met and the music she listened to. She also speaks in detail about romantic relationships with specific women and her first love from Coney Island. Her love of classical music is also discussed, which began when she started her first job.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw50_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw50_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw50_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw50_B.wav
Proceedings from the MAD Conference in Boston
Sound Physical Object Conference Proceedings
Madeline Davis and Liz Kennedy. Boots of Leather Oral History Project Panel Gay Pride, 1979
Lesbian Community--New York (State)--New York
Side A: Panel discussion on the history of the archives, including a brief introduction on how they gather information through different interview procedures within the Lesbian community in order to build the oral history project. Side B: Panel discussion continues with topic brought up in side A.
Kennedy, E. L. & Davis, M. D. (1993). Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community. New York: Routledge
March on Washington / Pacifica Program Service, 1979 (Tape 2 of 4)
Lesbian activists, Lesbian feminism, National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Washington, D.C., 1979
The second of four recordings of Pacifica Radio coverage of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 14, 1979. Musical performances by Mary Watkins, Meg Christian, and Holly Near. Speeches by Ray Hill and Charles Law.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1159_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1159_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1159_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1159_B.wav
Tape 2 of a 4 tape series. Preceded by SPW1158. Followed by SPW1160 and SPW1161.
March on Washington / Pacifica Program Service, 1979 (Tape 3 of 4)
Minorities--Civil rights [sh98005421] Sexism [sh85120678] Racism--United States [sh2008110339] Labor movement--United States--History--20th century [sh2009128353] Lesbian community [sh95005870] Gay community [sh91003435]
March on Washington on October 14, 1979, which dealt with the civil rights of the gay and lesbian community. Participants included Audre Lorde (who can be heard on side A about 80% through), Allen Ginsberg, Peter Orlovsky, Ted Weiss, Gotham, Tom Robinson, Howard Wallace, Kate Millet, and Flo Kennedy. Key topics included civil and human rights, the labor movement, racism, sexism, and love. Short technical glitches occur on Side A.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1160_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1160_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1160_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1160_B.wav
March on Washington / Pacifica Program Service, 1979 (Tape 4 of 4)
National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Washington, D.C., 1979 [sh93005113] Gay rights [sh94009215] Civil rights [sh99004998]
Rally mediated by Audre Lorde given at the March on Washington on October 1979. Speech topics include rights of LGBT prisoners, parents, immigrants, and atheists.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1161_A.mp3
Speeches, poem readings, and musical performances.
March on Washington/Pacifica Program Service, 1979 (Tape 1 of 4)
National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Washington, D.C., 1979, Gay rights,Civil rights
Tape 1 of 4 of a collection of cassette recordings of the NPR/Pacifica Radio national broadcast of coverage of the 1979 Washington DC march and rally for gay rights. Side A includes speeches by Robin Tyler, Troy Perry, Adelle Starr, and Michiko Cornell, as well as brief interviews with spectators in the crowd. Topics covered on side A include general theme of gay rights, as well as advocacy for gay youth and gay Asian Americans. Side B includes speeches by Rene McCoy, Bill Blish, Arly Scott, Maria Diaz, and Steve Alt, as well as brief interviews with spectators in the crowd. Topics covered include general gay/civil rights themes, advocacy for promotion of parental support for gay/lesbian children and discussion of Mayor Berry decision to declare "Gay/Lesbian Awareness Week". Side B. also also includes the song, "Not Anymore", (performed by Celebration).
Robin Tyler, Troy Perry, Adelle Starr, Michiko Cornell
Rene McCoy, Bill Blish, Arly Scott, Maria Diaz, Steve Alt
Side A. (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1158_A.mp3 Side A. (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1158_A.wav
Side B. (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1158_B.mp3 Side B. (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1158_B.wav
Tape 1 of a 4 tape series. Followed by SPW1159, SPW1160 and SPW1161.
Sloan is the President of the National Black Feminist Organization. She discussed NBFO’s mission to provide an organization for black feminists who felt the need to fight both sexism and racism at the same time. She discussed the formation of the organization and the eastern conference on black feminism.
Feminist Radio Network Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Lesbian bars, Gay bars, Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Lesbian community--United States--History, Oral history interview, Bartenders--New York (State)--New York--Biography, Lesbian Herstory Archives
Marge speaks of the bars in Buffalo, NY in the 1950s, specifically Bingo's, Chesterfield, Dugan's, Mardi Gras, and Carousel, which had more of an established lesbian clientele. She tells how Carousel changed from a lesbian to gay crowd in the late 1950s and eventually closed because of allowing "careless" behavior. She felt patrons of gay bars in the 1950s were more respectful than at the time of the interview in 1980. Marge was arrested for serving a minor female, which she felt was an attempt to close the bar where she worked. The tape cuts off at the end of the second side.
Margie Adam is interviewed by Ruth Scovill. Recorded April 1, 1976. Margie speaks about growing up with music in the home, and the role of music in civil disobedience. She mentions being deeply affected by tragedies of the day, including the Kent State Massacre, and how it informed her relationship with music, and later moving to California. Part 1 of 4.
Ruth Scovill Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Margie Adam is interviewed by Ruth Scovill. Margie talks about the Women’s Movement, and the National Womens’ Music Festival in Champaign-Urbana. She discusses definitions for women’s music, feminist music, and her song writing. Part 2 of 4.
Margie Adam is interviewed by Ruth Scovill. Margie continues the interview, discussing her song-writing style, and musician performance technique. She is passionate about music for social change, and talks about difficulties making a living as a performer, specifically focusing on the financial responsibilities as a musician with women audiences. Part 3 of 4.
Margie Adam is interviewed by Ruth Scovill. Margie talks about the value of women musicians as speaking out for women’s communities. She discusses the roles of feminism and autonomy in women’s music. Margie talks about what it is like to be a traveling musician, and bands on tour, acknowledging that most women musicians at the time are soloist, white, middle-class women. She talks about trying to be accessible to audiences through music. Part 4 of 4.
Margie Adam is interviewed by Ruth Scovill. Margie performs music, woven between interviews, in this redubbed interview. She discusses women’s music as not being mainstream music, as well as the politics of women’s music, and need for women’s production companies. She mentions the importance of networking with women-owned companies and businesses. Redubbed.
Motion pictures Lesbianism in motion pictures
This segment shows a short interview with filmmaker Maria Maggenti about her 1995 film The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love. Maggenti first developed the script of the film as a project for NYU’s Graduate Film Program, but abandoned it after several years of trying to work through much darker themes. She explains that, while the film deals with highly politicized topics like coming out, and interracial relationships, the film’s tone remains light and comedic. In this segment, Maggenti describes the making of the film, which included a crew that was entirely women, none of whom were paid; rather, she explains the film provided women the opportunity to expand their careers in the industry. The film was released on June 16th, 1995, and distributed by New Line Cinema. It also participated in several film festivals in 1995, including Sundance.
Linda Chapman [Executive Producer] Mary Patierno [Executive Producer] Ana Maria Simo [Executive Producer]
Copyright Dyke TV: Linda Chapman, Mary Patierno, Ana Maria Simo. Tapes and digital files held by the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Tapes reproduced with permission from the copyright holders.
Irene Yarrow hosts writer and poet Marilyn Coffey on the show Everywomanspace. The program starts with Marilyn reading several of her poems: "Insight," "The Diet," "Wordlessly," and "Observation." Irene and Marilyn discuss Marilyn's brief career in journalism and development as a writer, and the writing of her novel, Marcella, a coming-of-age story. Marilyn then reads an excerpt from Marcella. After the excerpt, Marilyn Coffey explains the projects she has been working on more recently--her second novel, books of essays, and teaching English at Pratt Institute. Irene and Marilyn discuss the difficulties of switching between various forms of writing, like poetry vs. prose vs. non-fiction. Marilyn also reflects on how joining the Women's Movement and becoming a feminist has changed her writing and the reception of her writing. They discuss how deeply ingrained the patriarchy is in their lives and consciousnesses. Marilyn reads a final poem, "Cold," to end the program.
Marliyn Lamkay is interviewed in New York City in 1987 (it seems to continue from a previous video and is perhaps continued in another video). She talks about being a lesbian in New York and coming out to her family and professionally, her relationships and religious beliefs. She discusses lesbian roles and how she didn't fit into any of the existing roles, even in the DOB community. She discusses community building and CR groups when she was younger and how she went on to hold workshops about resources for gay and lesbian New Yorkers at Bronx Community College. She mentions New YorkDOB meetings and the influence that DOB had in the creation of subsequent lesbian groups and communities.
Interviewer: N/A, Interviewee: Marilyn Lamkay
Marion Zimmer Bradley Interview, October 17, 1988
Autobiography, Marriage, Children, Writing, Publishing, Discrimination, Literary Criticism, Lesbian Mothers, Homophile Movement
Marion Zimmer Bradley talks about her experience growing up, her marriage and children, being a woman writer in science fiction, writing for The Ladder, and discrimination in publishing. She also touches upon her struggles as a lesbian mother.
Interviewer: Manuela Soares Interviewee: Marion Zimmer Bradley
edited by Morgan Gwenwald [still photographer], Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger [videographer]
DV45_Marion Zimmer Bradley_tape1of1_1988oct17
In this oral history conducted by the Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club, Marlene Michelson discusses Her early realizations of her sexuality, her work at the Oakland tribune starting in 1962 which began her 30 year career as journalist, her marriage to a man and experience raising two children, her ultimate separation from her husband, and her subsequent introduction to the lesbian scene in the Bay Area. She also discusses her late coming out after she arrived at Rossmoor and the start of the Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club.
Martha Shelley is interviewed in New York in 1989. She talks about being a lesbian in New York from the 1960s, the negative views of lesbians portrayed by psychologists, the bar scene, roles and her use of a pseudonym. She talks about finding DOB, the meetings and discussions that took place, and her contributions to the Ladder. She talks about Jean Powers and other members of DOB and describes the members as mixed race, working class, couples and singles. She also talks about her political activism in terms of DOB, peace, civil rights and the Stonewall Riots, including the marches she was involved in and the speeches she made.
Interviewer: N/A, Interviewee: Martha Shelley
Physical: DV-64, Digital: shelley_tape1of1_19890624
Side A: Mary Ann discusses her experiences going out in public with her girlfriends, and the treatment they receive at restaurants, bars, and on the street. She mentions that their public treatment is very often instigated by the masculine way her partners are dressed; she herself has always been very femme. Mary Ann talks about her incarceration for robbery, and her time in a psychiatric hospital for depression and attempted suicide. Side B: Mary Ann continues to discuss her time in jail. She took on a butch look, and began to receive small gifts under her cell door from femme girls in other divisions. She developed relationships with different girls that she worked with while in jail, and talks about lookouts, or "chickies," standing watch for girls who were with their partners in the showers or elsewhere. She then talks about her sex life with a long-term partner of 22 years, with whom she raised foster children. Later, she touches on her job as a dancer at Buffalo clubs, and a two-year period when she worked as a prostitute.
This recording is 1 of 2 tapes recorded with Mary Ann on 1988-10-15.
Mary Ann talks about posing as a prostitute for men in a straight bar. She would arrange a meet-up location and then she and two girl friends would overpower and rob men. She describes several muggings she and her two friends carried out. One happened in a hotel; another took place in a man's house with his family there. She claims she and her friends never hurt anybody "more than they had to." Mary Ann also talks about the distinction between gay bars and bars where she would go to hustle. Gay bars were places to have fun with friends and not for prostitution. In one aside, the interviewer asks Mary Ann why she calls her girlfriend "my man," to which she replies that's the way her lover wanted to be addressed.
This recording is 2 of 2 tapes recorded with Mary Ann on 1988-10-15.
Tape is divided into two sections. In the first section, radical feminist and theologian Mary Daly lectures about misogyny in the medical field, including the widespread use of Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopausal women and the increased risk of cancer associated with the birth control pill. She also informs her audience about the career of surgeon James Burt who, for approximately 30 years, reconstructed women’s genitalia after childbirth, often without consent, thinking that they were poorly designed for sexual pleasure. The second section of the tape, which is in poor condition and has soft focus, features a woman performing a dance.
Side A: Mary discusses her experiences in the gay community in Buffalo in the 1950s. She discusses in detail the gay bar scene and describes the clientele at the Carousel, Bingo's, and the Chesterfield. The interviewee also describes the dynamic of the relationships she experienced and observed in terms of both race and gender identity. Mary also discusses prostitution in the Buffalo community during the 1950s. She describes some of her own sexual and relationship experiences. Side B: Continuing the conversation from Side A, Mary discusses in more detail the types of people she observed in the various bars in Buffalo, as well as her family. She explains that she got along with her family, but never came out to them, in spite of which her father never questioned her about her relationships or pressured her to get married. She also discusses the socio-economic status of various gay communities throughout Buffalo. Both the interviewer and the interviewee discuss butch and femme identities within the larger context of the lesbian community in Buffalo. Mary speaks in more detail about her social experiences.
Lesbians Lesbian Activists Lesbians in mass media Television Television journalists
In this interview Mary Patierno, co-founder and executive producer of Dyke TV discusses Dyke TV, a groundbreaking public access program produced in New York City by and for lesbians. Pateirno talks about the program’s history and its goals. She mentions some of Dyke TV’s important news stories and recollects some of the interviews the show conducted with women artists, activists and public figures. Patierno stresses the importance of preserving other Dyke TV footage that currently remains in storage. In addition to providing more detail about the structure of the episodes, Patierno discusses her experience creating the show, the circumstances surrounding the show’s founding, and the show’s legacy as the first lesbian content on television. *Note: The interview was recorded using an online call service.
Amanda Belantara [interviewer] Mary Patierno [interviewee]
Mary Patierno Interview [Arts segment excerpt]
Edited excerpt from an interview with Mary Patierno, cofounder of Dyke TV with Linda Chapman and Anna Maria Simo. In this excerpt, Mary describes the "The Arts" segment that was sometimes included in Dyke TV programs.
Mary Patierno Interview [Eyewitness excerpt]
Edited excerpt from an interview with Mary Patierno, cofounder of Dyke TV with Linda Chapman and Anna Maria Simo. In this excerpt, Mary describes the Eyewitness segment that was sometimes included in Dyke TV programs.
Mary Patierno Interview [From the Archives excerpt]
Edited excerpt from an interview with Mary Patierno, cofounder of Dyke TV with Linda Chapman and Anna Maria Simo. In this excerpt, Mary describes the From the Archives segment that was sometimes included in Dyke TV programs.
Mary Patierno Interview [I Was a Lesbian Child excerpt]
Edited excerpt from an interview with Mary Patierno, cofounder of Dyke TV with Linda Chapman and Anna Maria Simo. In this excerpt, Mary describes the I was a Lesbian Child segment that was sometimes included in Dyke TV programs.
In this interview Mary Patierno, co-founder and executive producer of DykeTV discusses DykeTV, a groundbreaking public access program produced by and for lesbians. Pateirno talks about the program’s history and its goals. She mentions some of DykeTV’s important news stories and recollects some of the interviews the show conducted with women artists, activists and public figures. Patierno stresses the importance of preserving other DykeTV footage that currently remains in storage. She also describes the production and post-production process, the ideas behind show segments and reflects on how she would like the show to be remembered. The transcript can be searched when viewed in the document viewer below.
Side A: Mary briefly describes her childhood and family dynamics. Mary and the interviewer then discuss the first time Mary recognized being different and her thoughts on desiring women at a young age, yet not knowing about lesbianism as a concept or about the lesbian community. Mary then recalls the first time she encountered the word "lesbian" when she joined the U.S. Air Force and describes her experiences with women while in the service. Mary talks about being a lesbian in the military, the investigation into her conduct, and her dishonorable discharge. After Mary got another job, she started going to a bar in Buffalo, N.Y., and she talks about the other lesbians she met there. Mary then discovered other bars and talks about the scene as well as the role-playing of butch and femme. Constant whirring noise that stops about 10 minutes into the recording. Side B: Mary continues the discussion on butch and femme role-playing. She elaborates on fights, holding down jobs, and being "out." She also explains the relationships lesbians had with gay men in Buffalo, N.Y., and the bar scene dynamics of mixed, gay, or lesbian bars. Mary and the interviewer discuss gay activism and the difficulties of being involved in activism at that time. Mary also describes outings where there was a risk of being visible as a group, such as going on picnics or renting cottages. She elaborates on her experience with social dynamics like cliques and having heterosexual friends within the lesbian and gay community. Mary then expands upon the nature of her relationships with women as well as with black lesbians - racial prejudice and relationships are discussed. Constant whirring noise that stops about 5 minutes into the recording.
This recording is 1 of 2 tapes recorded with Mary T. on 1978-07-07.
Mary describes the bar scene, parties, fashion, music, bar layouts, and fights at Bingo's and Carousel bars.
This recordings is 2 of 2 tapes recorded with Mary T on 1978-07-07.
Women, Black Feminism Feminist literature
Interview with 19 year-old Mount Holyoke student Meeka on the structure of and experiences in Barbara Smith's class. She highlights a presentation on “Homegirls”and talks about discussions in the class surrounding culture and experiences of women of color.
Interview with 19 year-old Mount Holyoke student Meeka on her experiences with taking Barbara Smith's class. She talks about Black Feminist analysis, colorism, and intersectional feminism.
Meg Christian and Holly Near Concert (Side B)
Live recording of Meg Christian and Holly Near performing at 1976 LFF concert. Note: Poor sound quality
Not to be used for publication without the express written consent of Liza Cowan. Contact the Lesbian Herstory Archive for Liza Cowan’s contact information. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Megan Christian and Holly Near Concert (Side A)
Live recording of Meg Christian and Holly Near performing at 1976 LFF concert. Note: playback speed changes so there is a brief cut in audio around the 12 min mark; poor sound quality.
Memorial Service for Diane Cleaver (Part 2)
Relationships, Friendship, Families, Aging, Death and Dying, Communities, Biographies, Writing, Songs
Friends and family gather at the funeral of Diane Cleaver to share stories, reminisce, and pay homage to her.
Morgan Greenwald [Still Photographer]; Manuela Soares
Memorial Service Helen J. Sandoz, Side A, July 19, 1987
This tape is a recording from the memorial service for Helen Sandoz on July 19, 1987. The recording is of a religious service for Sandy with various readings from the Bible as well as religious music. After the religious ceremony, friends and loved ones told humorous and moving stories about Sandy.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving students.
On this episode of The Velvet Sledgehammer, Donna Allegra interviews members of Mischief Mime, a two woman theater troupe from Ithaca, New York. Mischief Mime tours and teaches nationally to prove artists can make it outside of the larger cities.
Modern Language Association Conference in Chicago, 1977
Poetry, Lesbianism, Feminism, Motherhood, Sexual orientation, Sexism, Abortion, Family, Health, Rape, Misogyny, Lesbian feminism,
Modern Language Association Conference in Chicago, December 1977. Lesbian Feminist Poetry Reading featuring six poets. Side A includes Joan Larkin, Barbara Smith and Diedre McCalla. Side B includes Melanie Kaye, Adrienne Rich and Audre Lorde; Audre Lorde appears at 28:07 on SPW1151_B (Side B).
Joan Larkin, Barbara Smith, Diedre McCalla, Melanie Kaye, Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1151_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1151_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1151_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1151_B.wav
Side A opens with Viv Sutherland introducing Lily Tomlin’s comedy album Modern Scream on the WBAI Women’s Studies program. The bulk of the tape features Tomlin’s satirical sketches, where she voices multiple characters. Highlights include a bizarre monologue from a woman addicted to rubber, a mock celebrity interview parodying Hollywood shallowness, a chaotic sorority speech full of performative morality, and a child’s monologue touching on emotional contradictions. The humor is absurdist, character-driven, and rooted in media and gender satire. Side B continues with more sketches from Modern Scream, maintaining the format of comic vignettes performed by Tomlin. It features a flashback to Detroit high school life, a surreal phone company sketch, a spoof interview about playing a heterosexual woman, a parody detergent commercial that turns into a soap opera-style meltdown, and a long sermon from “Sister Boogie Woman” celebrating radical self-expression. The tape closes with Sutherland’s sign-off and a preview of upcoming feminist programming. Like Side A, it’s rich in satire but not thematically aligned with our themes.
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
More Than Half the World - A Pretty Face is not Safe in this City
Side A: Host discusses women's rights and justice in the United States. Show features various feminist musicians.
Side B: Host and callers discuss women in music, societal change as well as women’s rights.
Host, Judy Pasternak, discusses abortion and the struggle for the legal right of women to have control over their bodies. In her reflection upon the legal battle surrounding this issue, Pasternak notes that the majority of the individuals making these decisions from a federal level down to its local implementation are male identifying. In her past experience and many other of the callers, the medical infrastructure and service providers were male which they felt impacted their care and the comportment of the medical team.
This audio recording is discussing her issue with addiction and alcoholism. She opens up about having good people by her side in these hard times.