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Lynn Gold Interview
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. -
Lou, October 21, 1981 (Tape 2)
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. -
Lou and Jane, November 8, 1981 (Tape 4)
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.
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Lou and Jane, November 8, 1981 (Tape 3)
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. -
Lois Johnson and Sheri Barden Interview, April 1, 1989
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. -
Lois Beeby Interview, May 9, 1987
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. -
Liz Salen Interview
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.
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Liz Kennedy, 1980 (Tape 2; no Tape 1)
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.Tags Liz Kennedy -
Linda, November 19, 1978 (Tape 2)
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. -
Linda, November 19, 1978 (Tape 1)
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. -
Linda Lopez Interview, October 22, 1988
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 7)
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. -
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 5)
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. -
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 4)
Barbara Grier proceeds with her conversation, discussing her insights and personal contributions to early lesbian literature and publishing, especially in her endeavors with Naiad Press in 1973.
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LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 3)
Barbara Grier discusses her time involved with the Daughters of Bilitis as a contributor, poetry and fiction editor, and eventual editor-in-chief of The Ladder. She is interviewed by Manuela Soares. -
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 2)
Barbara Grier discusses her time involved with the Daughters of Bilitis as a contributor, poetry and fiction editor, and eventual editor-in-chief of The Ladder. She is interviewed by Manuela Soares. -
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 1)
Barbara Grier discusses her personal experiences with developing her identity. She describes lesbian nightlife and particular lesbians frequented in her youth. -
Lesbians in the 1970s Civil Rights Movement
Marcia Danub and Linda Daniels speak with Eleanor Cooper, spokeswoman for Lesbian Feminist Liberation, and Jean O'Leary, Legislative Coordinator, Board for the (then) National Gay Taskforce. LGBTQ+ and women’s rights activists were looking to repeal laws criminalizing homosexuality. Sodomy bills in the 1970s were explicitly written to target gay people, causing fear in the LGBTQ+ in their professional and personal lives. Intro 554 was one of many forms of the NYC Gay Rights Bill, which was passed in 1986, banning discrimination because of sexual orientation. Cooper and O'Leary provide information about the way these laws affect the lives of lesbians and how to participate in the repeal of sodomy laws and support the passing of Intro 554. -
Lesbian Style Project: Mariya Gorkhover
Alaina Zulli interviews Mariya Gorkhover. They discuss her family, coming out to her parents, how her style has evolved with her sexuality, how she believes she is perceived, and how she would like to be perceived (based upon her looks). -
Lesbian Style Project: Fumio Ichikawa (Disc 2)
Alaina Zulli interviews Fumio Ichikawa, part two. She reflects on her experiences of xenophobia and colonialism, particularly in the context of the six month university exchange program that she spent in London. Then, she reflects on how she came to understand her lesbian identity, the tensions between Japanese cultural norms and gendered expectations and her identity as a lesbian, and how her identity is reflected in her style. -
Lesbian Style Project: Fumio Ichikawa (Disc 1)
Alaina Zulli interviews Fumio Ichikawa, part one. First she reflects on her experiences across her childhood and adolescence; she grew up in a small town in Kanagawa outside of Tokyo, and recounts her experience of class and gender in Japan. She also describes her difficulties adjusting to the culture and language in America as a young adult after her family moved to New York when she was 17 years old. -
Lesbian Style Project: Anonymous Interviewee
The interviewee recounts her experiences growing up lesbian and intersex in Brooklyn and Manhattan. She discusses the lesbian community, the ballroom scene, workplace and school bullying, and her experiences working at an urban clothing company.
The interviewee's name has been withheld at her request. -
Lesbian Singer and Political Prisoners
This untitled interview features a guest who discusses her time in prison, the songs she wrote about another incarcerated woman, songs she wrote for political prisoners including Lolita Lebron and Susan Saxe, and conditions of the women’s prison which she was subjected to. She talks about how the state justified the horrible conditions at the prison, and the lack of access to any kind of rehabilitation programs, despite rehabilitation being the supposed purpose of prison. -
Lesbian Pride Week '77
Discussion at Lesbian Pride Week '77 that covers topics such as political activism.
Note: This recording suffers from poor sound quality. -
Lesbian Nation, undated [Placenta Previa-cesarean]
Recorded by Martha Shelley in San Francisco, an unknown woman reading a poem written about the birth of her child and motherhood. -
Lesbian Nation, September 8, 1972
Martha Shelley interviews lesbian students from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale about a number of topics including lesbian publishing, local environmental concerns, and student activism. Mary Flowerpot opens the show with another funny segment before Shelley comes on to address more serious topics. The students discuss a recent incident involving unwarranted police brutality against a local student group (trigger warning). -
Lesbian Nation, September 29, 1972
In this episode of Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley and guests read original poetry. They cover love, relationships, and life as a lesbian in New York City. Mary Flowerpot opens the show with her trademark whimsical comedy segment. -
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Lesbian Nation, September 22, 1972
In this installment of Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley interviews women of the Women’s Lesbian Liberation Committee of the Gay Activists’ Alliance (GAA). Mary Flowerpot also hosts her comedy segment. In Shelley’s interview, the women discuss the emergence of the Lesbian Liberation Committee and their role within the GAA. They talk about what they have done to address issues of sexism in the GAA and how they try to maintain positive discourse with male members. -
Lesbian Nation, September 17, 1973
Martha reads a response letter originally published in "Off Our Backs" from the women of Weather Underground in reply to Jane Alpert's letter. This letter references topics including the bridge between the radical feminism movement and the left, the divisions in the women's movement, and the ideals of the organization. [Music from Bali] -
Lesbian Nation, September 10, 1973
Part two of an interview about Marge Piercy's newest book "Small Changes." Discussion included topics like the value of writing about working class characters and language in writing and speech. -
Lesbian Nation, September 1, 1972
Introduction of Mary Flowerpot followed by an interview where Martha Shelley and Mary Flowerpot compare and contrast the beginning of the GLF in the United Kingdom and discuss class distiniction, women in the workforce and the drag scene in Europe. Martha Shelley and Mary Flowerpot also read a letter a homophobic letter directed at Joe Johnston that was sent to the Village Voice. At end the episode, Martha Shelley answers phone calls from two lesbians about the firing of a lesbian speaker from WBAI. -
Lesbian Nation, October 6, 1972
This episode of Lesbian Nation opens with a Mary Flowerpot humor segment then dives into an interview between Martha Shelley and Phyllis Chesler, renowned psychologist and author. In this interview, Chesler discusses women’s health, delving into her observations on how women are treated in mental health institutions. The episode ends with a poetry reading. -
Lesbian Nation, October 29, 1973
Martha Shelley interviews authors Rita Mae Brown and Blanche Boyd about growing up in the American South, publishing their work with the independent feminist press Daughters Inc. rather than a mainstream publisher, and the synthesis and conflict between feminism and art. Among other announcements, Shelley also gives a brief update on the Women's Liberation Center and their right to occupy the 20th Street firehouse. -
Lesbian Nation, October 22, 1973
Martha Shelley and Lois Chaffee discuss the Women’s Liberation Center and an ongoing dispute over its occupancy of 243 West 20th St., as a family services group has tried to claim the space for themselves. Following their conversation, Martha Shelley reads aloud two letters from listeners, one a gay senior at Stuyvesant High School and the other a student at Sarah Lawrence College. Trigger warning: bullying, homophobic slurs. -
Lesbian Nation, October 20, 1972
This episode of Lesbian Nation opens with Mary Flowerpot’s comedy segement followed by Martha Shelly interviewing Bertha Harris. Harris is the author of “Catching Saradove” (1969), “Confessions of Cherubino.” (1972), and “Lover” (1976). Shelley and Harris have a conversation about the writing process and intellectualism. -
Lesbian Nation, October 20, 1972
Bertha Harris from Richmond College on writing and her life as a lesbian author. -
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Lesbian Nation, October 13, 1972
Mary Flowerpot plays a recording of Joyce Grenfell's audio drama and a continuation of the story of "Sally Lime, the Third Woman." Later, Martha Shelley interviews Karla Jay and June Rook about the book "Out of the Closet," a gay anthology of views and articles about topics including the gay experience in Cuba and a discussion of the value of the individual perspective. [Music: Bar One by Maxine Adele Feldman] -
Lesbian Nation, October 12, 1972 [Kate Millett, "Since Sexual Politics"]
Martha Shelley speaks with Kate Millett, author of Sexual Politics, about a wide range of subjects that includes the Angela Davis trial of 1971, bisexual identity, radical counterculture in American universities, sadomasochism, and the Vietnam War. -
Lesbian Nation, November 20, 1972
A re-broadcast of a poetry reading with Audre Lorde on Staten Island. The poem read include "Times Change and We Change with Them or We Seem to have Lost Touch with Each Other," "Martha," and "The Maiden, and Song." -
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Lesbian Nation, March 27, 1973
In this episode of Lesbian Nation Martha Shelley speaks with Isabel Miller, author of “Patience and Sarah”. They discuss Miller’s writing career, her use of a pseudonym for writing lesbian novels, and the process of getting “Patience and Sarah” published. -
Lesbian Nation, March 21, 197[?]
A recording of Judy Grahn who briefly discusses publishing and two independent presses run by women, the Women’s Press Collective & Mama’s Press in the California bay area. The majority of airtime is dedicated to Grahn’s reading of works from the aforementioned presses. She reads chapter 17 from Sharon Isabel’s autobiographical novel “Yesterday’s Lessons” as well as poetry from “Lesbians Speak Out” & poems of Susan Griffin. -
Lesbian Nation, March 13, 1973
Karla Jay and June Rook about the book "Out of the Closet," a gay anthology of views and articles about the gay experience including the gay experience in Cuba and a discussion of the value of the individual perspective. [Bar One by Maxine Adele Feldman] -
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Lesbian Nation, June 26, 1973
In this episode Martha Shelley reads a letter written by Jane Alpert. The letter discusses male vs female biology, motherhood, feminism and the feminist revolution, Gynocracies and patriarchies, as well as gender roles. -
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Lesbian Nation, June 12, 1973
Part 1 of a reading of a letter by Jane Alpert titled Mother Right that discusses Jane Alpert's life in the Weather Underground for three years. The letter is split into two parts: an open letter to women activists to leave the left movement to radical feminism and a call to action to build a matriarchy. The episode references rape, emotional manipulation and sexism performed by members of the Weather Underground and the left. -
Lesbian Nation, July 28, 1972
Martha Shelley interviews Gene Damon aka Barbara Grier, founder of the lesbian magazine The Ladder (1956-1972). They discuss the beginnings of The Ladder and how it evolved from a smaller publication within the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) into an independent publication. Grier discusses the shift in content as well once the magazine became independent of the Daughters of Bilitis. Grier felt that under DOB they were focused on presenting a clean public image of lesbians to society at large and that this was reflected in what was published in older versions of The Ladder. Once Grier became the editor, she felt it was important to address topics like sexuality, saying “we began running material that deals with sex honestly and forthrightly.”Tags Barbara Grier, Coming Out, Daughters of Bilitis, Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), Interviews, Lesbian Musician, Lesbian Nation, Lesbian Writer, Literature, Martha Shelley, Music, Publications, Sex, Sexual Relationships, Sexuality, The Ladder, Women's Lesbian Liberation Committee, Women's Liberation Movement, Writing -
Lesbian Nation, January 30, 1973
Interview with Jane Kogan about Daughters of Bilitis and why she gave up painting and her life as an activist and artist [The Lady’s Not for Sale by Kris Kristofferson plays] . -
Lesbian Nation, January 21, 1974
The episode opens with a song from Lavender Jane. Then in the final part of a three-episode interview, Martha Shelley brings back Florynce Kennedy to discuss Bobby Seale's trial and mayoral run in Oakland, Kennedy's experience as part of Assata Shakur's legal team, and intersectionality and conflict between the feminist and black power movements. Following their interview, Viv Sutherland reviews Myrna Lamb's play Because I Said So, playing at the Women's Arts Center. Trigger warning: racial slurs. -
Lesbian Nation, January 2, 1973
In this episode of Lesbian Nation Martha Shelley speaks with poet Susan Caver. In between Caver reading her poetry, Shelley and her discuss the “disturbing” themes in Caver’s poetry which include incest and religion, as well as Carver’s past relationships. -
Lesbian Nation, January 1973 [Women Choose Women Exhibition]
This recording consists of informal interviews and a narrated tour conducted by Martha Shelly as she walks through the museum on the opening of the Women Choose Women exhibit at the New York Cultural Center. Martha Shelley interviews important people tied to this exhibit such as Mario Amaya, director of the New York Cultural Center. Anne Kang, an activist who discusses work with her fellow activists to protest discrimination against work created by women at the Museum of Modern Art and the organization of what would become the Women Choose Women exhibition.
Artist Muriel Castanis, a self described “sculpturette” shares her enthusiasm for the exhibition and the New York Cultural Center for hosting it. After the conclusion of this section, Martha Shelley conducts a walking tour of the exhibition and discusses selected works that stood out to her. She bumps into Janet Kogan and asks about her works and how they became part of the show. -
Lesbian Nation, January 14, 1974
Martha Shelley plays a Lavender Jane song to open the episode and reads a series of local announcements. In the second part of a three-episode interview, Shelley speaks with Florynce Kennedy about intersectional feminism and racial conflict in the feminist movement, defining one's lesbian identity, and working to reject the pathology of oppression. Trigger warning: racial slurs. -
Lesbian Nation, February 26, 1973
On February 21st, a protest was conducted in Times Square by Committee for Fair Divorce and Alimony Laws protesting the paying of alimony by husbands. A counter protest conducted by National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) in favor of alimony and increased regulations and child support. Martha Shelley conducted interviews with both organizations from individuals at the protests. -
Lesbian Nation, February 20, 1973
Interview about the play "Coming Out: A Documentary Play About Gay Life & Liberation in the U.S.A". by Jonathan Ned Katz with five members of the cast. In the course of the conversation, the cast also discusses issues with relating to other social groups through the play. -
Lesbian Nation, December 26, 1972
Interview with Julie Lee, an important member of the Daughters of Bilitis, about the New Jersey National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) and her struggles to create a chapter of NOW dedicated to "doubly-oppressed" women (which included lesbians, POC women and improvished women in the community). -
Lesbian Nation, August 25, 1972
An interview with Julie Lee about her background, work and ongoings with New York City & New Jersey branches of Daughters of Bilitis. This recording also includes a discussion of the book “Lesbian Woman” by Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon, the topics it addresses and Julie Lee’s efforts on east coast distribution of the book. -
Lesbian Nation, August 11, 1972
Martha Shelley interviews Sydney Abbott and Barbara Love about their newly released book "Sappho Was a Right On Woman," The book and discussion touches on topics of lesbian experience including the "evil" lesbian who attempt to rebel against norms, the external and internal pressure of the lesbian experience and the fragmented nature of the women's movement. [Music: Women Like Me by Roberta Kosse and Heroin by the Velvet Underground plays] -
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Lesbian Nation, April 23, 1973
Second part of the interview with Jill Johnson, writer of the book, Lesbian Nation. Martha and Jill continue their discussion about personal and political relationships in lesbian culture and the complex issue of men in lesbian and feminist spaces. [Music: Can't Stop the Maddness by Birtha and audio from Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About The Godfather but Never Thought to Ask] -
Lesbian Nation, April 2, 1974
This recording begins with announcements for upcoming poetry readings located throughout New York City. The next segment is a pre-recorded interview panel that offers insight into the gay professional led by a woman identified only as Shoshana. She discusses her own background and experiences in the workplace and then asks her panelists questions about their experiences and difficulties they face. The panelists go on to discuss their hesitancy and fears of what the repercussions of being out on the job would mean. Continuing on, the panelists discuss societal pressures and the vagaries of workplace policies and the paranoia it can lead to. As the discussion concludes, the focus and fear society has on the sexual aspect of being gay is explored. This broadcast concludes with Martha Shelley discussing her feelings of nostalgia on turning 30. -
Lesbian Nation, April 14, 1972
Martha Shelley hosts a poetry reading and interview with lesbian poets from the San Lorenzo Bay area. In between reading their poems, the women discuss power and equality dynamics, as well as relationships and trying to get works published in The Ladder. Trigger warning: racial slurs. -
Lesbian Avengers Dyke March Promo / HomoTeens: Portraits of Lesbian and Gay Teenagers
The first 2 minutes are a promotional video for the first annual Dyke Pride March at Bryant Park in June, 1993, featuring footage from the DC Dyke Pride March in April 1993, which includes lesbians marching in the streets, chanting, dancing, and fire-eating.
After, there are several minutes of solid stills featuring text appearing to be the names of individuals featured in the project "HomoTeens: Portraits of Lesbian and Gay Teenagers" by Joan Jubela. The footage features clippings of an article written about Henry, a young gay man, in People magazine that outed him to his mother. From 11:50-13:45, Henry talks about the conversations with his parents after the article was published, wherein his father was accepting but his mother was very upset. -
Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center (2nd Tuesday Series), 1986
Audre Lorde reading her poems for the "2nd Tuesday Series" at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, New York City. Side A: Recorded at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, New York City. Sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, Women's Poetry Center at Hunter College, New York. Poet Audre Lorde reads thirteen poems many from her new book. [Poems: Notes from a Trip to Russia, Sisters in Arms, Holographs, Political Relations, A Question of Climate, There are No Honest Poems about Dead Women, A Question of Essence, For the Record: (In memory of Eleanor Bumpurs), Making Love to Concrete, Women on Trains. Never to Dream of Spiders and Call.] Side B: Question and answer session with a collection for the Sisters in Support of South Africa. -
Lee Brown: Streetology
Lee Brown is a black woman and an ex-offender, but says “none of the three overlap with each other”. Brown's conversation with Colivia Carter is an discourse touching on themes of intersectionality before the framework had its name. Brown reads poetry she calls “streetology” about her experiences with prostitution, incarceration, and black families. -
Learning to Fly, Women and Alcohol
This is a Radio Free Women episode about women and alcohol, including topics such as the societal pressures that might cause women to drink excessively. The different topics are also combined with the following songs: "Lilac Wine" by Nina Simone, "Red Wine" at Noon by Joy of Cooking, "Broke Down Girl" by Buffy Saint-Maire, "Shake Sugaree" by Elizabeth Cotten, "Leftover Wine" by Melanie, "Sunday Morning Coming Down" by Lynn Anderson, "Sweet Blindness" by Laura Nyro, and "Bye, Bye Baby" by Big Brother & The Holding Company & Janis Joplin. Nikki Giovanni's "All I Gotta Do" is also included. -
Learning to Fly, Sports
Thoughts on athletics as they exist in America, and the pressure to develop oneself physically. In this radio show there is a reclamation of the “physical you.” There is also a discussion of how sports have become controlled by big business interests, they are now a plaything of the rich. This dehumanizes athletes, causing them to strive for only what can make them rich. Women's sports don't get much spectatorship and consequently don't get promotion or funding. The guests discuss how sports have also become a masculinity rite, and how winning is associated with proving one’s virility. On the other end, women athletes are pressured to prove their femininity in a masculine field. The emphasis on winning destroys athletes' bodies and spirits. Coaching forces athletes to be disciplined and to accept commands unquestioningly. The upward social mobility of sports is an illusion, and can only benefit a small portion of women and POC. The athletic system in this country is elitist, and little encouragement is given to amateurs and women. Black and women athletes have been challenging institutional sports in America. -
Learning to Fly, Show Business (Tape 2)
This recording is a compilation of songs, music, excerpts, quotes, and recordings by, about, and for women in show business. Featured in part two are songs by Judy Garland; music from various Broadway shows and movie musicals; excerpts from Bette Davis' autobiography;quotes from Dorothy Dandrige; a recording of "Mary C. Brown and the Hollywood Sign" by Dory Previn; a reading of the poem "I Have Come to Claim Marilyn Monroe's Body" by Judy Grahn; and a recording of "There's No Business Like Show Business". -
Learning to Fly, Show Business (Tape 1)
This recording is a compilation of quotes, songs, poems, and performances by, about, and for women in show business. Featured in part one are quotes about working in music from Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin; music by Melanie Safka; a poem to Aretha Franklin by Nikki Giovanni; a letter to Janis Joplin; a performance of Mercedez Benz by Janis Joplin. There are unnamed performances throughout the recording.Tags Theater -
Leadership, Self-concept, & Group Identity
Four women from working-class backgrounds critique leadership and individualism in second-wave feminism. Karen Kollias, Rita Mae Brown, Dolores Bargowski, and Beverly Fisher discuss the exclusion they experience by middle-class feminists who do not hold the same values of strength and leadership, which are viewed as masculine and therefore threatening. Feelings of guilt and the role of the mother in lower-class homes are also discussed. -
Leadership and Class
A discussion about the differences and challenges of the women's movement by various women. Personality, class tension, diversity, stereotyping, group identity, ideas of leadership are debated. The tension between lower class women and middleclass women is described in terms of leadership styles. Lower class women have a strong female role models to grow up with, this lacks completely for the middle class women. Action is perceived as a negative male trait by the middle class women, who are not used to take action but rather prefer moderation and security. -
Lambda Legal Forum, 1982
This video depicts a panel discussion between Rosalyn Richter, the then Executive Director and attorney for Lambda Legal, and Rhonda Copelon, the then an attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights and law professor at CUNY Law School moderated by David A.J. Richards, a teacher of Constitutional Law and Legal Philosophy at NYU School of Law .
The speakers discuss values and gay rights issues through the context of individual choice versus choice that brings harm. Richter and Copelon discuss and answer questions about Roe v. Wade and housing for queer youth. The video then cuts to a document entitled "Anti Gay Legislation: an Attempt to Sanction Inequality." An individual then holds up a Lambda document entitled “Court Approves Gay Adoption.” -
Ladder Workshop/Wendy Hayes, 1970s (Part 3)
Creating local Lesbian chapters and national communication through publications: The Ladder, Focus, Sisters, and Lesbian Tide. -
Ladder Workshop/Wendy Hayes, 1970s (Part 2)
About the First Lesbian Convention in San Francisco. A discussion of early scientific studies of sexuality (a couple of attendees and host talk about shock therapy). Trigger Warning: Discussion of shock therapy and suicide. -
Ladder Workshop/Wendy Hayes, 1970s (Part 1)
Wendy Hayes elaborates her coming out in San Francisco and joining the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB). The Daughters of Bilitis started as a group of women trying to find an alternative to the bar scene in San Francisco. -
Know Your Body: Sexuality
From a series of 8 lectures which comprised a course by and for women also entitled "Know Your Body." The course was given at the Women's Medical Center in New York City, where this lecture was recorded for WBAI in May and June, 1972, by Caryl Ratner and Bill Monaghan. Produced by Caryl Ratner. Contains frank, explicit discussion. Broadcast on WBAI first in June, 1972 and also in October 1972. -
Keep Your Laws Off My Body
Black and white recorded documentary video exploring themes of Lesbian relationships, the AIDS pandemic and the criminalization of LGBTQ+ media. -
Kay O'Hara and Gerrie Morrison Interview, October 20, 1988
Kay O'Hara and Gerrie Morrison are interviewed in 1988. They both talk about their family lives, when they realized they were lesbians, coming out, their relationship, and previous relationships. Kay mentions her engagement and marriage before she accepted she was a lesbian. They talk about the San Francisco DOB from the 1950s and the meeting's events that were held, as well as butch and femme roles. They talk about literature that was available, including the Ladder and the contributions they made to its design and distribution. On tape 2, they comment on a series of slides and photographs of members of DOB. -
Kathy Bonk and Whitney Adams, Co-Coordinators of N.O.W. Fair (August 24, 1974)
Kathy Bonk and Whitney Adams from the National Organization for Women discuss the upcoming N.O.W. Fair on Radio Free Women. The fair will feature feminist activism, panels, political discussions, and interviews. Bonk and Adams go on to talk about other aspects of feminist political activism such as income inequality and racial discrimination. -
Kathryn Poethig Interview
In this oral history conducted by the Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club, Kathryn Poethig discusses growing up in the Philippines due to her parents work through the Presbyterian church and her positionality being raised there as a white person in a minority privileged position that affected the rest of her life. She talks about moving back to America and feeling uncomfortable at first with the culture as well as how sexualized things were in the US which lead to her further questioning her sexuality, her first feelings of attraction to women as an adult and her coming out process within a theological community. she talks about her feeling about various lesbian and women's groups she found herself in and moving to Rossmoor with her partner. -
Karen Thompson Interview - Tape 5
This tape is part of a 5-part series interviewing Karen Thompson regarding her legal struggles to secure guardianship of her comatose partner, Sharon Kowalski. (Note: Tape 1 is missing)
In Tape 5, Karen discusses the physical and mental toll her legal battles have had on her, including the struggles she has experienced with Kowalski's family, particularly the pressure to be "perfect" to prevent the courts from using any mistakes against her.
Karen also talks about her relationship with Sharon before the incident, as well as the distance she felt that she needed to create between herself and her colleagues and students to prevent her outing, which could lead to the loss of her job. -
Karen Thompson Interview - Tape 4
This tape is part of a 5-part series interviewing Karen Thompson regarding her legal struggles to secure guardianship of her comatose partner, Sharon Kowalski. (Note: Tape 1 is missing)
In Tape 4, Karen talks about her relationship with religion and her church, her belief that coming out is an important step in normalizing homosexuality, and her struggles against homophobia from medical professionals. -
Karen Thompson Interview - Tape 3
This tape is part of a 5-part series interviewing Karen Thompson regarding her legal struggles to secure guardianship of her comatose partner, Sharon Kowalski. (Note: Tape 1 is missing)
Tape 3 primarily consists of Karen recounting her legal struggles with Sharon’s parents regarding Sharon’s guardianship. Karen also discusses how it felt coming out to her parents. -
Karen Thompson Interview - Tape 2
This tape is part of a 5-part series interviewing Karen Thompson regarding her legal struggles to secure guardianship of her comatose partner, Sharon Kowalski. (Note: Tape 1 is missing)
In Tape 2, Karen begins to describe her legal dispute with Sharon’s parents over guardianship and the emotions she felt during the process. Karen recounts the difficulties of coming out to her own family and Sharon’s parents, as well as her fear of a legal dispute over Sharon's guardianship outing her to the public. -
Karen Anderson Ryer Interview, 1987
Karen Anderson Ryer discusses her coming out process, and the acceptance of her parents. She talks about butch vs. fem, and changing generational attitudes. Discusses importance of feminism to lesbianism specifically, and differences from gay men’s movement. She details the split of “The Ladder” from the San Francisco chapter from DOB, and how she left to start a new magazine. Also mentions the integration of different lesbian communities – Oakland vs. San Francisco, and the impact of AIDS on the lesbian community. -
Julie Lee Interview, 1989
Julie Lee and her partner [Ginny] are interviewed in 1989. They discuss relationships, lesbian communities, activism and the civil rights movement. Julie talks about her role as secretary of the New York chapter of DOB and her roles in United Sisters, ACLU, etc. They both talk about police harassment and how 'out' lesbians lost their jobs. Julie also mentions her pseudonym. -
Judy, November 25, [year unknown]
Judy shares detailed aspects of her life as a gay woman in the 1940s; she talks about the first time she felt attracted to another girl at age nine, and what it felt like when she came out in 1944. The interview brings to light the array of conflicts and fears she experienced growing up at the heart of a devout Italian family in Buffalo, and the difficulties faced as a young woman living in New York City at the end of World War II. Some of the topics discussed include working conditions, relationships, gay and lesbian bar scenes, popular music, butch and femme, and clothing styles. -
Judy, January 6, [year unknown]
Judy talks about her relationships with three different women and the role they each played in the relationship. She talks about gender identities and one relationship with a woman who wanted to be a man and had very mixed gender roles. She talks about not being able to talk about her relationships with her mother, yet comparing her relationship to that of her mother and father. She speaks about losing sexual interest in her partner and moving from an intimate relationship to just a friendship. -
Judy, February 5, [year unknown]
Judy describes her experiences over the past thirty years up to the point of the interview. Topics discussed include cheating (“playing around”), polygamous lesbian relationships, fights in bars, holiday celebrations, friendship, same-sex marriage, religion, drinking, drugs, crime, mental health and treatment of lesbian women, the commonality of lesbian women seeking psychiatric treatment, the working environment for lesbian women, living alone, families of lesbian women, and one case of a lesbian woman raising a son. Judy believes that lesbian women should not raise children and has an extensive discussion about her reasoning. She ends the interview by discussing movie stars and entertainers that were popular among the lesbian community in the 1930s and 1940s. -
Judy T., 1979 (Tape 2)
Judy discusses her views of gay men, including her belief that all so-called gay men are in fact bisexual. -
Judy T., 1979 (Tape 1)
Side A: Judy discusses some of the bars she used to frequent, and her changing views of sex.
Side B: Judy discusses her past relationships and the ways in which she feels the treatment of women at jobs has changed. -
Judy T., 1978
Judy discusses butch and femme identities, social interactions, and role-play within relationships. She expresses relief over how these once rigid demarcations of identity have become more flexible within the lesbian community. Later, however, she notes "class" differences that continue to striate lesbians as a social group.
The social conditions, the acceptance of lesbians, and the "openness" of homosexuals are compared between New York, Florida, and Toronto. References are made to anti-gay activist Anita Bryant and others who put social pressure on lesbians to stay closeted.
Additionally, Judy touches upon negotiating workplace discrimination and "nosy" neighbors. She briefly mentions her relationship with her family and what it was like growing up in Buffalo.
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Judy Schavrien Interview
In this oral history conducted by the Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club, Judy Schavrien discusses her involvement in the feminist women’s movement, her relationships, her work as a professor and a psychotherapist, her move to the Bay Area, and her opinions of the lesbian community in Rossmoor. -
Judy Regan, Side A, September 5, 1981
This tape is a mixed tape of various songs by the queer country singer Judy Regan.