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Lesbian historian & activist, Diane F. Germain, dies at 82

shannon — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:58:09 +0000

Another of the great amazon lesbians has passed from the realm — Diane F. Germain died in San Diego on March 25 (in hospice after complications from thoracic surgery). Her last day was spent surrounded by loved ones, listening to women’s music. Her last word was “yes.” She was 82 years old.

Diane was widely known for her effective organizing skills and witty presence in real life as well as online. This lesbian champion’s constant efforts included being a contributing writer/cartoonist for HOT WIRE magazine; archiving lesbian materials; starting/supporting women’s groups; and being able to revise any graphic she encountered to be something lesbian. Professionally she had worked as a psychiatric social worker.

She was very involved in the Lesbians of San Diego archival project, where she was interviewed several times. (See https://sdlesbians.org) She conducted the Lesbian History Project and the Women Survivors of Incest group. She was one of the founding members of Dykes on Hikes, The Lesbian Referral Services, Beautiful Lesbian Thespians, and California Women’s Art Collective. She was an early principal member of the San Diego Lesbian Organization and a collective member of both Las Hermanas and the separatist-lesbian community Califia.

Diane worked at Lambda Archives throughout the 1990s, interviewing women in order to preserve lesbian history and gathering collections. She later served as their student volunteer coordinator. Her writing and artwork was featured in various publications, including Les Talk: The Magazine for Empowering Lesbians/Womyn; the anthologies Tomboys!, and Lesbian Culture; as well as in HOT WIRE: The Journal of Women’s Music and Culture. In her later years she was devoted to the June Mazer Lesbian Archives (“Where Lesbians Live Forever!”). She had an extensive collection of lesbian-feminist materials, including videos, flyers, brochures, clippings, art, photography, correspondence, and other realia. Her personal archives offer documentation of many diverse facets of lesbian life and culture throughout the second half of the twentieth century, which was her fierce intent. (See Mazer Lesbian Archives)

This lesbomaniac’s passing is mourned by countless women-loving-women across the USA, on social media, and beyond. Women of the future will thank her for not letting us be erased.

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Shaping a More Inclusive Future: The Influence of Lesbian-Led Advocacy

shannon — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 01:34:08 +0000

Image by Freepik

This insightful article explores the transformative power of lesbian-led advocacy and activism in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society. We delve into the key movements that have catalyzed change, overcome societal challenges, and paved the way for future generations. Discover the inspiring stories of resilience and determination that mark these movements as cornerstones of societal progress.

Advocacy and activism: key lesbian-led movements changing society

In an era where voices from various corners of society are rising to challenge the status quo, lesbian-led movements stand out as beacons of change and empowerment. These movements, characterized by their resilience and unwavering dedication to equality, have made significant strides in reshaping societal norms and advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Emergence and Evolution of Lesbian-Led Movements

The journey of lesbian-led advocacy is rich with history and progression, evolving over the years to address a myriad of social issues. From pioneering efforts in the earliest days of the LGBTQ+ rights movement to the present, these movements have consistently pushed boundaries and broken new ground.

Pioneering Movements and Their Legacies

Let’s explore some of the influential movements that have shaped the landscape of lesbian advocacy:

Civil Rights and Legal Recognition: From the fight for marriage equality to anti-discrimination laws, these movements have been at the forefront of legal battles for equality.
Healthcare and Well-Being: Focusing on the specific health needs of the lesbian community, these movements advocate for better access to healthcare services and support mental and sexual health.
Visibility in Media and Society: Efforts to increase representation in media and public life play a crucial role in breaking down stereotypes and promoting a diverse society.

As we delve into these movements, we also recognize the modern digital platforms that support advocacy. In this context, it’s worth mentioning Aviator betting, a platform that stands as an example of innovative online engagement, while responsibly navigating the world of online gaming.

Digital Activism: A New Frontier for Advocacy

The digital age has opened up new avenues for activism, allowing movements to reach a broader audience and engage in innovative ways. The rise of social media, online forums, and digital campaigns has revolutionized the way advocacy is conducted, making it more accessible and far-reaching.

Leveraging Technology for Change

Social Media Outreach: Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have become vital in spreading awareness and rallying support.
Online Campaigns: From petitions to fundraising, the internet has become a crucial tool for mobilizing resources and support for various causes.
Virtual Events: Webinars and online conferences facilitate discussions and networking, expanding the reach of these movements.

Overcoming Challenges, Celebrating Successes

Despite facing numerous obstacles, lesbian-led movements have achieved remarkable milestones. These challenges have ranged from societal prejudices to legal barriers, but through perseverance and solidarity, these movements have celebrated numerous victories.

A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Navigating Legal and Social Barriers: Advocates tirelessly work to dismantle discriminatory laws and confront societal prejudices.
Fostering Community Solidarity: Building robust support networks is key to sustaining these movements.
Educational Endeavors: Raising awareness and educating the public is a vital aspect of these advocacy efforts.

Envisioning the Future of Lesbian-Led Advocacy

Looking ahead, the potential for continued impact and growth in lesbian-led advocacy is immense. These movements stand as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring fight for equality and justice.

Pathways to Continued Impact

Ongoing Advocacy: The commitment to advocating for rights and representation remains strong.
Collaborative Efforts: Joining forces with other social justice movements creates a more united front for change.
Embracing Innovation: Adopting new strategies and technologies will continue to play a crucial role in these movements.

Building Bridges: Intersectionality in Lesbian-Led Movements

In the realm of advocacy, the concept of intersectionality has gained significant traction, and lesbian-led movements are no exception. These movements recognize that individuals often face multi-dimensional forms of discrimination based on gender, race, socioeconomic status, and more. By embracing intersectionality, these movements aim to address the complex realities faced by various members of the lesbian community.

Embracing Diversity within the Movement

Collaboration with Other Movements: Lesbian-led movements often collaborate with other social justice initiatives, like Black Lives Matter and feminist groups, to address broader issues of inequality and discrimination.
Inclusive Advocacy: Efforts are made to ensure that the concerns of transgender individuals, people of color, and those from different cultural backgrounds are represented and addressed.
Educational Outreach: These movements actively educate their members and the public about the importance of understanding and respecting diverse identities and experiences.

The Power of Storytelling in Lesbian Advocacy

Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for advocacy, and lesbian-led movements leverage this to great effect. By sharing personal stories and experiences, these movements create a deeper understanding and connection with their cause, humanizing issues that might otherwise be viewed as abstract or distant.

Harnessing Personal Narratives for Change

Media Representation: Utilizing various forms of media, from films to literature, to share stories that reflect the lesbian experience in its myriad forms.
Public Speaking and Testimonials: Activists and community members often speak at events, rallies, and even legislative hearings to share their personal journeys and the challenges they have faced.
Online Platforms for Story Sharing: Websites and social media are used as platforms for individuals to share their stories, reaching a global audience and building a sense of community and shared experience.

In conclusion, the influence of lesbian-led advocacy and activism in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society is undeniable. Through their resilience, innovative approaches, and unwavering commitment to equality, these movements are not just advocating for rights; they are actively sculpting a world that embraces diversity and fosters understanding.

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Crisis and Care: Queer Activist Responses to a Global Pandemic

Michele Karlsberg — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:55:31 +0000

By Rea Carey
Special to lesbian.com

The new anthology, Crisis and Care: Queer Activist Responses to a Global Pandemic, is timely in many ways. It’s the second collection of essays edited by Adrian Shanker. About Crisis and Care, Robyn Ochs, editor of Bi Women’s Quarterly, wrote, “In Crisis and Care, Adrian Shanker and the contributing authors make the bold case that we are defined not by the bad things that happen in our society, but by how our community responds.” Central to the book is writing by LGBTQ+ women including Denise Spivak (CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers), Jamie Gliksberg (formerly of Lambda Legal), and Michelle Veras (National LGBT Cancer Network) as well as a powerful foreword by Rea Carey, the former executive director of the National LGBTQ+ Task Force.

Here is a short excerpt from Carey’s introduction to the book:

Over the course of my thirty years in the LGBTQ+ movement, including seventeen years at the National LGBTQ Task Force, I have seen our LGBTQ+ movement adapt to trying times before. We have shown up for each other. But the sudden and significant changes to our lives because of the COVID-19 pandemic were different—it wasn’t anything like what we had experienced before. It immediately surfaced and magnified existing health access disparities, as well as discrimination, especially for Black and Brown members of our community and for trans and gender nonconforming people.

Rea Carey (Franklin forum participant head shots).

Yet the LGBTQ+ community quickly created virtual connections, assessed the immediate impact, launched mutual aid efforts, modeled resiliency, and demanded health equity. The LGBTQ+ community responded to a global pandemic with determination that we would all get through it together, and that the most vulnerable members of our community would have our collective support—and, importantly, that we had much to teach the rest of the country about responding to a health crisis being mishandled by the government, as was the case during the early years of HIV/ AIDS.

We should remember this moment in time. We should always respond with the care and resiliency that our LGBTQ+ movement demonstrated throughout this crisis. No doubt we will need that strength again.

Book launch Event

8/16 at 6pm PT at Sausalito Books by the Bay. In person event.

Adrian Shanker in conversation w Dr Jei Africa, a major lgbtq health leader in the bay and director of behavioral health for Marin County.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives, probably forever. This book looks at the power of community. When LGBTQ+ people speak up, fight back, and make demands for an equitable and fair world, oftentimes we win. Crisis and Care is available from local bookstores, or from the publisher at www.pmpress.org/crisisandcare

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‘Surviving the Silence:’ A perfect LGBTQ film for Veteran’s Day

shannon — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:23:49 +0000

SURVIVING THE SILENCE tells the personal story of Colonel Pat Thompson and Barbara Brass, two women in love who played a key part in changing military policy forever.

Through personal testimonies told by the people who lived it, SURVIVING THE SILENCE delves deeply into the complex and closeted relationship of Colonel Pat Thompson and Barbara Brass and their basis for being such engaged activists for LGBTQ Equality. When it comes to their early years, they candidly share how they wrestled with heart-wrenching choices in both public and private, hiding their relationship, speaking in code on the phone during long separations, and struggling to protect their love while preserving Thompson’s career. Their story also includes largely unknown aspects of the heartbreaking dismissal of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer for being lesbian and reveals why Cammermeyer candidly calls Thompson a ‘hero’. Cammermeyer makes a present-day appearance in the film in direct conversation with Thompson.

Together, the three women offer up nuanced portraits of the difficulties that came with being a lesbian in America throughout the 20th century. This film honors them—and the countless women like them—who made similar sacrifices. WATCH NOW.

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Groundbreaking lesbian artist Alix Dobkin dies at 80

shannon — Fri, 14 May 2021 16:15:45 +0000

Born August 16, 1940, in New York City, musician and writer Alix Dobkin released the first openly lesbian album, 1973’s “Lavender Jane Loves Women.” She released “Living with Lesbians” in 1976, and was a regular performer at women’s music festivals for many years. She died May 13, 2021, at age 80.

The daughter of Jewish Communists, Dobkin did not shy from controversy during her life, releasing a memoir called “My Red Blood” in 2009. Her legacy is marred by her anti-transgender positions in recent years, including a column called “The Emperor’s New Gender.”

Legendary lesbian comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer mourned her passing. “The first time Alix saw me perform she said not only was I hilarious, but FINALLY there was someone who could call out and be obnoxious to straight boys and make them laugh &&133; and she was so happy I was a feminist and knew about/supported separatist lesbians,” Westenhoefer recalled. “Her place in lesbian feminist history is huge and her being gone is a vacancy I hope some young folk performer will fill.”

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Black Lesbian Archives Presents: The Aché Project Exhibit

shannon — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 19:54:40 +0000

Black Lesbian Archives Presents: The Aché Project Exhibit. February 20th – March 28th, 2021! We will be discussing the rich herstory of The Aché Project also how we can bridge connections between each other within and beyond our own communities. Stay tuned! Flyer by Kru Maekdo @maekdoproductions#blacklesbianarchives #aché#exhibition #BLAACHE2021

EVENT SCHEDULE
February 20, 2021: The ACHE Project Virtual Exhibit Opening @ 4PM EST
February 21, 2021: The ACHE Project Panel Discussion @ 4PM EST
February 27, 2021: BLA Mobile Herstory Bus Campaign Presentation @ 4PM EST
March 5, 2021: The Origin of Your ACHE & Yoruba Spirituality Panel Discussion @ 4PM EST
March 13, 2021: The Berlin Years 1984 – 1992 Film Screening @ 1PM EST
March 14, 2021: The Berlin Years 1984 – 1992 Panel Discussion @ 4PM EST
March 20 & (Archival Workshop) 27th: TBA

Get your tickets here: blacklesbianarchives.wix.com/info/upcoming
Be sure to subscribe to the website for more updates: blacklesbianarchives.wix.com/info. Follow us on all social media @blacklesbianarchives

If you would like to donate to support the BLA: gofundme.com/f/blacklesbianarchives2021

All inquiries, press, etc: blacklesbianarchives@gmail.com. Pass it along. See you there and thanks for all your support!

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RIP Notorious RBG: May her memory be a revolution

shannon — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 18:08:49 +0000

Pic of the Castro in San Francisco September 18, 2020 from the SF Chronicle.

BY EK BAYER
Special to Lesbian.com

May her memory be a revolution.

Between real storms and the proverbial ones, 2020 keeps getting unimaginably worse. As the impossible plot has unfolded, the very fabric of our nation has seemed to be tearing. We looked to the courts to hold us together. We listened for leadership, for a voice of unshakable reason, something solid to guide us through. We found the notorious RBG. She was the masthead of the most seaworthy liberal ship, guiding our fleet through these stormy seas.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg famously said, “When I’m sometimes asked ‘When will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court]?’ and I say ‘When there are nine,’ people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.”

From a small, unthreatening person came a voice so sharp and savage, it’s truth could not be ignored. In a culture where candor makes the best quick-witted memes, Justice Ginsburg’s written dissents have ignited a generation. I grew up with a sense of equality with my peers. We questioned gender norms, chose careers and loves, and felt ourselves generally overwhelmed by everything possible. The realities of glass ceilings, unaffordable childcare, and financial doors closed to the women and queer among us sunk in slowly. Another famous dissent by Justice Ginsburg articulated that discrimination often isn’t apparent at first, but only becomes clear over time.(Ledbetter v. Goodyear.) She made my own tired, disillusioned voice feel heard. She gave me hope.

Justice Ginsburg emerged as a vestige of truth, magnetic and necessary. And fun. Watching a diminutive woman speak truth to power is excellent fun. She was a lynch pin on the Supreme Court, and we looked to her to hold our country to account in the same way she held the highest court, with dignity and a laser-focus on equality. As she turned 87, we prayed she could hold out until the next election, our last chance to pull America out of its tailspin. We needed her voice, her strength, her clarity, her position.

I heard that she hung on for us as long as she could. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away Friday, September 18. As I write, it’s only been two days. We mourn with her loved ones and larger circles of friends. The loss of her love and light will not be filled. With just 46 days until the presidential election, the country is reverberating, and a liberal front is panicking.

Ginsburg herself noted that while she didn’t choose the role of lone dissenter, she was willing to take it on when she saw the need. (RBG, movie.) That need for dissent has never been greater. RGB’s indomitable voice filled that need like she was born for it, but her journey to the Supreme Court was fraught and long fought for. Her dignity came from being a woman in a career dominated by ignorant men. To honor her journey, now is the time for all of us to pick up the torch.

Molly Conway, in a Facebook post, reminds us that Ginsburg was Jewish. She writes, “When we say ‘may her memory be for blessing’ the blessing we speak of is not ‘may we remember her fondly’ or ‘may her memory be a blessing to us’ the blessing implied is this: May you be like Ruth.”

Let’s all be like Ruth.

#WWRD #NotoriousRBG #RGB

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SCOTUS victory for LGBTQ rights

shannon — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 17:32:54 +0000

BY NCLR

“For the first time, this historic decision ensures that LGBTQ people have nationwide employment protection and represents a monumental step that will help to create a safer working environment for everyone.” — Imani Rupert-Gordon, NCLR Executive Director

To say we were happily surprised this morning is an understatement. Just last week the federal administration repealed HHS rules protecting LGBTQ people from denials of healthcare, even though the Affordable Care Act prohibits such discrimination. That callous targeting of vulnerable communities happened on the same day we remembered and mourned those lives lost in the Pulse Orlando shooting.

Today is a celebration! The Supreme Court of the United States has now issued its ruling in three Title VII cases, holding —in no uncertain terms— that LGBTQ people ARE protected from discrimination under federal law.

“This is a huge victory not just for LGBTQ people, but for our country, which benefits enormously when LGBTQ people are permitted to participate and contribute on equal terms,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director of NCLR. “Today’s decision will be remembered as a watershed in the history of LGBTQ rights, even as our country continues to grapple with the brutal legacy of racism. The transgender movement owes a particular debt of gratitude to Aimee Stephens, who courageously fought this battle in the final months of her life.” — Shannon Minter, NCLR Legal Director

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU: HISTORIC SUPREME COURT TITLE VII RULING
with NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
12:00 PM (PT)/3:00 PM (ET)
REGISTER NOW

While LGBTQ people now have legal protection from discrimination at work, we still have a long way to go to secure comprehensive federal protections for our community. But this ruling gives us something we haven’t had in a long time: Hope. This ruling opens the door to progress. We will continue to fight for equality and we will continue to win.

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George Floyd is just the tip of the iceberg

shannon — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 02:41:26 +0000

BY ANGELIC WILLIAMS
MyUmbrella

For the past several days I’ve been receiving emails from different groups condemning the murder of George Floyd. Like many of you, I’m angry, I’m frustrated, I’m exhausted. But not just because of George Floyd, or Breonna Taylor or Ahmaud Arbery. I’m exhausted because of the systematic racism and discrimination that I and other Black people have felt for our entire lives in this country.

Let me explain.

So many of these emails have stated a few things that have floored me including:

– We’re committed to doing everything we can to support the black community
– We’re cannot stand on the sidelines while these injustices are taking place

Capitalization.
These may not seem problematic on its face but it is. To the first point, the b in Black should be capitalized. We give the same respect to Hispanic, Latinx and Caucasian people. Why don’t we provide the same respect for Black people?

Standing on the sidelines.
This is 100% problematic because it insinuates two things:

– You saw these injustices as wrong chose to do nothing
– Your privilege afforded you the ability to not give it a second thought because it has no impact on your day to day life

While I’m grateful that more people have woken up, I also notice the timing of these emails have come after the numerous protests over the weekend rather than when the murder took place.

Growing up Black isn’t easy. While most kids get “the birds and the bees” talk from there parents, we have discussions about what it means to be Black in America, how to speak in mixed company, and so on.

– It means being followed in retail stores because they think you’re going to steal something.

– It means being stared at by White people when you’re in a fancy restaurant or staying at a nice resort. I can’t tell you the number of times people asked if my dad played football as if that’s the only way we could be in this position.

– It means watching people hold the purse closer to their body when you walk by or lock the doors to their car because you must be a criminal.
– It means watching droves of White people storm state capitals with rifles freely, while peaceful protesters are tear-gassed, beaten and arrested.
– It means being harassed by law enforcement with or without cause. There’s a phrase for this, DWB: Driving While Black.

As for myself, the situation runs deeper. As a Black Queer woman, there is no part of my identity that can claim a sense of privilege. When I look for respite in the other communities that make up the other parts of my identity, I see mirrored forms of discrimination.

There are groups for women that exclude non-binary and trans women and are predominately geared towards White women.

There are LGBTQ+ groups large and small mostly run by White men, that have just as many problems with race as the larger society does.

To these two groups, I’ve often asked myself the question: is this intentional? Are you just emulating mainstream society as a result of wanting to prove you’re just as good as them? Or is that because you see yourself in the crowd you don’t notice anyone is missing?

It’s not enough to put diverse faces on a flyer and say you’ve tried. That’s the equivalent of putting gender neutral restroom signs in the workplace and claiming you’re now a champion of diversity and inclusion. While well intentioned, if this is the only action taken towards dismantling discrimination, these actions are purely performative rather transformative and is a far cry from true allyship.

I firmly believe people are “waking up” to this injustice because our lives have been stopped by a pandemic and therefore don’t provide the convenient distraction it normally does. So many of these emails have vowed to do their part to end police violence.

For us Black people, we know that will never be a reality. David McAtee was killed by Louisville police less than a week after George Floyd. My hope is for accountability by the people carrying out these murders.

I challenge every single person to take a hard look inside themselves to address the racism or biases they have, the challenges their organizations face and how to do better going forward. Not just at this moment in history.

For those of you who don’t know how to start their journey of introspection, try starting with the Five Whys technique.

I’ll leave you with this quote, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room.”

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NCLR tribute to Phyllis Lyon

shannon — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 20:58:07 +0000

Phyllis Lyon and Wolfe Video founder Kathy Wolfe.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS
Our community shared a collective sadness with the news of Phyllis Lyon’s passing on April 9th at the age of 95. An indicator of how much the world has changed in her lifetime, her fierce and indomitable presence was celebrated and honored well beyond the LGBTQ community. We have linked to some of this national coverage below.

For the National Center of Lesbian Rights, Phyllis Lyon and her partner of 58 years, Del Martin, were guidestars. One of the proudest moments in NCLR’s history was representing Phyllis and Del in California’s marriage equality case. Phyllis and Del’s courage paved the way for marriage equality under the California Constitution.

Phyllis and Del were the first same-sex couple to be married in San Francisco on June 16th, 2008. Merely weeks later, Del passed away at age 87 with Phyllis by her side. What came before that moment was decades of activism, boldness, humor and love.

NCLR’s former executive director and dear friend of Phyllis Lyon, Kate Kendell, shared this incredible timeline of Phyllis’ life.

This moment to celebrate Phyllis is also a moment to reflect. In 1955, Del and Phyllis were founders of the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil and political rights organization. They were the first lesbians to join the National Organization of Women. Phyllis, once an administrative assistant to Rev. Cecil Williams at Glide Memorial Church, and Del played key roles in launching the Council on Religion and the Homosexual (CRH) and the Alice B. Toklas Democrative Club and, in 1979, became the namesakes of an activist-created health clinic, Lyon-Martin Health Services. These are just a few examples of their activism and involvement.

As a feminist-founded organization, NCLR stands on the shoulders of Phyllis and Del. At our inception in 1977, the women’s rights movement and the Gay movement were changing the political landscape, but lesbians had difficulty finding a seat at either table. Phyllis Lyon was just what we needed. When Donna Hitchens founded NCLR, it was to meet the immediate and dire needs of women losing their children because of their sexual orientation. Today, NCLR’s mission is to hold the heart and create equity for our entire LGBTQ community. No one left behind. Period.

Phyllis Lyon knew no boundaries when it came to her intellectual and activist power and we are forever indebted to her for her bravery and leadership. She set an example for us all. We know for us at NCLR, we intend to do whatever it takes to follow her lead and hold up her legacy.

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