Part1 Margy

Lesbian Connection
Source: Reveal Digital , 08-01-1976

Contributed by: Betsy Firestar; Barbara Ruth; Nan Haas; Dorothy Feola; Margy; Kristine J.
Alfredson; Melanie; Linda; Penny; Gloria de La Rosa; Suzi; Kathy; Fred
Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.28039167
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37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
LESBIAN
CONNECTION
Ambitious Amazons
PO Box 811
E. Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 371-5257
Volume II, Issue 4 To reprint please ask

August, 1976 © August, 1976 . Ambitious Amazons
The following is a letter we would like to share with you. It is in reaction

to a letter we printed from a black and white lesbian couple from Germany who wanted
to correspond with other black and white lesbian couples. ‘The Ambitious Amazons
have argued among ourselves about whether to print it or not -- so we have decided
to print it with some comments.
"I am writing concerning the article "Are You A Black & White Lesbian Couple"
in the May LC. I have lived in Europe a number of times, also I have visited Berlin
and lived in Germany itself. The Europeans thrive on their trashy expose magazines.
Any number of times I saw the "Lesbian" theme exploited, always in a new way and with
a new phallic thrust, at our expense. I can't impress upon you enough to beware of
anything coming in requesting (with a new slant) lesbian lifestyles, relationships,
desires, feelings, experiences. Even the names sound like a set up. "Ten to one
"Hauptmann" is a newspaper/magazine parasite looking for expose material. You
wouldn't believe the filth they print over there. Also, there is fierce competition
between different leading magazines and between countries (i.e., French eroticism
vs. that of Berlin or Amsterdam). The Black/White relationship between lesbians is
TE —
beautiful, let's keep it that way and protect them. Anyone supplying information
out of the blue to unknowns is into risky business and we all could get hurt.
BEWARE! Especially when asked to tell others about sending in information. In
Sisterhood, Florence, SC"
We appreciate readers responding to the many things we print. Unfortunately,

we have no way of checking on the validity of any of the things we print: ads,
announcements, contact dykes, or requests for information from our readers, and we
need you to tell us if there is some problem. Any of them could be fake -- and we
would like you all to be careful when responding to any of the requests that appear
on LCC's pages. What this letter says can pertain to a whole lot of the things we
print -- not just the two women from Germany. It would be sad if we were too afraid
or too suspicious to ever reach out. Since we printed the letter from Guy and
Ađelaide (two issues ago), several readers have told us that they wrote to them, and
Guy and Adelaide have written us, thanking us for the very nice letters they have
received (see Letters Section this issue), and sent a donation.
We are having problems with our limited space. We are receiving much more
copy than we have room for. Therefore we are finding it even more necessary to be
selective. A major factor we consider when selecting articles is length. If we
must choose between three articles of approximately $ page each, and one 2-page
article, we will more than likely go with the three. We realize that it is some-
times difficult to cut short something that seems important to say, so a suggestion
we have is to make a long article a two-part article. We don't really like to do
articles in parts, because some women will miss one of the parts, but it is the only

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-3-
alternative we can see for an article that must be long. Please decide for us where you would like the
break to be. We do still want to hear from you - don't be discouraged. If you have something to say,
let us all hear it. Try to be clear, though. We have had trouble understanding some of the articles
we have been sent. In that case we will usually return the article and ask that it be made more clear.
We are trying, though, to put all of you in print that want to be.
As you can see, this issue has been entirely printed on an offset press, instead of mimeographed.
We found that mimeographing was just not a good way for us to print the paper. It turned into a huge
waste of time and paper, and after all the work that was put into it, the print still came out barely
readable. Even after we started using a different, more expensive stencil (electrostencil), the im-
provement was negligible. Also with offset printing, it is possible to reduce the copy, and give us
more space. A lesbian press collective in Iowa City will be printing LC, and they even found a woman
with a truck to drive the pages to Michigan. To offset print will cost us about $400 more than mimeo-
graphing, which leads us to money once again. The number of donations have dropped off drastically in
the past few months. As we said before, only 20% of you have responded with donations. We do begin
to wonder if the rest of you simply do not care. Surely, you can afford to send something. Please,
we are suggesting an $8 donation (more if you can, less if you can't). We hope to print our budget
again next issue, so you can see where your money is going.
One of the Ambitious Amazons who had been learning to print at a local printing co-op, is very
excited to inform you that she has been given the 1938 offset press she was learning on. She will be
taking elasses and possibly be observing the Iowa City women, so that at some future time we can han-
dle the offset print job ourselves.
One final note: we are still getting many,.many changes of address from the Post Office. It is
very upsetting to us that some of you cannot take the time to let us know you are moving. This puts
an extra expense on us (the Post Office charges us 13¢ each), and puts Lesbian Connection in the hands
of people we really don't want to see it. We have decided that the third time the Post Office informs
us that you have moved, we will remove you from the mailing list. This does not mean if you move three
times and inform us of your move we will drop you -- only if you don't inform us and the Post Office
does. So, if you are moving, drop us a card -- include your old address (it would be most helpful if
you include the address label) and use zip codes. If you are a contact dyke, it is most important
that you let us know you have moved, and if you still want to be a contact dyke..
Keep the cards and letters coming, preferably with donations! The Ambitious Amazons -- Beth,
Goldi, Naņcy, Margy, Donna, Carol, Jill, Cindy, Jo, Lynn, Jane, and Pat. -
RRR IHREN RHR RHR H
Articles & News

FOLLOW-UP ON MAINE MOTHER
Carol Whitehead, whose custody of her children was challenged by her husband, was awarded uncon-
ditional custody by the judge in "the best interests and welfare of the children." This decision means
an end to 13 years of fleeing and harassment from her former husband.
Although Carol is elated with the decision, court costs and legal and witness fees were about
$1,550. Any donations to help ease the burden of the bills would be greatly appreciated. To send
donations, write: Carol Whitehead Legal Defense Fund, Box 4542, Portland, ME, 04112. Copies of the
decision are available for $2 from the Maine Gay Task Force at the same address. For background info,
see last issue of IC. : --Exerpted from GCN
CONFLICT AT PEOPLE'S COLLEGE OF LAW
As a recent student at the Peoples College of Law, I am writing this as an open letter to any
Lesbian Feminists who might decide to apply. PCL openly recruits both wimin and gays and then abandons
feminists and gay activists to fight a losing battle against entrenched heterosexism and sexism. With
the hypocrisy of the school's position on both these evils plainly exposed, I cannot remain silent in
loyalty to an institution which to me embodies the worst aspects of the "left." I owe it to my sisters
to share my experiences so that we can choose with knowledge where to put our time and energy in our
struggle for a new society. I came to PCL from a lesbian separatist background with no preconceptions
about the left. If revolution is a process of continually re-evaluating the institutions that opress
us and of creating new ways to live and grow, then revolution is not brewing at the Peoples College of
Law. There is a lot of rhetoric floating around, usually used to mask positions of elitism, conserva-
tism, liberalism, sexism, heterosexism, and ageism.
Getting admitted as a student is the first problem for wimin and gays, and especially for dykes.
The wimin's movement is often seen as petty bourgeois or simply irrelevant to the "larger struggle."
A womon whose main commitment is to wimin will probably be admitted, but not without objections being
raised concerning class consciousness, class backgrotňíd, correct analysis, etc. A lesbian separatist
needless to say has to lie a little. Separati'is not acknowledged as a political position at all.

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Gays are criticized heavily if they are exclusively involved in the gay movement, especially if
the applicant is 3rd world (there is a rumor going at PCL that being anti-gay is being pro-3rd world,
and no one wants to admit that 3rd world gays exist). Because PCL is a small and diverse community,
Tumors are numerous and vicious, and much energy has been wasted on preparing to defend an applicant
only to find the opposition to be non-existent.
Sexist language has been made into a lesbian issue in my class, where three of us were the vocal
ones demanding change. It's hard to study to be a people's lawyer and to hear lawyers, defendants,
judges and prosecutors all referred to as "he." Instructors who are proud of occasionally remembering
to say "reasonable person" obviously have no conception that they are preventing certain students from
learning the law. Most other students are equally unconscious, and the few who are conscious don't
want to rock the boat. Which leaves lesbians on the front line again. Two of us have dropped out and
the last dyke in the class is fighting to get support from other wimin and recognition of the issue as
valid. She and I were "invited" to appear before a committee to explain our criticisms. Other members
of our class were present only because we asked them to be. We didn't feel that sexism in the class-
room only affected lesbians. Comments at the meeting ranged from calling feminists arrogant and self-
righteous, extremist, trivial, and anti-3rd world (racist), to advising us to be less "sensitive"
(conscious), that the majority can't change to accommodate a few people, that we were welcome to drop
out if we couldn't take it, and that learning substantive law supercedes our sensibilities and our
right to be heard. Trying to abolish sexism at PCL was likened to pushing a religious line against
smoking and drinking (just a personal idiosyncracy). The fact that PCL is "officially" committed to
fighting sexism is accepted in word only (and sometimes not even that). Some self-proclaimed "femi-
nists" felt the issue was narrow and that sexism was not a primary concern. Much was made of the fact
that the teacher in question has an easy-going style and is therefore more acceptable than other, more
blatant sexists. The class was divided along racial lines, with 3rd world people belittling the strug-
gle. The fact that the instructor is black makes it easy to dismiss feminist demands as being racist
or white liberal. We were charged with disrupting the class and making the man so paranoid that he
couldn't teach. The total lack of commitment to finding non-sexist teachers reeks of liberalism to me.
If the issue had been racism there would be no question of priorities ("we're here to learn the law,
not to stop oppressing wimin"). Once again we are told that certain forms of oppression are more le-
gitimate than others, and that lesbians must be sacrificed on the altar of expedđience. A male class-
mate insisted that anything which pushes students to the point of dropping out must be dealt with by
the whole class. Another man said that the class waš responsible for letting the issue become a per-
sonal one and for refusing to respond to the criticisms. A black man said what we could expect since
we're still living in this country. Another asked why it hadn't been brought up to the class (I can
only wonder where he was during criticism/self-criticism every time it was brought up and ignored).
Despite the minority status of the issue, some fine sisters and brothers have been openly and coura-
geously supportive, and I hope they will continue to speak out.
Other examples of sexism are the male-dominated Workers Caucus with its position that the wimin's
movement is petty bourgeois and that macho behavior is "working class"; and a request to the Women's
Caucus that we supervise the sewing of curtains for classrooms. The PCL community has been congratu-
lating itself on getting rid of a very sexist teacher, as if the decision had been made without intense
pressure from the Women's Caucus, and without a long discussion of whether his sexism should be over-
looked because he had connections in the public defender's office. Wimin who have said, when speaking .
of the gay issue, that they couldn't imagine wimin's issues being brushed off so easily are dead wrong.
Sexism is deeply entrenched at PCL and eyery concession to feminism must be won at great cost.
Anti-gay attitudes at PCL surfaced at a meeting on March 14 to deal with the Venceremos Brigade,
which is an organization that sends North Americans to Cuba to cut sugarcane for the revolution. In
1971 the Cuban Congress on Education and Culture took a position against the presence of gays in all
areas of Cuban society. "It was resolved that all manifestations of homosexual deviations are to be
firmly rejected and prevented from spreading." (Gramma). Gay oppression in Cuba is government sanc-
tioned and takes the form of imprisonment in work camps, forced isolation from other gays, and general
harrassment. Gay Brigadistas who went to Cuba were accused by the Brigade of seeking out other gays
and spreading information. They were also condemned for "sexual behavior" and supposedly being in
drag. In 1971 the Brigade refused to let any gays go to Cuba unless they identified totally with the
"Political Objectives of the Venceremos Brigade," one of which isto support gay oppression. In prac-
tice no known gays went to Cuba. A public exchange of letters between the Brigade and the Gay Briga-
distas since 1971 has not moved the Brigade to change their policies or their own prejudices. It is
in North America. :
clear to some of us that the Venceremos Brigade has used Cuba's anti-gay policy to push a similar line
The Brigade recruited three (straight) PCL students and requested to use our facilities for fund-
raising for these students. The Gay Caucus of PCL proposed that they be forbidden to use PCL facili-
ties until they changed their anti-gay position and practices. The topic was referred to an all-school
meeting where the Brigade was invited to state what their policies in fact were. Brigade spokespersons
talked around the issue and were reluctant to impart any information. They had no defense to the charges
of heterosexism and unwillingness to struggle. The issue before the school was: are gays in the PCL
community less important than an outside organization (with international prestige)? Or as one person
put it--where do we stand on gay liberation? The issue was fogged with statements such as: The Brigade
is identical to Cuba; Third world people are all anti-gay; gays are petty bourgeois, arrogant, racist,
and imperialist; you're either anti-gay or anti-communist; and other illuminating remarks. Also some
muttering about "the muddy entrails of the Feds" as seen in the Gay Caucus proposal. Speakers against
the motion were irrational if not downright rhetorical, whereas most supporters of gay liberation spoke

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r
-5-
simply and sincerely about the need to affirm PCL's commitment to the gay struggle. La Raza Law Stu-
| dent Association, the Black Student Caucus, and the aforementioned Workers Caucus took positions
against the gay resolution. A straight white male correctly identified the underlying issue as the
implications of feminism for straight men. Many people voiced disappointment at the level of discus-
sion, in which race, class, and red-baiting were common tactics. A lesbian sister said--"I'm tired of
being one of the people your parents warned you against. I am your people." Another dyke started
crying and asked where she could turn if she couldn't get concrete principled support on the left. A
gay man pointed out that everyone coming back from Cuba who saw the revolution "work" can also say--I
saw gay oppression and it works. A straight man said that it was patronizing not to criticize Cuba,
and that the "subjectivism" the gay Caucus was accused of was the important step of feeling your own
oppression. We can't fight somebody else's revolution. Some men from Lavender and Red Union and the
gay community also spoke, and the opening statements were taped to be played on KPFK.
The vote was close but the resolution lost and the Brigade was invited to use school facilities.
As a result many gay people are thinking of dropping out or changing their relationship to the school.
There seems to be no middle ground to struggle on. A few so-called friends of gay liberation stayed
home that night because the topic was too "abstract" or "unimportant." Not taking a position has been
justly labeled as "gross liberalism."
Bitter feelings run high as hypocrisy stands revealed. We have learned the hard way that "strug-
gle" is defined as a process in which feminists and gays do all the struggling, while heterosexists
sit complacently.and throw words around. We have learned that criticism is taken and given personally
in an unprincipled way. We have learned that meetings like those I have mentioned are destroyed by
parliamentarian manipulations and divisive tactics. And I have learned that my energy is not accepted
or desired as long as my politics firmly reflect the reality of my own oppression as a womon and as a
lesbian.
P.S. Readers should be aware that the Women's Caucus of PCL disagrees with my position and feels
it is incorrect to publicly criticize PCL at this time because the requirements for admission at PCL
are less stringent than at other institutions. One.sister felt the L.A. wimin's community to be so
narrow-minded that any criticism of PCL would turn wimin off completely. I feel that PCL is an alter-
native to consider for any womon interested in the law, but I also feel that wimin are entitled to
more than a bland whitewash of the situation, and that wimin are capable of exercising judgment when
information is made available. --In the struggle, Betsy Firestar - Los Angeles, CA
RNN HNN NNNHNN IH K
MOMMA
I have just spent the best mother-daughter day of my life.

My mother and I have finally, after all the barricades that have been erected between us, been
able to touch, as friends, as sisters.
Up until now I always thought that we didn't get along because of some character flaw in each or
both of us. I figured it had to be her fault, or my fault, or maybe just some adverse reaction that
invariably occurred when the two of us were together.
But this time we got along just fine. We actually enjoyed each other's company. So what was the
difference? What had changed between us? We didn't pay attention to the man! My father was definitely
peripheral to our interaction, an appendage we couldn't get rid of entirely. In fact, for the first
time, I realized how my father tries to make trouble between us. One evening my mother and I were in
the recreation room and my father was in the adjoining kitchen. My mother was relating a story to me.
'I was only interested in it because it was something that she wanted to share with me. While she was
telling the story, my father would interject from the other room, correcting her rendition. He made
a point of impressing me with how inaccurate her account was. His voice was snide and superior as he
made his asides. This is particularly nasty as my mother has a slight hearing problem and couldn't
make out what he was saying. She could hear the tone of his voice, though.
Finally, I said to him, "Why don't you tell the story?" Silence. Then he said, "Do you really
want to hear it?" His voice was heavy with sarcasm. "No," I-answered. "I want to have a conversation
with mother." Later, thinking about what had happened, I realized how typical his lines were. He has
continuously made remarks, asidés, belittling her in my estimation.
And the horrible thing is how frequently it has worked. Often, my father and I united in contempt
for my mother's stupidity and ineptitude. And my father and mother united in despair over my rebelli-
ousness. It is definitely in the interests of patriarchy to keep women apart. And this includes the
women in families. My father benefitted from the fact that my mother and I competed for his attention.
After all, it made him the center of attraction for twice the female population he had gotten through
marriage.
What a threat it would be to male supremacy if mothers and daughters could begin to see each other
as sisters. If women could affirm each other, if mothers could cherish their daughters, if daughters
could admire their mothers, it would pierce a gaping hole in the oppressive fabric of the nuclear fam-
Á ily, the learning ground of hierarchy and sexism. If the womenfolk in a family could seek out, each
R other's company and feel proud of each other's accomplishments, perhaps more of us would grow up female
; and proud.
I love my mother. She is still a tremendous source of pain to me, as I am sure I am to her. Both
( of us, on different levels, think the other is failing to fulfill herself as a woman.
But I am learning to transcend my role of critical daughter, as she is learning to leave the role

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6E
of disappointed mother. We are learning to give each other permission to live our lives. My dream is
that some day we would become political allies--specifically, I fantasize her standing up and saying,
"My daughter is a lesbian-feminist and I am proud of her." I guess that's a lot to ask for, but then
I've always been unreasonable in my wants. The goal that I work for is the day when she says as she
introduces me, "This is my daughter and friend." :
I hope that I'll be worthy of the name. --Barbara Ruth - Philadelphia, PA
RER H KN NN NN NNN K
WHEN YOU MEET A LESBIAN PERSON: HINTS FOR THE HETEROSEXUAL WOMAN
1) Do not run screaming from the room. This is rude.

2) If you must back away, do so slowly and with discretion.
3) Do not assume she is attracted to you.
4) Do not assume she is not attracted to you.
5) Do not assume you are not attracted to her.
6) Do not expect her to be as excited about meeting a heterosexual as you may be about meeting
a lesbian. She was probably raised with them.
7) Do not immediately start talking about your boyfriend or husband in order to make it clear
that you are straight. She probably already knows. :
8) Do not tell her that it is sexist to prefer women, that people are people, and that she
should be able to love everybody. Do not tell her that men are as oppressed by sexism as
women and women should help men fight their oppression. These are common fallacies and
should be understood as such.
9) Do not invite her someplace where there will be men unless you telli her in advance. She
may not want to be with them.
10) Do not ask her how she got this way. Instèad, ask yourself how you dot that way.
11) Do not assume that she is dying to talk about being a lesbian.
12) Do not expect her to refrain from talking about being a lesbian.
13) Do not trivialize her experience by assuming it is a bedroom issue only. She is a
lesbian twenty-four hours a day.
17) OTHER: n
14) Do not assume that because she's a lesbian she wants e be treated like a-man.
15) Do not assume that her heart will leap with joy if you touch her arm (condescendingly?...
flirtatiously?...power-testingly?). It makes her angry.
16) If you are tempted to tell her she's taking the easy way out, THINK ABOUT THAT.
WHOIIAIBA992999299929992099290890899990939929099093989909899989992909999099299999999899929909999999909990999900000% KK KHHKK KKK
Cut along dotted line: add or delete items as desired: zerox: and give to all your straight women
friends. (Compliments of the ALFA newsletter Ad Hoc Public Relations Committee, Atlanta, Georgia.
--Eleanor, Karen and Susan
REKKER KHN KROK HIK KX
A WORD FROM THE GRAPEVINE
Realistically statistically speaking: we are of a transient culture; a scattered nomadic tribe.

Our ways diverse and our wills uncompromising, we steadfast endure our own evolution. We have dis-
covered a link from our past to our future. Bonds broken, we isolate ourselves and our loved ones to
survive the onslaught of the fall of the surrounding (hostile) kingdom.
The depression is impending. We have taken precautions. We know the essentials. Our days of
exposure are past, and now we speak softly and seldom. My friends are the people I can trust. I am
prepared to survive. What are the things we will not give up? How can we incorporate them into the
alternative system we so desire?
We prize two elements of this age, our communication and mobility. ` We realize the importance of
sharing our problems and solutions. But to travel cross-country to visit each other, we must traverse
hostile expanses. What we need is a series of oasis' through the desert of oppression. How about a
network of connected and intercommunicating dyke hostels: Holiday Inn--Inn Joy (Your Last Resort)?
Inexpensive accommodations (campgrounds) could be operated by the women who use them. These could be
available spaces understood to be collectively maintained by all participants. Information points
could provide traveler information about services and goods from each locality.
All we need is a little organization. The possibilities are endless. Our informal Grapevine is
already amazingly reliable. By having so many different locations, we could more effectively work with
others who have corresponding interests, but conflicting lifestyles.
Many centers of a similar description are already functioning at different places across the con-
tinents. By subscribing to a co-ordinating committee and combining our individual interests and ef-
forts, we could create a reliable alternative. It would involve only: a semi-permanent place, some
communication, and as much or little energy each has to spend.
If interested, please write me: Nancy Boothe, PO Box 2863, Norman, OK, 73069.
w RIR KRHRIRERKR RAR RHR KRN

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Er
A DIARY TO MY LOVE
Even though I feel your thoughts leaving me, I can somehow bear it--how, I do not know. Because
you removed yourself from my life, I knew you were leaving thoughts, and now even actions. You have,
once agaín, returned to your family and have Mom to hide behind, and I understand your need to hide with
your family. I cannot hold that against you, for it relieves your anxiety. My love--you are so strong,
so powerful, so confident--now. I have watched you as a fledgling--trying out your wings, slowly at
first, getting hurt, returning to the nest and once again, out you went, driven by ambition and the
desire to "be the best." And slowly, but surely, as is your way, you've made your way to the top--and
you are on a mountain, alone, shouting, "I AM," "I AM," "I AM"!! And everyone sees the "I AM" in you,
and they want to know that "I AM" too.
At one time I believed that our mates shared our exact feelings. Now I believe that two (or per-
haps, more ) who share almost the same exact experiences can be so attuned to one another as to share
thoughts, thought patterns, philosophies, bodily (physical) feelings, emotions and power. I now be-
lieve that when that "bond" is broken, these people drift off and gradually break all identical feel-
ings. I feel, Jill, that for four-and-a-half years we experienced a certain "togetherness" that is
never quite expressed correctly on paper, in brain waves, or in words. There are no words for our
being, which was one.
I am now out of the nest either with the fledglings who are trying their wings out; or on somedays
I am with the dying and dead, the crippled and weak, the misguided or misunderstood.
I am still trying, Jill, and if I make it you will hear my "I AM" ring out clear as a bell. But
if I don't you will not suffer or know, or feel any pain, for by that time we will be far apart. I
know this to be true--for I have experienced it. But "NO," I can hear you shouting--"I will know, and
I will feel the pain, we are one still!" But I answer no, Jill, what I speak is truth and I know, just
believe. I know you're an optimist, but the philosophy of optimism even has its time limits.
You are growing, and going, away. Soon impetuosity will enter our dimming relationship, and time
changes everything. Time, and entity unto itself, is the ender of many things. You have found your
niche, you have planted your roots, you have set your goals and forgotten others--cast them aside. You
For a time I dwelt in a dark cavern, that had no light, and I felt pain, sometimes, and languished
over a "lost" love. But one day I flew out of that cavern because I struggled and struggled and felt
no more pain. I flew out into the sunlight and soon, stood on a mountain ard experienced the "I AM"
I knowledgeably speak of, and felt the dynamic "newness," and joined the impetuous, and said goobye to
the dead, and joined a new, even more dynamic world.
I speak of my second conċeption of life--fate, and I do now realize that I believe in fate. I
believe that two or more people or things are pre-destined only to be with one another for a time. Our
time was passionate, fulfilling, soul-filled and living. But it was for a time--and a time only, and
when that time is up, we will know and understand. I would that fate deal fairly and justly with you
and have you ẹxperience the joys I speak of--and of which I have known and felt and sung in my heart.
a time.
Don't smother another with love and over-possessiveness. Let her love fly as high as it will fly
and trickle over rocks down a stream. The richness that your love experiences will be returned to you
in a myriad of ways. And, if your love does not return, be not sorry; but rejoice, and be happy with
her, and know in your heart that this particular love was not meant for you at this time. And if, after
a time, that same love returns to you, try to find out what in you made that love leave, and correct
that part in you which offends her--do that--and that only. Do not chide or shame her, because she
needed another time, another place, only welcome her without bitterness and let her soar again--and if
it was meant to be, it will be. Do not possess your love--for with possessiveness, comes regimentation,
and with regimentation follows a loss of creativity, and without creativity, some cannot exist. Let
your limits be known, but never try to possess another human being, for we are all individuals within
our own right. A soul or individual is given to herself, fate, nature or God, but not to another.
Let her branches bring forth blossoms and enjoy them with her, never possessing, for it is an impossi-
bility--a human is free. --Broken, Arrow, OK
NNN KNN NNN X
INTERNATIONAL LESBIANISM
Did you know that: Germany has a women's rock band called the Flying Lesbians, singing in both
German and English: lesbians in Spain don't dare come out, even to their sisters in the just beginning
women's liberation movement (one woman's letters from another country were opened by the government ):
a lesbian in Norway was forced to have sex with (i.e., was raped by) her husband regularly for six months
while in a mental institution because she no longer wanted marital relations -- a "therapy" introduced
from the U.S.: there is not only a strong women's movement (self-help, bookstores, coffee houses, etc.)
in Berlin, but also a very active lesbian-separatist movement: there is no women's or lesbians' organi-
zation in Sweden: in Mozambique, prostitutes and lesbians are sent to "re-education camps": the removal
of the clitoris, usually in a girl's home without anesthetic, is practiced widely from Iran throughout
the Middle East, and across Africa to Guinea on the Atlantic: a lesbian-feminist group has recently
formed in Paris: there is a strong mixed gay rights group in Holland: the current lesbian bar in Brussels
is the Black Swan whose address is 1'Impasse de 1l'Infidelite. : .
--From NGTF, concerning The International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
igi
EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WHOM? A REPORT ON THE NATIONAL ERA RALLY
I am fairly new to what could be called "lesbian life." I've been a lesbian all my life and been
actively conscious of the fact for several years, but a certain shyness and other factors have prevented
me from becoming involved in an active social life with other lesbians until recently. I guess I'm a
little naive about some of the issues in feminism and lesbian feminism, having had most of my experi-
ence with them in books and magazines. For instance, having read about Betty Friedan's attempts to keep
lesbians from having a full active voice in the feminist movement, I made the mistake of assuming that
time and common sense had changed her mind.
I found out how wrong that was yesterday at the ERA Rally in Springfield, Illinois. Now, I've
read the expression "invisible" as applied to us. "Invisible" because people in general won't credit
women with independence of thought and their own sexuality, and conclude that lesbian love, life, and
sexuality not only are invalid, but actually don't exist. I believed it (that we are invisible) and
had the belief reaffirmed at the rally. We had been advised that the committee organizing the rally
didn't want us to march under the banner "Lesbians for Equal Rights," fearing that we would receive all
the media attention and "confuse" the issue. fThat hurt--but down deep, my Capricornian nature said it
was practical--"get the ERA ratified first, then worry about lesbian rights." Büt NO! I really can't
accept that. The whole reason it has taken so long to get what little equality we have is that people
were so content to shove women aside while working on their other pet causes. The oppression of les-
bians by feminists doesn't seem, to me, any different from black male, pacifist male, or homosexual
male oppression of all women.
There were at least three lesbian groups, loud and proud, at the ERA Rally. We worked for the ERA,
for the Rally, paid our money, exháusted ourselves; yet there we stood, ignored by our sisters. Not a
single word of welcome or acknowledgment was spoken by anyone on the stage, at least not in my hearing.
We were obvious by omission! Speakers would list group after group and leave us out. When we tried to
make our presence known, we were drowned out. That's an embittering experience and one I won't soon
forget. I won't ever forget!
Despite that discouragement, I don't regret going to Springfield. I went there on the bus chartered
by the group "Lesbians for Equal Rights" from Chicago. The mutual support was marvelous, and I loved
every minute of those 10 hours on the bus! Discouraged by my sisters in the feminist movement, I am
warmed and encouraged by my new friends from the bus! . (I might add, also, that what I've seen of the
press coverage of the rally ignored us too!)
So thank you, all my lesbian sisters who are working to increase opportunities, widen the world,
clear up and float away! : --Nan Haas > Chicago, IL

and brighten the lives of other lesbians! May whatever clouds from the reasoning of oppressive sisters
KRINN NN NN K N
MORE NEWS FROM TV LAND
For those of us still waiting for TV to come out, this next season seems to offer a little more
gay input than in the past. At present, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman features a gay male couple who are
pretty good and well worth watching. A gay person is on the writing staff of the show -and is consulted
to make sure they are portrayed as realistically as is possible for a Normæan Lear production.
Next season, on ABC, there will be another Lear production, The Nancy Walker Show. In its pilot
show a young gay male actor doubles as Nancy's secretary. It has not yet been decided how much of a
regular character he will be. Snip, a comedy about hairdressers (straight), will feature a gay male
hairdresser as a minor character. Also, The Bob Newhart Show will add a gay male to the psychologist's
couch. Plans are in the making for a made-for-TV movie exploring a male-male relationship.
Unfortunately (?), it seems that they've forgotten about lesbians when planning the new TV season.
Maybe it's just as well -- considering how they've portrayed us in the past two years. Last season
there was a movie, "Born Innocent," portraying lesbians as brutal rapists (with a broom handle) of a
young woman in a reform school; a Policewoman episode depicting three lesbians as murderers and thieves
running a retirement home; a Cannon episode showing a lesbian so jealous and bitter that she murders
her ex-lover who left her for a man; a Bronk episode with a woman cop who is dreadfully and falsely
accused of making advances toward a woman prisoner, but she goes to bed with Bronk to prove to him and
to us that she is innocent; and probably much more that I never had the good fortune to see. Two years
ago there was a Medical Center episode with a lesbian psychiatrist who was portrayed as healthy and
stable (Gannon was falling for her), but she was treating a young woman who thought she was "queer"
and the psychiatrist convinced her that it was just a phase.
One hope for a decent portrayal of lesbians on TV is a possible movie that will deal with the emo-
tions and feelings of the lesbian lifestyle. In this project, women members of the Gay Media Task
Force have been involved from the first conceptual discussions. I won't hold my breath! --Gol1di
KR HRNRN KN NNN NN
"The Chair wishes to introduce Mrs. Ruth Noble, wife of Rep. Elaine Nobel of Boston," announced
Speaker of the Massachusetts House Thomas McGee. Subdued snickering filled the House chambers, al-
r i „--Lesbian News
though Noble just smiled, as did her mother, who was seated behind the Speaker's rostum.â
"I'd better leave that one alone," quipped McGee. "When the Chair makes a faux pas, it's a big one."
XX NNNNA

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
292
20TH CENTURY PARADISE
I've come to identify with and structure my life according to the principal values and concepts
of the combined forces of Matriarchalism/Amazonism/Feminism/Lesbianism. All of these lenthy 4-syllable
"isms" are really one and the same in relation to each other. Together and to my thinking they are the
original intended elements of Womankind representing the purpose of Woman as well as her ultimate social
and emotional fulfillments. They were the basis on which women built and maintained all civilizations,
the earliest to the most advanced; excluding, of course, the present but definitely passing Patriarchy
which in no way is civilization.
I write this now in the true spirit of Sisterhood. Let me also say that I am truly a realist (if
you've any doubts in light of my optimism). Because of space limitations I won't be able to completely
share with you all that's in my mind, but I will attempt to outline my thoughts succinctly.
I have a vision. A vision with the potential to be transformed into the realm of reality. Imagine:
A Matriarchal society of 20th centruy Amazons, living, loving, building, and, yes, even reproducing
"little Amazons" to succeed their mothers, thus, assuring the continuity of their Empire. This community
would be very similar to the Ancient Matriarchal and Amazon societies. My Great-Grandmother, 109 years
young, spoke to me from her disgraceful nursing home bed, of groups of Celtic women withdrawing (peace-
fully) "into the wilds of Ireland" after the Christian invasion (destroying and persecuting the Goddess-
Worshippers) around 200 A.D., then returning to the mysterious "Ancient Ways." On the very same day she
told me of this, she died quietly and painlessly, as if she had given her "Last Testament."
The motivation behind my "vision" I must admit does border slightly on selfishness, but I believe
a certain amount of "selfishness" (egoism) is healthy especially in women who are so self-sacrificing.
I truly enjoy pleasing myself and other women.
The Patriarchy does not please me. I want no part of any society that despises, demeans, rapes,
and then denies the offenses committed against the superior beings the "part of society" which I de-
rive my pleasure. The Patriarchy (malicious men) has spread nothing but strife, oppression and over-
dwelling on these Patriarchal imposed problems. The answer does not lie in discussion or Feminist
Lobbying or amendments to the constitution or legal lesbian marriages or the repeal of "sodomy" laws.
A11 of these efforts lead nowhere in the destruction of the Patriarchy, the "church" and the rest of
the mess. If we separate ourselves from what displeases us instead of racking our brains trying to
live and deal with it, if we return to the land (Mother Earth) physically and to our Creator (The
Mother Goddess) spiritually, if we live in harmony with one another apart from all prejudices all
oppressions we will have our answer. Only then will the tremendous injustice of the last 3,000-odd
years End, and Sisterhood will once again Begin.
I am what this culture would call a young woman, chronologically I'm 16; more importantly I'm
EERE
strongly determined and confident that I and the women I am now searching for (who would be willing
to break all Patriarchal ties and identifications they have succumbed themselves to) will succeed in
re-building "The Lesbian Nation," which to me is the only Revolutionary/Evolutionary transition from
Pain to Paradise. --Hoping to see you in Paradise, until then Don't Give In--Jane Hogan, Las Vegas, NV
KNHEN RENNIN RIKER EKEK
The National Lesbian Feminist Conference that had been planned for July 2-5 on the campus of
Indiana University was cancelled, with great regret. In the midst of preparations with the University
Conference Bureau and Women's Studies (the University group that agreed to sponsor the conference on
paper), the University vice-chancellor allegedly and conveniently scheduled a boys' bicentennial. The
lesbian group was told no more space was available. However, a sympathetic friend in the University
ROTC went to the Bureau and said ROTC wanted to schedule a conference and found there was space for
about 500. A lesbian feminist layer, Stormclouð, of Louisville is exploring legal action.
The conference planning committee is still alive and eager for this conference to happen. Possible
future dates such as Labor Day and Halloween have been suggested. Anyone in the Midwest area who can
offer space for about 1,000 lesbians or thinks she knows of available space such as a university campus--
Brook Street, Louisville, KY, 40203. --Info from press release and Dinah
Xx X X X X X Xx XNXX Xx
The first glimmers of change in the attitudes of insurance companies towards gays is beginning to
surface in Illinois. The State Department of Insurance ruled recently that Illinois insurance companies
may no longer discriminate against gays and single women. The new ruling goes into effect July 1l.
A11 Together, a Chicago insurance company, hopes to offer life insurance designed for gays, singles,
and those living together, incorporating the term "lover" as a beneficiary designation. Metropolitan
Life Insurance has also responded to the ruling, stating that gay couples should be afforded beneficiary
rights equal to married couples as long as the gay relationship has existed for a year. --GCN
RER KEK KR KIK KHK KX X
The American Psychological Association (APA) has delayed taking a stand on the fitness of houo-
sexuals as parents and non-discrimination against them in adoption proceedings, custody, and fosċter
parent cases. Supporters of the resolution said its adoption would have "put teeth" into the policy
on the rights of homosexuals adopted last year by the APA Council. : ~ --Lesbian News
NNNHNN NNNNA

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
210-
PARANOTA
When is fear reasonable? When does precaution become paranoia? What becomes of the concept of
sisterhood when we suspect each other of being agents? Should we make intimate phone calls to each
other, knowing our lines are tapped? Should we avoid organizing to build a mass movement, for fear of
the informer in our midst?
I don't have the answers to these questions. What follows is an overview of some solutions and
investigation of the effects of paranoia.
Some women decide who to trust on the basis of how long the individual in question has been active
in the women's movement. Some decide on the basis of personal referrals--is she "the friend of-a `
friend?" In some communities, women have been asked to furnish background information and/or submit
themselves to a security check.
A11 of these measures can be circumvented rather obviously.
Some women rely on information received intuitively--"vibes"--to determine who is trustworthy.
This strikes me as a potentially useful resource, not, as of yet, sufficiently developed in most of us
to be of much value. (My reservations may well be the result of my rationalist background. )
It's important to fight against paranoia because of its devastating consequences. Ultimately it
immobilizes.
This is a situation traditional to women: our fear leads to our inaction. There are certain
places you don't go at night because the neighborhood isn't safe. There are certain places you don't
go alone. And there are certain places you don't go at all. The logical conelusion of this thinking
is that you eventually don't go out, because something might happen to you.
It is my contention that women have to be made continuously aware of this fear tactic and fight
against it. It is in the man's interests to keep us frightened and divided. If every new woman is
treated with suspicion, it undermines the new bonding we have begun to find--e.g., sisterhood. The
man wants us to be isolated and afraid. ` È Sig : E
As I stated before, I don't have the answers to the questions raised herein. My point in writing
this is to remind women that our fear and distrust of each other helps keep. patriarchy strong. The
agent who will ultimately get you is not the woman across the room who doesn't quite have the feminist
jargon down pat. The agent that's gonna do you in is the one who lives in your head.
--Barbara Ruth - Philadelphia, PA
NNN N N NN N X z
A recent poll in the N.Y. Daily News shows that more than half the. residents in the metropolitan
area disagree with the recent Supreme Court decision that a state may outlaw homosexual acts. Other
questions in the poll were: "Do you think that homosexuals should be accepted in society and treated
the same as anyone else?" 63% said yes. "Do you think homosexuals are treated fairly.in America
today?" 38% said no; and 36% said yes. :
The National Gay Task Force urges people to ask their home town papers to poll their readership
on questions such as these. For more information, write: NGTF, Room 506, 80 Fifth Ave., NY, NY, 10011.
x X X X Xx X X X x XXX X
In late May, outside of Philadelphia's Girls' High School, members of the local lesbian/feminist
group DYKETACTICS (some of whom are alumni of the High Schoo1) and a few gay male supporters picketeđ
to protest harassment of lesbian students. The demonstration was sparked by several incidents, the
most basic of which was the right of lesbian students to take female dates to their senior prom.
The demonstrators demanded an end to the harassment of lesbians at Girl1s' High, the right of a
woman to choose her own sexuality, and pro-lesbian material in the library and the school curriculum.
Many hostile reactions came from students but by the end of the day of demonstrations, the sup-
port greatly outweighed the negative reactions.
The administration conceded that it will consider recommendations and suggestions by lesbian
alumni on how to improve the curriculum and the library resources. --Info from Gay Community News
NNN N
The celebration of Gay Pride Week 1976 in Atlanta became embroiled in political and legal contro-
versy when an anonymous group calling itself "Citizens for a Decent Atlanta" petitioned to void the
mayor's proclamation of June 26th as "Gay Pride Day" in Atlanta. When the petition was denied, the
group took out a full page ad in two of the city's papers protesting the proclamation and challenging
"the right of our mayor unilaterally to affix our city's seal of approval to a sexual orientation which
the majority of his fellow citizens believes to be against the moral law of the judđeo-christian tradition
and the institution of the home and family unit...Homosexual acts are considered a felony under Georgia
law." The mayor refused to withdraw the proclamation in spite of heavy pressure and a large number of
protesting letters and phone calls to his office. The festivities were held without incident. --ALFA
ONNIN NN NNN
The city of Jacksonville, FL, has decided to withdraw financial support from a counseling service
and shelter facility for rape victims and battered wives because the building in which it is housed is
NN NNNHN
also used by lesbian groups and by a program to combat discrimination in employment. --NYRF

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
-11-
I AM AN EX-WAC
You asked us to write about our lives and thoughts. I am twenty-four years old and have identi-
fied myself as a Lesbian for approximately four years. I am living with my lover of four months in
Anniston, Alabama where I served at Fort McClellan as a member of the Women's Army Corps. At the time
of my discharge, I had been a Drill Sergeant in the 1st WAC Training Battalion for approximately two
years and in the Army approximately four years.
As should be obvious from the above, my first lesbian experience took place while I was in the
Army. Regulations being what they are, open relationships with women were impossible, and for the fol-
lowing three years, I hid my sexuality to preserve my career. Finally I became so disgusted with the
deterioration of the Army due to the relaxed atmosphere of the Modern Volunteer Army and with the De-
partment of Defense's attitude toward homosexuals (a bad influence on the morale, discipline and morals
of the troops) that I requested an honorable discharge due to homosexual tendencies. To the profound
amazement of superiors and peers, not to mention my own amazement, I was indeed given an honorable
discharge! I decided to use my GI benefits to attend Jacksonville State University, where I am major-
ing in psychology. I hope to become a counselor specializing in the problems of Lesbians.
My attitudes as a Lesbian and feminist would, I suppose, be labeled as conservative. I do not
agree with the separatist beliefs of some of my sisters, nor do I believe that either my sex or sexual
preference is reason for prejudice or oppression. I believe that women's equality with men must be
recognized and respected and that every individual has the right to love whomever she pleases to love.
I make no deliberate attempt to flaunt or hide my sexuality, and I feel that my attitudes in this re-
spect are major factors in the acceptance of my lifestyle by heterosexuals who know of my sexual pref-
erence, two of whom are my parents. They were extremely prejudiced against all gays all their lives,
and it.came as quite a shock to learn that their only child was one of those "dirty perverts." The
aftermath of shock brought an attempt to understand, and they now know that I am still their daughter,
whom they have loved all these years, and that my sexual preference had not suddenly converted me to
an amoral monster, preying on children and other helpless innocents!
I may be able to help someone new to this area, particularly those who are being assigned to Fort
McClellan, so please include my name in "Contact Dykes" - R. Monroe, P0 Box 2261, Anniston, AL, 36201
RNN NN
Cynthia Forcier, a lesbian mother in Orange County, California, has been accused of sexually
molesting her own five-year-old daughter. Officials are attempting to make both of Cynthia's children--
her daughter, Kristi, and her eight-year-old son, Parry, wards of the State and, in addition bringing
charges against Cynthia for her "depravity."
In order to avoid some of the legal and other difficulties lesbian mothers face, Cynthia gave
guardianship of the children to two of her closest friends, a straight couple. When they broke up in
May of 1975, Parry came to live with his mother. Kristi was temporarily placed with foster parents
until Cynthia could organize her life to live with both children.
Last Christmas Kristi visited with her mother during which time they slept together in Cynthia's
room. ` All the time, Kristi was on antibiotics for an infection, so when she noticed a yellowing of
her daughter's panties--and questioned her about whether she was in any discomfort, and Kristi com-
plained of none, Cynthia assumed that she had a slight yeast infection from the medication. Cynthia
knew that Kristi would be seeing her doctor in a few days.
When Kristi returned to her foster parents, she went to her doctor. She complained that she had
been kicked by a boy, but when the doctor saw the bruises, he ignored her complaint. He knew of
Kristi's visit to her mother and that her mother is a lesbian. He chose to conclude instead that
Kristi had been sexually molested.
Orange County authorities have offered Cynthia a deal -- if she agrees to relinquish custody of
both children to the State, the criminal charges will be dropped. Cynthia has unequivocally rejected
this offer, calling her situation a "lesbian witchhunt." --Info from Off Our Backs
N S WO L a a a
Speaking before the Washington Press Club, Dr. Margaret Mead, who has spent several decades study-
ing primitive cultures around the world, said homosexuality appears to be increasing because '"we de-
is a perversion." k --Advocate
cided we don't want so many children." Not one to be stodgy, the nation's most famed anthropologist
added that homosexuality is a "perfectly good choice" for some, saying, "I think extreme heterosexuality
NNN N N NN NN NN X
BICENTENNIAL MINUTE?
Mary Catherine Goddard printed the first copies of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. Be-
sides printing, she also was editor of a large circulation Maryland newspaper, postmistress of
t
Annapolis, and ran a bookstore. --Majority Report

NINN KNN NNN NN

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
2112-
LOVE AS AN OBSESSION
I haven't seen the woman I love for a whole year now. And I haven't heard from her for six months.
Furthermore, I don't even know for sure if she's alive or dead. But notice I still think of her in
terms of 'love,' and not 'loved.' This in itself may not seem so strange--except that I am prone to
falling in love at the drop of a hat--and not carrying a torch for more than a few months, if that
long. But this time it was altogether different. And, admittedly, I sometimes wonder if it was at
all worth the suffering I am now going through.
A11 the memories are there when I'm awake--and the dreams when I'm asleep--all too real for my own
comfort. Why do I feel, when I'm quiet and alone, like she has just risen from my side--put on her
clothes--kissed me 'good-bye'--left the room--left the house--until our next time together? Why doesn't
a day or night pass when something or someone doesn't remind me of her? Just walking into a room--hear-
ing the words of a song--a familiar phrase--just looking at the typewriter--remembering all the love
poems I had written for/to/about her--nothing around me seems safe enough to protect me from my memories.
And I have stopped keeping count of the people in the street, both female and male, who remind me of
her--the way they look--the way they walk--the cut of their hair--the ( same) type clothes--the way the
clothes fit their body--the way their body fits the clothes--even the same type of glasses can do it.
And each time, my heart drops to my knees and my legs get a little weak--tears will sting my eyes or a
lump will rise in my throat--and my whole day/night is shot to hell. :
Since I am basically a poet and fiction writer, I fully realize how 'dramatic' and/or 'romantic'
this all sounds--and, granted, I have gotten a lot of excellent material out of my pain and anger and
loneliness--just as I did when I was happy and in love--but, believe me, there has to be a better way
to keep the imagination alive and the creative juices flowing. In the first place, I couldn't even
write for quite a while--between my bouts with depression and my crying fits, I couldn't keep my head
on straight enough and/or my heart together. long enough to concentrate .on anything worthwhile writing.
Then there's the guilt--about not being the right Ükina of) woman--not handling things right--trying
to really believe/feel that we are not our sister's (lover's) keeper--wondering not so much what we ((10))
had done wrong--or even what we (I) could have done differently--but what more we (I) could have done--
to have kept the relationship together. Even though, in my case, I know (deep down inside) that I
never got back as much as I gave. But only because I'm very open about things--and it's my nature to
'give'--and I find it natural and easy--while she, like many others, found those things rather difficult.
She told me as much--even warned me not -to fall in love with her--we would both suffer for/by it--but ®
I, of course, thought/felt I could change all that. And I'm still not sure I couldn't--given more
time, more of a chance. And it has nothing to do with being egotistical--or even quixotic--it has to
do with loving someone--usually the wrong person--too much.
Then, of course, there was the period of anger and hostility and revenge. (At one unreal point
during this time I was even contemplating paying for some 'muscle' to rough her up a bit--more to
'scare' her than to hurt her, of course. And it didn't even bother me when a friend kept warning me
that I could be arrested trying to go through with something like that; that's how 'strung-out' I was. )
Eventually it all got to be too much--and the only thing left was worry and fear. So I 'worried' and
I 'feared'--and I dreamed--that something was wrong, something had happened to her, and she needed me
to rescue her. If she wasn't dead already.
After a while, my friends wouldn't listen to me anymore--feeling, of course, that it was my own ob-_
session with the situation--the fact that I wasn't willing to 'let go'--taking an unhealthy turn toward .
paranoia. And they almost had me convinced--when someone I don't know wrote to me rec@ntly from some-
where in Kansas--claiming she had gotten my name and address from my ex-lover--in case they lost con-
tact with each other--disturbed because she hasn't heard from her for over four months. ! :
OBSESSION---?---or PREMONITION!! NNA --Dorothy Feola - Bronx, NY !
DEH NN N KNA
Rochester, New York and Fort Wayne, Indiana became test markets in February of 1975 for "Rely," a
Proctor and Gamble (P&G) tampon containing polyurethane, a known cancer-producing agent. ‘The new pro- a
duct -- in a tampon market that grosses $130 million each year -- contains a mixture of a wood pulp
derivative and polyurethane, which is used in a variety of products from sofa stuffing to insulation.
Chips of polyurethane disintegrate when they come in contact with water.
Women in Rochester and Fort Wayne were not informed that they were part of a test market and that
"Rely" is not distributed nationally. Women who bought and used the tampon complained that "it felt
and that it caused vaginal itching and burning. |

like trying to remove an opened up umbrella," that the tampon fell apart, causing pain and nausea, |
The company maintains that polyurethane is safe, but will replace it with cellulose because it
fears the plastic ingredient will negatively affect sales.
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance officer, Kurt Hirchman, said in November that it
appeared that Proctor and Gamble had not sufficiently tested "Rely" before releasing it to the two
their safety. --Info from New Women's Times

test markets. There are no government standards for the tampons, so the agency does not pre-test for
Xx X X X XNXX NNNNA
Wave Petty Officer Patricia Veldon, who was accused of "homosexual tendencies" for her alleged love
affair with Airman First Class Carmen Banos, has won her bid to stay in uniform. Carol Scott, attorney
Air Force. `-X iXx--Lesbian

X X XX News
for the two, said the Navy could not substantiate the charge. Banos, however, was discharged from the .
XNXX |

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
S13-
A group of Orthodox Jews in Tel Aviv, Israel, has threatened to blockade some suburbs and run its
own bus services if Israel's largest bus company agrees to hire women drivers. The Committee for the
vehicles carrying men." --Pandora

Sanctity of Israel argues that "under Jewish tradition women are not permitted to be in charge of
KNR NNN NN RHA
Shortly after the UN General Assembly by majority vote declared that Zionism is a form of racism,
Saudi Arabian Ambassador Jasmil Baroody charged that the feminist movement is causing the disintegra-
feminist movement. --From NFTF

tion of society in cooperation with homosexuality, which itself, says Baroody, is fostered by the
NNN NINNIN NN NN K
A while back we reported that the Federal Civil Service Commission ruled that gays could not be
refused employment solely on the grounds of sexual preference. But it has now been shown, through a
case of a Civil Service employee who was fired, that "flaunting" one's homosexuality (i.e., public
political activity) is grounds for dismissal. Gays are only protected if they're discreet (i.e., in
the closet).
NNN NN
The Center for Women's Studies and Services, which houses the Feminist Bulletin in San Diego, CA,
was burglarized some time on April 3rd or 4th. Their mailing lists, referral information and files
communications network, so if you were on their mailing list, or know someone who was, send in the
x X KX XN NNN NN X X
CAN LESBIANS BE FRIENDS?
From the age of 10 on I always had close women friends, and these women were the most important peo-
ple in my life. I was always going over to my best friend's house to spend the night, or vice versa,
and we'd generally stay up most of the night disċussing and sharing our deepest thoughts, fears, and
dreams. Oftentimes I was close to several friends at the same time, without this causing many hassles.
In college I continued to have many very close friendships with women - these were the type of friends
who made me feel that no matter what happened, they would always be there if I needed them. However,
come between us. When I began thinking about being a lesbian, and making friends with other lesbians,
I thougħt` that these friendships would be almost ideal, since no man would ever get in the way.
Unfortunately, I've found that, even with men out of the picture, the reality of lesbian friendships
for men only occasionally got in the way. With lesbians I've discovered there's a much more pervasive
problem - sex. "Whenever a lesbian simply attempts to make friends, when she asks for a phone number
or extends any invitation, it is apt to be interpreted as a sexual overture. fThis, of course, makes
lesbians shy about asking and cautious about accepting."l Until we change some of our basic ways of
thinking and relating I feel that forming friendships with lesbians will continue to be a frustrating,
and at times impossible task.
I've done a lot of thinking about this situation because friends have always been an integral part
of my life. In some instances my friends have been more important to me than my lovers, and the friend-
ships have often been more lasting and stable. Actually, some of the women I've been sexually involved
with (my old lovers) haven't affected my life nearly as much as my friends have.
In fact, I doubt that I could have a good long-term lover relationship if I didn't also have good
friends. Without those friends my dependence and demands on my lover would probably grow until it
strangled our love, for no one woman can fulfill all of my various needs. I've found it damaging to
me, my lover, and our relationship if either of us loses her independence and has her whole self tied
to the other. Friends can help prevent this from ever happening. By friends I don't mean acquaintances -
women you see at social events once or twice a month. I'm talking about women you can talk and relax
with without hassles, women you trust, women who don't have unrealistic expectations of you, women with
whom you enjoy just being yourself. If friends are so wonderful and necessary, then why is it so diffi-
cult for lesbians to make friends with each other? Why is it that many of us have an easier time finding
lovers than good friends? N
Before I attempt to define what, in my opinion, are some of the barriers lesbians erect between them-
selves and other lesbians, let me explain that I'm concerned here only with the interactions among les-
bians (another article could be written about trying to be friends with non-lesbians). Also, when I
refer to lovers I mean women who are sexually involved, and for this article I'm assuming that a couple
relationship is one which is monogamous.
I believe that the major obstacle to lesbian friendships is the simple fact that every lesbian is a
potential lover. "Lesbians have been socialized by a society in which friendships between potential

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12-
not prepare people to deal with the sexual aspects of friendships."2 Instead we, as women, have been
taught to value only the lover relationship (for society assumes that that relationship will be with a
man), and friendships with women are only secondary. I feel that lesbians still believe what society
has taught us: that it is imperative to find a lover. Thus finding, and keeping, a lover becomes the
highest priority in our lives. Often the result is that lesbians view each other solely in terms of
their potential as lovers. Our emphasis on sexual involvements, along with our often relating to each
other solely as possible lovers, rivals, or threats, make lesbian friendships a rare occurrence indeed.
Let me use an example of what things can happen when two lesbians get to know each other. First,
let's assume that the two don't have any previous ties (they haven't both been involved with the same
woman before), and neither one has a reputation which precedes her (hustler, untouchable, etc.). Now,
when they start to see each other, and like each other, one or both almost automatically begins to
fantasize what it would be like to be lovers with the other. Perhaps without ever discussing what
they each want out of the relationship, the two may end up in bed. If by some chance they both fall
in love they'll probably become a couple, and maybe live happily ever after. However, after the ini-
tial honeymoon period is over, they may find that they really don't know each other very well, and that
they can't make it as lovers, but "let's be friends." Before they got sexually involved the two might
have become great friends, but now the intensity of feelings that comes from a disintegrating lover
relationship make this a difficult time to form a friendship, especially when there wasn't one there
to begin with.
Another possible course of events would be for the two to actually talk with each other about their
relationship before they become sexually involved. They may decide that they don't want any heavy in-
volvement, but since they're two adults, and they would both enjoy making love, then, why not? While
in theory the concept of two friends making love just because it feels good is quite logical and sensi-
ble: from my experience it hardly ever works out that way. For, as one friend put it, "Ideally making
love is healthy, fun, satisfying, and a release, but in my guts I just can't do it - Ican't just make
love and feel that it's unimportant." Somehow, no matter how honest, up-front, and sexually liberated
lesbians are can
the results supposed to be, I believe that Beee sexually involved changes our relationships, and
be disastrous.
Generally what's happened to me when I've gone to bed with women friends is that one of us starts
wanting more out of the relationship. Either myself or the other woman is no longer content with con-
tinuing the relationship simply on the basis of two friends who happen to be making love; one of us
falls in love. Unless we both feel-the same way, then one of us, or probably both of us, is going to
be hurt. Logic disappears, feelings become complex, emotions intensify, and neither one of us is having
“much fun anymore. Usually the friendship the two women once shared is déstroyed. After all, friends
are the people who are supposed to help you with your problems, not be the cause of them. The last time
I gambled with a friendship and became sexually involved with a friend, the friendship definitely lost,
for that friend and I haven't been able to talk with each other for several years now. I've since de-
cided that my friendships are too important to risk like that.
If, instead, the two women don't go to bed there's other problems they might have to confront. The
one who decides that they shouldn't make love could be accused of putting limits on the relationship
(a definite no-no since we're all supposed to be spontaneous). Or the other woman could perceive the
decision as a personal rejection. Neither reaction helps the friendship much. If the two women make
it past these intial difficulties, then they may be faced with the question of where do they draw the
line between affection and sex, and how do they deal with their sexual feelings for each other.
In addition to these barriers, the friendship must try to survive in an atmosphere where, as I've
said before, it's únusual to find lesbians who place a high priority on their friendships; where the
emphasis on sexual involvements -lovers- is overwhelming. One or both may say they want tò keep the
friendship, but at the same time put their main energies into the more important search for a lover.
One time a good friend of mine whom I hadn't seen for a while came up to me at a party and asked, "Are
you still monogamous, or now can we really get involved?" It seemed to me that, as long as this woman
and I didn't make love, the involvement we did share was relegated to the rather unimpressive category
of "just friends."
I've heard lesbians complain that when they have friendships/relationships with non-lesbian women
they sometimes feel as if they have to take second place to some man. Well, I'm tired of taking second
place to sex. I don't want to be friends with someone who spends time with me only when her lover, or
potential lovers, are unavailable. Why must we downgrade the friendships we have? Why must we, as
lesbians, place so much emphasis on sexual involvements?
In Part 2 I'11 discuss community pressures, special problems of being friends with women in couples
(and the reverse), where to find affection, and other topics relating to lesbian friends. Until then,
remember the old Girl Scout song, "Make new friends, but keep the old; One is silver and the other gold."
1 Sappho Was A Right-On Woman, Abbot and Love = --Mar,
2 "Women In Love, The Lesbian Way Of Life," (unpublished) Lesher
WNNR N N NN
The only woman Congressional Medal of Honor recipient had her medal revoked 50 years after she won
it. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only female Army surgeon to serve in the Civil War, was a persevering
feminist of her day. According to her grandniece Ann Walker, her advocacy of traditionally male roles
for herself and others may have led to the Army's action rescinding the medal. Ms. Walker, a science-
medical writer, is writing a book about her great aunt and carrying on the struggle to persuade the
Army to restore the, medal. Dr. Walker died February 19, 1919, after a fall on the Capitol steps where
she had gone to try to have her medal restored by Congress. --Clearinghouse International RIEA
x X X X X NHN N NxN A

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159
Reviews
TO THE MAN REPORTER .
To The Man Reporter From The Denver Post is an absolutėè joy to read. The author, Chocolate Waters,
has wit as well as an excellent command of language. Her poetry ranges over a variety of moods: erotit,
political, satirical, emotional, humorous. All are handled beautifully in carefully crafted language--
words which move fluidly.
I found Ms. Waters' work admirable even when personally disagreeing with her philosophy. ("Oh Let's
Be A Couple" is a riotous satire of monogamy--as a monogamist I'm embarassed to relate how much I en-
joyed it.) The political poems forcefully express the pain and anger of being a woman, of trying to
be a whole woman when men reporters tell us "women with beehive hairdos are really the enemy." And the
erotic and love poems express more womanfeeling than I thought English could.
I enthusiastically recommend this book. It is availabe for $2.75 plus 30¢ postage from Chocolate
Waters, c/o Big Mama Rag, 1724 Gaylord Street, Denver, C0, 80206. --Kristine J. Alfredson - Lansing, MI
ASSAULTS AND RITUALS |

Assaults and Rituals by Sandy Boucher is an immensely sensitive and valuable collection of five short
stories. Boucher has a really genuine perception of the roles, the confinements, and the expectations
which serve only to pervert our behavior toward each other, both gay and straight. For example, in
"Big Rock in the Road," a boy is utterly devastated by his father's super-macho expectations being laid
on him. You've got to wonder--how can love be channelled so destructively? While Boucher uses her
family as an example of this, isn't the danger there for us as lesbians, too? How many expectations
.and role-games (souveniers from the heterosexual handbook--thanks, but no thanks) are we capable of
laying on each other if we don't think it through and watch out? They are sometimes so insidious and
seemingly "natural" that they become accepted. Boucher really points up strongly that it is the
person (PERIOD: GIVEN) who counts, and that someone sure can be fucked over when other people force
` their realities down her/his throat. Why bother, anyway? People are so beautiful in themselves.
I was really affected by the last two stories, "Mountain Radio" and "Retaining Walls." The feelings
involved in reading them were new and at the same time, vaguely familiar--I could understand. They
deal with a young (23) straight woman falling in love with a lesbian (quite unexpected, but it happens
to the best of us!). Boucher deals so delicately and skillfully with the steps she, as that young woman, .
hað to take to deal with that relationship, because it is about herself. The portrait of Lenora, her
first lover, is one of a determined and strong woman who managed to make it through years of public
abuse, self-doubt, and self-hatred: the classic trip of everyone whom society has labeled "untouchable"
or "sick." Lenora never did buy that, and damn it, she made it! Society loses another round because
she is damn sure she's not "queer." She's unhappy, sure, because living as a lesbian in this culture
‘is no party. But the way she keeps on and keeps reaching out, always, is beautifully told here. They
have one fine week together, and then Boucher leaves town because of her inability to handle her feel-
ings about becoming "like Lenora."
It takes her ten years to realize the joy and the freedom in her own lesbian identity, and after 14
-years she goes back to that town to try to reconnect with that experience. She writes of the real need
she felt to show "Mountain Radio" to Lenora, and also to see her again and make contact, to somehow
complete that experience she'd left. But Lenora's life is totally different and "Retaining Walls" is
a meditation on the impossibility of going back in time. Boucher quietly takes you through all her
emotional pain as she realizes that her experience of "Lenora" is a memory. It is a painful thing to
watch as she puts that relationship in the past, as she learns to accept it.
Both stories are beautiful and delicate works, and I just appreciated the entire book for its real
sensitivity and the direct way it, spoke to so many things I understood. It'll speak differently to
everyone, but don't pass up Assaults and Rituals if you get a chance to read it. It has some really
CA, 94140. --Melanie - Lansing, MI

valuable things to say. This book is available for $2.50 from Mother Eae PO Box 40213, San Francisco,
THE LEGACY: MORE THAN A LESBIAN LOVE STORY

The Legacy by Sonya Jones--an enthralling, articulate book--is the latest product of the Vanity
Press, a new Atlanta women's publishing company. This is a woman-produced book from start to finish.
The Legacy is a deceptive book--lean, readable, and funny. Beneath the clever banter, however,
Jones gives the novel guts and fire in the balance of a mother-daughter quadrangle. At times the book
trembles with tension. It would make a great film.
Told through the eyes of Reid Calloway, a young professor whose hallmark characteristics are arro-
gance and belligerence, The Legacy ends with a stunning turn of strength. In light of Calloway's un-
failing ability to see no further than the end of her nose, it is a perfect ending--unexpected and
inevitable.
I don't want to spoil the delicate structure of the book by going into the story, and Jones is a
master storyteller. It is a must for all women to read, and if they dare, to give to their mothers.
The Legacy is on sale at many women's bookstores nationwide for $3.95, or available from THE VANITY
PRESS, PO Box 15064, Atlanta, GA, 30333. --Atlanta, GA
XX X% XNXX Xxx

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216:
Your Town
HELENA, MONTANA
Yes, Virginia, there really is a Montana...what's more shocking, there really are lesbians IN Montana.
However...it's almost impossible to: A) lure them out of the closet, and B) make connection with the ,
ones who are out. It's terribly frustrating. Your publication, aside from being a terrific publication,
is our last hope.
At this point in time, lesbians in Montana have two alternatives offered them: remain isolated from
one another or join an established women's center comprised of 99.9% straight women. (Hardly a very
supportive atmosphere). I'm very interested in organizing some sort of lesbian support group, and I'm
openly gay and accepted by most of the feminists in the state. So, would it be possible for you to
list my name in your directory! Thanks very much! --Linda - (406) 443-5464
P.S. Also, would it be possible for you to include a notice that the Montana Women's Festival will
be August 27-29? (See Announcements this issue.)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN : :
It all started with a group of lesbians who were sitting around in a gay bar one night talking about
the needs and expectations they had from the lesbian feminist community, and how difficult it was to
get those needs met. "Wouldn't it be nice" . . . if there was a way to meet other lesbians . . . if
we didn't have to go to bars or restrict ourselves to private parties when we wanted to be with other
lesbians . . . if there was only a place for us to talk in a relatively non-threatening, non-politically-
activist, non-time-consuming manner . . . if there wäs a way for us to reach out and offer support to
women who were just coming out or who were thinking about coming out . . . if there was some sort of
organized support system . . . if we could only get-together and spend time talking with each other on
a regular basis . . . if only!
Out of that discussion, an idea blossomed which was called Freespace, and adopted as its ground
rules the N.0.W. guidelines for consciousness-raising groups. Six women agreed to be facilitators
(two to a group), a non-power, non-therapeutic role which consisted mainly of being the stable base in
the beginning of each group and of passing on the guidelines to the members. Posters were distributed,
word-of-mouth flew to all corners of the city, and within a short time a group of 20 women gathered who
were interested in getting together once a week for ten weeks to discuss the’ joys, trials, work, fun,
and sometimes pain of being gay. In November of 1975, Freespace I began meeting, and when the ten-week
commitment was up, decided to continue meeting. It is still going strong, and in the meantime four
other groups have formed: Freespace II, III, IV, and drop-in Freespace which meets every other week
groups. :
and for which no commitment is required. We have had parties and gone to concerts and camped out to-
gether, made new friends, seen people grow and change and become stronger, found support in many other
beautiful lesbians, and generally touched the lives of at least 50 women in this community. We hope
to see Freespace continue to grow. Groups are forming as soon as enough new women have expressed an
interest in participating, and new facilitators are coming out of the older, previously established
It is such a simply and easily-implemented idea, yet I have not heard of any similar set-up in other
cities, so I thought I'd share a good thing with you. Freespace has proven to be, for myself and many
other lesbians, an immensely valuable, supportive, and cherished experience. --Milwaukee, WI
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA É :
A bit of information from Charlotte, North Carolina is that Drastic Dykes are starting a Lesbian
Center. There is a group of lesbians, varying numbers, which meets each Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m.
Any lesbian who is in Charlotte and would be interested in joining us can contact us through the numbers
listed for Drastic Dykes: (704) 334-5683 or (704) 334-1596. We could tell you where the meetings are
held. Since we don't have a house yet, we are just a group, not a place. All lesbians are welcome.
We have a monthly newsletter (subscription $3.50 a year) and try to have some fund-raising event every
month. So far we've held two dances, but we hope to have softball games, picnics, etc.
v t --Penny - Charlotte, NC
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

I attended the Gay Freedom Day March in San Francisco which was the most spectacular biggest best
Gay Parade in the country. There were 100,000 of us in what was really a fantastic gay mardi gras.
Many strong, beautiful dykes of every ethnic background, race, size, age, and class marched, danced,
embraced the spirit, proudly, joyously in all our magnificent diversity in the vibrant sunshine.
The lovely dyke I was with observed to me that so many of our sisters were in look-alike couples,
clothes, haircuts, size, age were closely matched. Why? Is the only way that some of us find self-
validation? I prefer some diversity. I find sglf-validation in our herstory and our lesbian culture.
The motto of the Gay Parade was: United For Freedom, 0ur Diversity Is Our Strength. Many of us wore
inverted pink triangles pinned to our shirts which was the motif of the parade. This symbolized our
resistance to oppression. Hitler ordered all lesbians and gay males to wear inverted pink triangles as
the Jews had to wear the yellow star of David. They were hailed off to concentration camps and then
burned up in the ovens as the Jews were. The inverted pink triangles reminded us that what happened
once can happen again.
At the end of the long march route, lined with signs of support on people and buildings, thousands
of enthused, straight spectators closed ranks and joined the march. There were mini buses to take us

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S7
.
to Marx Meadows in Golden Gate Park where a glorious fair of dyke bands and gay male entertainers
awaited us, including speakers who represented various diverse groups of our Lesbian Liberation and
Gay Male Movements.
In Loving Dyke Sisterhood, Blessed be! --Gloria de La Rosa - Berkeley, CA
X X X X X X X X XX XXX
Responses .
My hats off to you, from Antioch, CA, for putting so well, your RESPONSE TO LESBIAN IN THE CLOSET!
As a female professional person myself I know where you're coming from. I wish it were possible to
eradicate all the fears, and guilts that seem to permeate so many of our sisters who cannot "come out"
openly. The anguish and pain is so fruitless, actually. And accomplishes absolutely nothing for the
individual. Putting such destructive emotions into print however, can ease the pain. Just sharing
their pain with others through the media, such as LESBIAN CONNECTION is actually very therapeutic.
For bottled up emotions erupt in volcanos after a time.
Living far from any metropolis I have a great deal of time at intervals, and correspond with many
gay sisters. ‘The peace and happiness I have found in myself, and in my lifestyle, seems to have given
encouragement to many. For which I am very grateful. I cannot wear radical T-shirts, but 2/3 of my
acquaintances and fellow workers are aware of my sexual preference. At the proper time they have been
informed in one way or another. And I have found it has not hampered my status one iota. I know my
job, and I know I do it very well. So do my co-workers. Having earned their respect, my private life
is not their concern. To be realistic however, I know many women cannot allow themselves such freedom.
For these women my only advice is to continue to live your lives the best way you know how, as
Antioch, CA, admonished. And when things get rough reach out to your sisters far away through the
you. --Marge - Gallup, NM

media of written communication. For you are really never alone. There is always someone who cares.
And even if you may only be lesbian in thought and in your heart; you're still one of us and we love
In your last issue I read a letter from a 17 YEAR OLD LESBIAN which impressed me enough to write
this letter. I guess I was afraid if you found out how old l was you would stop sending me your arti-
cles on the grounds of "you are too young to know your own mind and how to live your life." As most
people think. As you must of gathered I am also 17 and a lesbian since I was 14. I am very much in
the same boat as my sister from Plymouth High. There are no other dykes I ean just sit around and rap
with. All the chicks are "straight" except for a couple I have gone with but as soon as that blew off
they all went back to boys. I live in a small town and the closest gay baror organization of any kind
is a hundred miles away. Reading LC makes me feel as if I am not alone. And I thank all of you for
all the time y'all put in on this paper. It really means a lot to some of us. Would you please write
this letter in your next issue and also my name and address so maybe the chick from Plymouth High can
get a hold of me. Maybe if we work together we can get more teenagers to "come out" and fight for what
they believe in. I am very proud of being a dyke and the way I love women (the most wonderful creatures
on earth!). Thank you for listening. Tammy Jean McGowan, Rt 1, Box 104 H.C., Bedias, TX, 77831. Phone
(713) 395-4632.
P.S. I would like to hear from all young lesbians. I would really like to help with any problems
you would like to share with me.
In response to "A LESBIAN IS SPEAKING: SUPREME COURT," Laura Dickerson, Albany, NY: I share your
anger at the status quo ruling of the Supreme Court patriarchs and your proudness in being a Dyke.
In order to help change this situation, it is necessary to support H.R. 5452, The Federal Gay Civil
Rights Bill which Rep. Bella Abzug originally introduced to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
other acts to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual preference in education,
employment, housing, lesbian mothers custody cases and other aspects of life. This most important bill
is stuck in committee in the nation's capitol. I urge you and all other dykes to reaffirm our right
to be you and me, Thousands of letters are needed to be mailed to Rep. Don Edwards, Chairperson,
Civil and Constitutional Rights Subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary, 2137 Rayburn House
Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515.
Request that this subcommittee schedule immediate hearings on H.R. 5452 reporting out of committee
and that he, Rep. Edwards, cast his. vote for the bill. All this takes is ten minutes and a 13g stamp.
In Dyke sisterhood - --Gloria de la Rosa - Berkeley, CA
I live in an area that has a very large lesbian community--in fact, it has several large lesbian
communities--the Bay area--and contrary to popular belief, I find that there is very LITTLE SUPPORT
FOR LESBIANS WHO DO NOT TRUST MEN and do not relate to men as friends or allies. There is a lot of
support for all-women's functions--dances, benefits, music, films, etc. But most lesbians have ex-
ceptional men in their lives as friends, fathers, relatives, and even ex-husbands.
What I'm trying to say is that women are raised to support and take care of men. Whether a man
chooses to or not, he benefits from that system just as he benefits from rape. (He benefits economically,
socially, personally, etc.) When a lot of us found out about lesbianism, we discovered for the first
time that we could choose freely where to put our love and energy--into other women. I first loved
women; I began to hate men only when I realized what they do to women.
There is very slittle support in this world for women to be with women. Everywhere we go we are
harassed--physically and mentally and emotionally by men--and even mental harassment by some straight

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S18.
women. We need to be able to go to places outside of our meager and often destitute little hovels to
be with other lesbians--alone. If any lesbian feels she needs to be separate from men and straight
women, for any reason, she should be able to be--somewhere.
What I'm trying to say is that "separatism" (tainted word) is not necessarily an attack on non-
separatists, but instead is an attempt at survival. The whole patriarchal world backs up women relat-
ing to men, and non-separatism. It is more than a difference between "people with different genitals."
It is a question of power. Lesbians who attack lesbians who do not want to nurture men in their lives
are supporting that patriarchal power that is squashing us. I know some "separatists" can be obnoxious,
with their opinions, but they are the minority. Why are we seen as such a threat to lesbians who like
men? They are friends with the power. We have only other lesbians (an obviously healthier choice in
my opinion).
Anyway, the entire issue is more than a matter of choice of what you like or dislike. Lesbians with
men in their lives should understand and support lesbians who do not want to be with those men. If we
seem "hard line," it is because we have no support anywhere and we go a little crazy when we go to an
"all-women's event" and find men there, ogling us. (Every rapist had a mother and often a sister,
daughter, and wife who loved him and nutured him. Another objection I have is women who show their
"exceptional men" self-defense techniques they learned in women's classes that work primarily as sur-
prise tactics. Those men or the friends they tell are then better prepared to rape.) --0akland, CA
I've been reading so much about you lately in the various dyke publications I subscribe to. I just
want to say thanks a lot for frightening and alienating me just when I need your help the most. I'm
not trying to sound bitter and I don't claim to represent anyone but myself, but I'm sure there must
be many like me: living in small reactionary towns, working in dull or mediocre jobs to pay the rent,
relaxing (?) with straight friends after work. I have no gay contacts whatsoever; the only lesbian I
ever talked to in my life (I'm 20) worked for the Lesbian Hotline in nearby Philadelphia. I want des-
perately to come out of the closet and be with others like me, but everything I read seems to tell me
that to be a good lesbian I must renounce the straight world and my straight friends (many of whom I
value and intend to keep), march in the streets, write poems of rage. I'm not ready for all these
things; I haven't reached your state of consciousness yet; I haven't had the experiences that led you
to that consciousness. I haven't had the support or -encouragement of other lesbians. Right now, I
can no more relate your politics to my own life than I could an Eskimo's.
Isn't there some kind of halfway house for people like me with one cautious foot out of the closet?
Someplace I can go or a group I can join where I can grow without pressure and learn what it's like to
be a lesbian in a lesbian community? I want a Lesbian Nation, too, but you're running faster and
faster and léaving me further and further behind. If this is incoherent, it's because the words are
rushing out of my heart in a jumble. I'm so afraid I won't fit in with you, and if I don't then I'll
never have a home anywhere. I need you--help me understand you! Understand me! --Mt. Holly, NJ
In response to the MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROADERS and the entire RESPONSE SECTION of Vol. II, Issue 3 of LC:
I think that it is time that lesbians really looked at what they are doing and saying. I have read
so much conflict lately, it seems that all I read is conflict. Confrontation is a consciousness-raiser
and survival tool for lesbians, but not if it is used to be the same dèadly tools as used by men. In
That is good to air, but it seems like the airing is going overboard in such a way that makes me very
suspicious of the source of these conflicts. È '
I am a lesbian feminist being as much a separatist as I can realistically be. But I don't walk
RSPAS Eaa
around trying to cram my identity down any woman's throat! I am simply living my life to make me HAPPY
and possibly communicate to other disillusioned lesbians. I believe what I believe because I NEED to
believe it. If other women like my example, I hope they will follow but I'm not going to bang my head
esiratas
about it. I'm doing what I have to do to SURVIVE!

t
So much of the letters in LC seem so disillusioned and frightened by conflicts and opinion differ-
ences. DON'T BE. That disillusionment plays right into the male trap of having to believe that if
everybody doesn't believe the same thing, and follow the same course of living, then something's wrong!
Voice your conflicts, fears, anger, pain, because lesbians want to heär it, but just don't let that
men, Watch out! --Charlotte, NC

middle class-middle-of-the-road-cop-out DISILLUSIONMENT set in or you'll be in the death march with
To respond to a letter written by a MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROADER: yes, there are some conservative gays
alive, breathing, and happy. Although I must add, it takes some strong convictions, self-discipline,
and perseverance to guard against bitterness which can come from the frustrations we often face.
Personally, I have no vendettas for the male gender. To alienate them from my life would mean to
sacrifice the love and respect I have for such important individuals as my father, brothers, uncles,
cousins, friends, and many business associates. To deny the value they possess would mean the sacri-
fice of growth in my life. Part of this growth too is derived from being honest with those persons I
love mcst in this world--my family members and close friends. Even if alienation should occur, honesty
to yourself is essential. When I told my parents I was gay, I was fully aware of the burden this would
place upon them. I told them I did not expect them to accept my life-style and personal sexual beliefs,
but that I did count very much on their continued love. They have not broken this trust . . .
By being open with them, I have made them aware of my love for my "wife" and do not have to adapt
all my conversations and all my plans, and play a very superficial role. However, Ido not flaunt my
beliefs at them, as I respect their rights to understand slowly "what I am" and perhaps, "why I am"

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
- 19- a
what I am . . . I'm glad they haven't had to see someone who is bitter, someone who is remorseful,
someone who is unsure, someone who is unhappy . . . We take things easy with each other. With straight
friends, I take it slowly also. When opportunities arise to openly discuss the subject, then they are
taken. It's an exciting period, and challenging.
It's sad to me to observe gay friends, many of them transient, floundering; constantly pursuing
superficial relationships to appease themselves--struggling to find happiness and unable to be patient
and selective in whom they choose to spend time with. It's also sad to realize that many place bar-
riers in their lives and become trapped. So many are defensive, denying any continued allegiance to
their faith or family as their guilt is too great. Many, I find, are defensive and antagonistic
toward all institutions and most philosophies other than that which makes them most comfortable. They
echo the phrase, "I'm going to do my thing regardless--to hell with anyone who doesn't think like I do!"
They become oblivious to so much that can bring some essence of good to their lives.
Have you noticed if many of your gay friends have ulcers? Have you noticed the drinking habits of
many of these same people? Do they somehow accept the gay bar as the only sanctuary, the only world
where they function with any element of ease or honesty? Do they seem happy with "themselves"? Or do
they hide from the world, seldom varying their habits, seldom expressing or exposing anything personal
to anyone--even "so-called" close gay associates?
We have hard times being what and who we are. But we have many good opportunities to change diffi-
cult situations into meaningful periods in our lifetime. Stomping around with all our bare nerves ex-
posed, making accusations, being resentful, and saying things which are not "absolutes" will not make
it. We have to share a small space on this earth with a lot of people with varying beliefs, philsophies,
and life-styles. Acceptance, or even tolerance, will not be quickened by hateful, inflexible, ego-
n GINEN --Galesburg, IL
centric attitudes. Take it easy on all our brothers and sisters for all our sakes--will you please?
Some of your readers are getting very tired of the continual WAR OF THE SEXES - do we integrate, or
should we separate ourselves from the human race? The question I would like to see discussed:is, What
is a woman? What virtues do we have that are not found in men, and what vices do they have that are
never discovered in women? (Cruelty, savagery? I was a battered child - it was my mother who did it.
I have been hurt, put down, humiliated, and trashed by both sexes - but because women mean more to me
they have more power to hurt me. It is true that men are more apt to make friendships for the sake,
exclusively, of sexual satisfaction - but how many women are doing the same? As long as we indulge in
hate, generalizations, prejudices how are we going to do better than men?
The communists seeking to make a more equal world killed off as many of the wealthy and aristocrats
as they could reach, and ended up with practically the same thing, and as oppressive a society as that
which they sought to eliminate. In fact every revolution whether religious, racial, or political
brought about by violence has swung, like a pendulum, to the other side, and come around full circle
` to endorse for themselves what they condemned in others.
So, what is a woman? What can we be that will make the world better? I don't think that we can
secede from the rest of humanity and build a better world unless we have some goals besides spite, name-
calling, and hate. In fact, it isn't really possible to isolate ourselves, and even if we could we'd
still have the 'human' vices to haunt us. Let us then, identify our goals logically and stop wasting
our energies hating and trashing one another. What IS our ideal woman? Love to my sisters!
--Whittaker, MI
I've been reading LC for a little while now, and I am aggravated by the SEPARATISM in your articles,
etc. I love LC otherwise. Let me say a few things on separatism: I am nòt a separatist, because I am
bisexual and I am damn proud of it! Naturally, my preference is for women, but I also dig men and I
also date and sleep with them. I just know that all of you man-haters out there are rolling your eyes
in disgust, but I feel that one of the aims of feminism is to let each sister choose her own sexuality.
This is just what I'm doing. Many lesbians feel that bisexuals will always put men over women if
the situation arose. I, for one, have never done so, and I never shall. Also, if we want to stop dis-
crimination against us as women and as gays, we must also not discriminate against men. WE cannot
scream, "I want my equal rights, I want to be treated fairly," while at the same time, we are adver-
tising our coneerts, ete., -as being "FOR WOMEN ONLY" and we scream that we hate men, and we call them
mutants.
Let me say now: I cannot understand where the separatists heads are, but I know where mine is. Men
will treat you as equally as you treat them. Know that and understand it. I am dating a sister and a
man right now, and I love both equally. Believe me, I know; separatism "ain't where it's at!"
--Philadelphia, PA
X X X X XXNX xXx x
By order of the state legislature, "Minnesota Man" has been re-named "Minnesota Woman." The name
a female. --Gay News

applies to a set of 10,000 year-old human bones found in Otter Tail County in the 1920's. They have
long been referred to as the remains of "Minnesota Man" even though it was known that they belonged to
Xx X X X X X X X X X X X x
In a precedđent-setting case, a Michigan woman was acquitted recently in the fatal stabbing of her
husband who tried to rape her. The verdict is particularly significant because Michigan's Criminal
Sexual Conduct laws do not protect a wife against sexual assault by her husband unless țhey are sepa-
against rape. --From the Guardian

rated or divorced. Also, the verdict could be very important to other women who act in self-defense
X X X X X X xX X X X X X X

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
Announcements
What Lesbians Are Doing Across The Gontinent
DYKE CONNECTIONS: For DYKES only (no bisexuals). If you would like to contact dykes with similar inter-
ests, needs and/or objectives, I will help you. Write a brief description of yourself in a medium
sized paragraph -- include your name and address (phone number is optional). Be sure you state that
you are of legal age (lesbians under legal age can't be accepted). Tell me if you want to meet dykes
in your area and if you are willing to relocate. Include $1.00, plus a long self-addressed envelope
with two 13¢ stamps. The $1.00 is to pay for the cost of paper and printing. The first issue will
be mailed 6 weeks from the time this announcement appears in LC. You may want your description in two
or more times. Each issue will be different. Write: Gloria de La Rosa, 2116 Tenth St., Apt. B,
Berkeley, CA, 94710.
LESBIAN SEXUALITY: I am a lesbian woman interested in the field of sex education. After having led a
discussion group for lesbians about our sexuality, I realized the need for fürther information. I am
circulating a questionnaire which will be part of a book I am completing about lesbian sexuality. Any-
one who is interested in completing the questionnaire, please write: Pat Hardman, 1800 Market St.,
Box 151, San Francisco, CA, 94102.
DAUGHTERS OF LESBIANS: We would like to organize a conference for daughters of lesbian feminists. We
want to do it because we so seldom get to talk to other daughters who live in the same type of environ-
ment. If you have any ideas, reactions, etc., please contact: Ann EaStDrook, c/o Amazon, 2211 E.
Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI, 53211.
LESBIAN TOTAL LIVING SPACE: We are lesbians compiling info for a book about lesbians living in their own
"communities" (city or country) to provide.documented source (directory) and living communications for
lesbian groups and isolated lesbians. Send input to: Bonnie & Carolee, Star Rt. 90-A, Clearfield,
KY, 40313.
WE ARE TWO LESBIANS: and two goats, all vegetarians. We are looking for a piece of earth to share/rent/
buy/live on in California. We have many skills and much knowledge to share. We want to move immediately.
Please write: Summermoon, Cochrane Rd., Durham, NY, 12422.
ALL-WOMEN'S BOOKSTORE: Dayton, Ohio is proud to announce the opening of the All-Women's Bookstore, 1939 N.
Main St., Dayton, OH, 45406. This lesbian-owned and operated enterprise is the first of its kind in
Dayton, featuring ail categories of women's books, records, jewelry, and crafts. .
LESBIAN MUSICIANS: We're musicians interested in hearing from other lesbian musicians who'd like to swap
zeroxed music. Write: Sheryl McFarlane, 206 S. 28th, Las Vegas, NV, 89101.
ANNOUNCING THE NEW LESBIAN GARDENS LIBRARY: We opened our lesbian library here in Northampton, Mass., on
June 21, beginning with a small collection of donated and loaned books. We have divided the bookstore
Melanie Long.
into three categories: Lesbian (by and about): non-lesbian: and resource books. We need more books,
periodicals, and money. We will use the money to buy books by and about lesbians. Send your contri-
butions to (or come visit): Lesbian Gardens, 200 Main St., Northampton, MA. Make checks payable to
LESBIAN PAPERBACKS: I am compiling a list of lesbian fifties paperback novels. My list regretfully is
not complete enough. If you are making a similar list or have a collection of these books, please
contact me: Jan Gargner, 1849 W. Greenleaf, Chicago, IL, 60626.
WOMEN AND ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES: 2nd annual conference, planned by the Lesbian Rights Task Force of the
Angeles, CA, 90046. :

LA Chapter of NOW, is to be held at the University of Sourthern California on September 18 and 19. The
fee is $7.50 for both days, with proceeds going towards lesbian legislation and other feminist actions.
For info, write: Yvonne Johnson, or Julie Moody, LRTF/LA NOW, 8271 Melrose Ave., Suite 109, Los
S.F. D.O.B. IS ALIVE: and vibrant. Though we almost folded in November (after 21 or so years!) a few of
us who are trying to be as ambitious as our Ambitious Amazon sisters are, working hard to keep DOB
alive. We are planning a camping weekend, August 21-22 and a lesbian film and cultural series in
October. We need energy, money and our sisters' strength. Membership is $3 a year. Although our
newsletter, Sister, folded, we do a mailing of our events and local announcements. Back issues of
Sister are available for 254 plus 13¢z postage. They go back to 50's and 60's. Write: PDOB-SF, 435
Hyde, Box 1114, San Francisco, CA, 94109.
LESBIAN LAND: We are four women, 32, 25, 11, and 10 living on 17 secluded acres in Northern California.
We are looking for other lesbian separatists to join us. A main cabin (small) and other structures
now exist. Women interested in living here need to build their own sleeping structure and help with
land payments. Also adjacent to us is a l6-acre parcel that's for sale ($17,000 -- $3,400 down). We
want to see the land owned by dykes and would share our resources with any lesbians into buying and
living on this land. Dykes passing through Northern California are welcome to visit us. Contact:
Joanie, 3100 Ridgewood Rd., Willits, CA, 95490 - (707) 459-5776.
LESBIAN DECORATIONS: I am decorating a house and would like to hear from women who know where I can find
or order crafts, statues, art, wallpaper, etc., geared to lesbians. Write: Marty Hichs, 2248 Inwood
Cir. S., Jacksonville, FPL, 32207.
LESBIAN TRUCKDRIVERS: I am going to truck-driving school soon and am interested in finding, riding with,
talking to, etc., any women truck drivers. Please write: Becky Scheel, c/o Women's Coalition,
2211 E. Kénwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI, 53211. i s

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
. “ 221-
LAMMAS WOMEN'S SHOP: A lesbian business, carries hand crafted items by women; stained glass, pottery,
" macrame, batiks, leather, and our specialty, silver jewelry. We also carry books, records, and posters.
If you're passing through, stop and say hello: Lammas Women's Shop, 321 Seventh St., SE, Washington,
DC, 20003 - 546-7292. Open Tues-Fri, 11-6 - Sat 10-6. Closed Sunday and Monday.
”
LAND TRUSTS FOR WOMEN: We can help other women set up land trusts. We want to get women out of isolation,
building a supportive, creative community where the land is loved and respected as sacred, where all
women are welcome always, and where healing is a part of daily life. Write: Oregon Women's Land
Trust, Box 1713, Eugene, OR, 97401, or California Women's Land Trust, c/o Carole & Yclanda, 1538 N.
St. Andrews, Hollywood, CA, 90028.
POSTER WANTED: Dyke, a quarterly of lesbian culture and analysis, is searching for an original poster
design by a lesbian, to be printed and distributed as our first anniversary issue, Winter 1976-77.
Poster must include the words, "DYKE, a quarterly, First Anniversary Issue, Winter 1976-77." $100 for
the winning design. For complete info, send a SASE to Tomato Productions, 70 Barrow St., NY, NY, 10014.
MONTANA WOMEN'S FESTIVAL: August 27, 28, 29 for women from across Montana and elsewhere to gather to enjoy
music, share talents, and plan new directions for our movement. The festival, sponsored by Helena
Women's Center and Artemis Productions, will be held at Camp Child, 25 miles west of Helena, on Black-
foot River Road off Hwy 12. Registration is $20, which includes meals and lodging. For info, write:
Artemis Productions, c/o Linda Whedbee, 6390 Hwy 12 W #B, Helena, MT, 59601.
WOMEN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL: In Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on August 20, 21, and 22. (Come and celebrate with the
music of Meg Christian, Holly Near, Margie Adam, Ginni Clemens, Sally Piano, Andrea Weltman, Teresa
Trull, CT and April, Maxine Feldman, New Harmony Sisterhood Band, Be Be K'Roche, and more. Camping
and meals included in registration fee of $20 at gate. Write for tickets or more info (include SASE):
We Want The Music Collective, 1501 Lyons St., Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48858 - (517) 772-0582.
from Norman, Oklahoma on August 31, traveling the southwestern, northwestern, and mid-western regions
to return to Norman September 21. Come travel with us. Estimated cost is $10 per day, including two
veggie meals -- or $6.50 without meals. Before the maiden voyage begins, we will be going to the
Music Festival in Mt. Pleasant (above). Rides from here to Mt. Pleasant are $14, from St. Louis, MO,
$9.75, from Chicago, IL - $5.25, and from E. Lansing, MI - $1.00. Write: Sisters of Diana, P0 Box
2863, Norman, OK, 73070. Magic Ferry T-shirts are available for $3.50 - S, M, L, XL.
HASTINGS GAY LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION: is establishing a collection of legal briefs in cases affecting
gay rights. These materials will be housed at the Hastings Law School Library and will be available
for use by individuals and attorneys fighting for gay rights (custody rights, employment, housing dis-
crimination, etc.). Materials or requests for information should be sent to Hastings Gay Law Students,
198 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA, 94102.
CUSTODY RIGHTS: The National Gay Task Force has prepared a packet of informational statements by leading
psychologists, psychiatrists, and human sexuality experts to support the efforts of gay parents to ob-
tain custody and visitation rights for their children. The packet was prepared to respond to the grow-
ing legal problems gay and lesbian parents face. It's available for $1.00 from NGTF, Rm 506, 80 Fifth
Ave., NY, NY, 10011. :
ANOTHER DIMENSION: is 70 acres of land in the wilderness of Oklahoma for camping, swimming, canoeing,
horseback riding, farming, exploring, and general growing and enjoying. Monthly rate for any number
of days spent on land is $5, payable on or before each new moon. We are non-profit and have tax-exempt
status. Write: Sisters of Diana, Inc., PO Box 2863, Norman, OK, 73070.
HEALTHY PARANOIA: A weekend workshop in FBI harassment and grand jury abuse, September 18 & 19 in Ann
Arbor. Write: Carol Anderson, 410 N. State, Apt. 2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, 995-4197 or Maureen
O'Rourke, 326 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, 736-4188.
GAYS IN UNIFORM: There is now an organization for lesbians and gay men in the military. The organization,
called American Armed Forces Association, publishes an excellent newsletter called The Informer. All
interested individuals and groups can contact them by writing: AAFA, Box 1863, Pensacola, FL, 32589.
PROFESSIONAL FEMALE SINGER: is looking for a band to work with. I've had ten years of singing experi-
ence -- with a hit record in England. Write: Norma Wickey, 410 S. Pattie, Wichita, KS, 67211.
WE NEED YOUR HELP: We, the Ashfield Farm Women, are still here, we're squatting. This space must be ours --
for all women -- NO MALES. Write and call the Committee that owns the space, and PROTEST. Presently we
need: 1) your women bodies to stay here indefinitely for this action -- keeping WOMANSPACE, 2) your cash
enery, 3) copies of letters you write to the Committee. We were supposed to be out by May 23. Write
the Ashfield Farm Committee/Trust to protest, c/o Dale Melcher, 0'Neill Rd, Haydenville, MA, 01039, or
call (413) 268-3694.
PLAYWRIGHTS: A group of women who have performed together over the past two years in Amherst, Mass., are
looking for original plays by women for potential performances. Please include a SASE with your work
and mail to: Annette Townley, 506 Goodell Hall, U. of Mass., Amherst, MA, 01002.
WOMEN ON LAND: We have 80 acres near Fayetteville, Arkansas that we are clearing and building on this sum-
mer. We welcome women who would like to visit or stay awhile; we ask only that you help develop the
farm. Visitors should bring tents -- sleeping outside with the bugs is not recommended. For info,
write (include SASE): Women on Land, PO Box 521, Fayetteville, AR, 72701.
WOMEN'S WEEKEND III: October 8, 9, 10 at the Crymca Camp near Stillwater, NJ. Celebrate womanhood in the
bright Autumn of the Pocono. Gather your sleeping bag, and good feminist vibration and join us for fun,
sun, play, workshops, music, boating, swimming, etc. $16.50 for the weekend, $5 for children (under 3,
free). Write: Women's Weekend III, c/o Marcia Lyons, 6412 Locherest Rd., Baltimore, MD, 21239.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON HOMOSEXUALITY AND RELIGION: Free. Send a SASE to: The Center for University Ministry,
1514 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, 47401.

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
22:
` : `
OVEN PRODUCTIONS: Presents a Music Workshop on August 26, an exploration -of women's music: lyrics, form,
performance. Bring instruments and music to share, to the Community Room, at the downtown YWCA, Cleve-
land, Ohio. Write: Oven Productions, PO Box 18175, Cleveland, OH, 44118, or call 371-1697.
FEMINIST HEALTH CARE: We are a collection of mid-west feminist health care workers who are in the process
of formulating a national/international feminist health care workers conference to be held sometime in
September or October in Iowa. Send suggestions, ideas, and donations to: Emma Goldman Clinic for
Women, 715 N. Dodge, Iowa City, IA, 52240.
WOMEN'S HEALTH AND HEALING CONFERENCE: October 8-11 in LA. Topics such as "The Politics of Health Care"
and "Alternative Methods" are the themes for Sat. and Sun. There will be a concert on Fri. night and
a dance on Sat. Write: The West Side Women's Clinic, 1711 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA, 90405,
(213) 450-2191.
SYMPOSIUM ON THE FUTURE OF FEMINISM: will be held September 2-12 at the Woman's Building in LA. It is
being coordinated by the editors of The New Woman's Survival Sourcebook. There will be workshops, dis-
cussion groups, lectures, panels and films. Enrollment will be limited to 60 women (accepted on a
first-come first-serve basis). Fee is $250 -- advanced registration is $25 (non-refundable) and applied
toward the fee. No registration will be accepted after August 12. For further info, write: The
Woman's Building, 1727 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012.
-X X KXXX XNXX
CONTACT DYKES
Here's the additions and changes to our Contact Dykéė listing. These are listed sort of geographically
from the east to the west.
Ann Grossman - Box 233, Warner, NH, 03278 -. Phone (603) 456-3871.
Sandy & Ceil - 601 Route #163, Star Route, Montville, CT, 06353. CUR - 3
Barbara, Kathy & Deborah - 4410 Larchwood, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 - Phone EV-7-2099.
Chris Lundberg - 2619 Nicholson St., Apt. 203, Hyattsville, MD, 20782 - Phone (301) 559-2043.
Penny Webb - Charlotte, NC - Phone (704) 332-5753.
Vicki Combs - 500 Laketower #42, Lexington, KY,.40502 - Phone (606) 266-2202 (Please be discreet--
I live with my mother.)
Lori Holmes - 1680 Glenmont Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH, 44118 - Phone (216) 321-7026.
Charlene - Dayton, OH - Phone 252-7311. | - : SHES
Maryhelen Hibben & Nancy Silver-rod - 1003 Packard #5, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 > Phone (313) 663-3027.
Paula Sammons - 2751 S. Michael Pl., Traverse City, MI, 49684 - Phone (616) 947-4996.
Debbie - Milwaukee, WI - Phone (414) 962-1628. 3
#
Linda - Helena, MT - Phone (406) 443-5464.

Norma Wickey - 410 S. Pattie, Wichita, KS, 67211.
Jean - c/o DOB, Box 52113, New Orleans, LA, 70152 - Phone (504) 891-4339.
Sharon Behrends & Mary Ann Causey - PO Box 99, Seabrook, TX, 77586 (near Houston) - Ph. (713) 474-3618.
Sheryl McFarlane - 206 S. 28th, Las Vegas, NV, 89101.
Joanie - 3100 Ridgewood Rd., Willits, CA, 95490 - Phone (707) 459-5776.
The following contact dykes have moved and should be removed from the listing: :
Shellie & Annie, Washington, DC (Is. 6): Penelope, Charlotte, NC (Is. 1): Fonnie Harris, Fayetteville, .
NC (Is. 8): Dolores Kukla, Detroit, MI (Is. 2): Irene & Barb, Ann Arbor, MI (Is. 1):* Jan, ILukachukai,
AZ (Is. 1).
x X X KK R XKKO NA : '
Ads
A LESBIAN PORTRAIT: by Linda Shear, is a 45 min. tape of LESBIAN music. TO BE SOLD TO AND SHARED BY WOMEN
ONLY! A beautiful expression of lesbian womanhood. $5/ cassette tape, $4.75/ 5 or more -- $7.00/ree1
to reel -- $6.75/ 5 or more, Please include something for postage. Write: O1d Lady Blue Jeans, PO
Box 515, Northampton, MA, 01060. i
"LILY TOMLIN FOR PRESIDENT": buttons and bumper stickers, 50¢ a piece. 15% discount on orders of 20 or
more items. The more we learn about Lily, the greater we think she is! We thought you might agree.
Up with truth and humor! Make checks payable to Lily for President. Write: Lily for President,
2137 North Freemont, Chicago, IL, 60614.
BOOK OF LESBIAN LOVE POEMS: send $1.25 to: Lynn Greenwood-A, 6368 Main St., Trumbull, CT, 06611.
: an anthology of writings and graphics by lesbians in the Cincinnati-Dayton, OH, area.
Send $1.50 plus 13¢ for postage per copy. Write: Bloodroot, c/o Labyris, PO Box 6302, Cincinnati, OH,
45206. Amazon picture enclosed for additional 50¢.
THEY WILL KNOW ME BY MY TEETH: stories of lesbian, struggle and survival by Elana Dykewoman, author of
— Riverfinger Women. $3.50 (include something for postage). Write: O14 Lady Blue Jeans, PO Box 515,
Northampton, MA, 01060. É :
LONG TIME COMING: Canadian lesbian feminist newspaper. $5.00 a year to individuals, $10 to institutions.
50¢ for sample copy. Write: LTC, Box 128, Station G, Montreal, P.Q., Canada.
TOWA CITY WOMEN'S THEATRE: presents The Performance, a play for lesbians by Kathleen Hardy. The play por-
trays a l7-year-old lesbian artist, struggling with her life's decision. The group will be touring
this summer and fall. If you would like a performance in your area, please contact: Bonnie Marzlak,
924 E. Market, Iowa @ity, IA, 52240.

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
43-
LESBIANSCAPE: is a packet of four lesbian note cards by Laura K. Vera. A11 cards are 43" x 53": each of
fhe four has a different lesbian black on white graphic design...$1.00. Please write for wholesale
prices. O1d Lady Blue Jeans, PO Box 513, Northampton, MA, 01060.
COLLECTIVE IMAGE: an anthology by Writing-0n, a lesbian/feminist writing collective. This book includes
the work of six women writers who have been working as a collective for 13 years. This book includes
both poetry and short stories. It was typeset, layed-out, and designed by the Writing-On collective
and financed through readings and workshops. Write: c/o Carol Anne Douglas, 3616 Connecticut Ave.,
Washington, DC, 20008. Individual orders are $2.00 plus 30¢ postage.
NATURE NOTES: pen and ink drawings on brightly colored paper with matching envelopes. Attractive folder
of twelve, $3.00 plus 50 postage from: NE Lake, 1899 Sycamore Lane, Salt Lake City, UT, 84117.
THREE LESBIAN POSTERS TO COLOR: printed on heavy paper, black and white graphic designs by Great Hera
Teoncunabula. Make your own lesbian coloring book. A11 three posters are $1.00 each. Write: Old
Lady Blue Jeans, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA, 01060.
NAIAD PRESS: is interested in seeing lesbian novels suitable for publication. Query first, outlining
briefly the general plot and word length of the manuscript. Enclose SASE. Write: Naiad Press, c/o
The Ladder, PO Box 5025, Washington Station, Reno, NV, 89513. Also at present we have four lesbian
novels for sale: Speak Out, My Heart, by Robin Jordan, recounting the events occasioned by the basically
simple task of taking one's lesbian lover home to the family, $4.00: Cytherea's Breath, tells of a
handful of the many women who fought for freedom, through suffrage, social reform, law, and medicine,
$5.00: The Latecomer, about two women of unlike temperaments and different backgrounds who come to
recognize their love for each other, $3.00: and Tottie, a story of lesbian love set in the excitement
of the 1960's, $4.50 (all three of these are by Sarah Aldridge). Add 252 for postage for each book.
SISTER HEATHENSPINSTER'S ALMANAC AND LUNATION CALENDAR: created by Michelle Brody. Graphics, astrologi-
cal data, herstory, footnotes. Begins with the vernal equinox, March 20, 1976 and ends March 19, 1977.
$2.00/almanac-calendar. Write: O1d Lady Blue Jeans, PO Box 313, Northampton, MA, 01060.
TURNING POINT: first issue now available. It's a magazine of news, poetry, plays, graphics, photographs,
and lots more from inside the women's prison in Framingham, MA. It was funded by a grant and produced
by women inmates. The grant runs out soon, so we need your help to keep the communication open. For
“a subscription, send $1.25 plus 50¢ postage to The Turning Point, PO Box 91, Somerville, MA, 02143.
The women in Framingham would like to hear from you, and they can receive letters at: Turning Point,
Box 99, Framingham, MCI, Framingham, MA, 01701.
THE PEOPLE'S BICENTENNIAL QUILT: A Patchwork History. 45 women came together to make a statement about
the history of this country in the form of a quilt. Now there is a written account of each of the 45
patches that signifies a different struggle, along with photographs of each of the quilt square, in-
cluding: IWW, Bread and Roses, Seneca Falls, Wounded Knee, the Women's Movement, etc. Send $3.00 plus
35¢ for postage to: Up Press, 1944 University Ave., Rear, East Palo, CA, 94303.
GREEN PAISLEY: a volume of poetry, by Susie Clemens, published by Flower Press. It tells of bittersweet
Tove...love which blooms quickly, deeply, joyously...love which remains forever. Send $3.30 to:
Susie Clemens, PO Box 326, Oshtemo, MI, 49077.
THE GAY QUESTION: A Marxist Appraisal, traces the history of gay oppression from the beginning of class
— society to the present day, linking the roots of gay oppression to the overthrow of the matriarchy.
Send $1.00 plus 25¢ for postage to: World View Publishers, 46W. 21 St., NY, NY, 10010.
SYBIL CHILD: a women's arts and culture journal. Published three times a year. Subscriptions are $8.00
for individuals, $16.00 for institutions. Sample copies are $3.00/individuals -- $6.00/institutions.
X X X X X XNXX xXx
Letters
good work. --Hillburn, NY

We enjoy LC very much and are happy to send this check because we are aware of the work involved. We
have ordered a few books and tapes from the mail order lists and are pleased with them. Keep up the
Dear Sisters in Michigan: I can't begin to tell you how much it means to receive your publication.
I've wanted to communicate with other lesbians for some time now and have finally found an outlet. It's
fantastic to read about other lesbian women's fears, hope, ideals, thoughts, and feelings. I had always
been a very closeted lesbian but now I've come out to some extent - other gays. I seriously doubt that
I will ever be able to live a completely open lifestyle because I intend to teach physical education
after I graduate. But I now have the courage to approach my sisters and discuss problems pertaining
to our lifestyles and urge them to send for literature as Lesbian Connection because it gives you a
positive reinforcement about yourself. I played softball-on a team that was comprised mostly of les-
bians. Some closeted. As a feminist I talk to them about being aware of their own power - woman power -
because they don't need males in any sense. At first they scoffed, but now they are starting to get
into it. I'll start giving them my issues of LC and hope they will send for it. For myself someday I
hope to live in an Amazon, matriarchal society. This is a dream right now but perhaps one day it will
come true. My closest friends were straight but as I put more energy into my feminist-lesbian ideals
I can't be the same friend to them. I am impatient with them and now spend most of my time with other
gays. Living with other lesbians and getting out of all this heterosexual bullshit society would make
me a much happier, better adjusted person. -With sisterly love, Shickshinny, PA
‘Dear friends: I must heartily thank you for LC: it has been like a special chum to me fọr over a year
now -gets read cover to cover. I am always amazed that you manage to do such a splendid job time after

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time. It is truly a labor of love; I love you for it! The least I can do is send you & contribution,
and I'm ashamed that you even have to ask for it. After all, I have willingly shelled out similar sums
wise). Keep it up! --Silver Spring, MD

for subscriptions to the now defunct Sisters (to which I contributed material) and to Albatross (like-
Dear Sisters: We like to thank you, that you brought our announcement in your May issue. We've al-
ready received two letters both from black sisters. In the moment I (Adeline) have a fine gardening
job. I'm in the sun all day plus I earn a lot of money. Guy is traveling through Germany right now,
because the summer wind carried her away! We hope we can continue with LC. We hope you have enough
money and the fascism in your country is not so big, that it kills your inspiration (in every sense I
mean). In Germany the facism is getting bigger and bigger: the people only believe what the TV and
commercial tells them. They don't want to see "anything else." There is a lot of "anything else" in
i —-West Berlin, Germany

Germany these days, believe me sisters! Goodbye and thank you for making connection.
Dear Ambitious Amazons: I just stumbled across the May issue of LC and was blown away! I haven't been
out too long (less than a year), and my appreciation of what you're doing is enormous. My coming out
has been, and is, an intensely powerful, creative, euphoric, lonely, panic-stricken, and delightful
process. Women like you give hope and energy to lesbians everywhere. I don't have much money right
now, but I'm sending you my lucky 2 dollar bill. It's been pinned up on my bulletin board, next to a
' drawing of lesbians, since the day the bills were issued. --Love, Boulder, C0
Dear Sister Amazons: I like the format of LC (non-newspaper style). It's an efficient use of space.
** If you can't get enough money through donations I hope you'll charge for subscriptions rather than
let LC die. My only complaint is that I wish she were longer. I read quickly, and LC always gets de-
voured immediately upon receipt! --In sisterhood, Los Angeles, CA
EDITORS' NOTE: We don't plan on ever letting LC die without a fight!
Dear Ambitious Amazons: Being isolated here in Cheyenne is getting to be really too much for me to
cope with. If there is a bar scene or a lesbian underground - in two years I still haven't found it.
I realize I'm better off than those in the rural areas-who don't even know other lesbians, but I can't
go on this way much longer. Surely out of 60,000 people there must be a couplè others in the same fix
as myself. What I'm asking is that if any of your readers have dealt with this situation - how exactly
did they manage the first contact with the local lesbian scene? I'm willing to put the time, effort’,
and energy into organizing - organizing anything - but it takes more than two to participate. If any-
one knows of a good way to "get the word out" short of putting up a sign outside my house I'd be inter-
ested to hear about it. Also anyone who's dealt with this kind of problem just recently - maybe you
could give me some ideas about activities - the pitfalls - what I'm getting myself into. I'd greatly
appreciate anything anyone has to offer. Thanks! --Suzi - Box 184, Cheyenne, WY, 82001
Dear Connections: Just finished reading your May issue and really enjoyed it, particularly the letter
to "Mom and Dad" from Santa Cruz. It reflects my feelings and what I would so much like to tell my
parents, if I thought they'd read beyond the word "lesbian." Living in the California "farm belt" has
a few disadvantages. One is that I have little contact with lesbian activities, except through many
fine (not local) publications. I'm about an hour from the San Francisco Bay area, so am able to hit
in on women's concerts and workshops. The biggest "pick-me-up" for lesbians in this area, is the Gay
Women's Drop-In on Monday nights in Davis. The GWD is sponsored by the University of California (Davis)
Women's Research and Resource Center. Any women traveling in our area are certainly welcome to drop
in. We're located at TB 116, on the University campus and the phone number is (916) 752-3372. The
company is always welcomed! --In sisterhood, Woodland, CA
Dear Sisters: Your magazine is terrific! Today it's the rare lesbian women's rag that is not a narrow
voice of its eđitors' personal philosophies while purporting to speak for the lesbian movement. Itis
too easy to forget that this movement embraces thousands of individual women with extremely different
viewpoints and objectives. I believe deeply that by focusing on a personal, informal exchange of ideas
and experiences, we can ultimately find comfort and strength. Our- lesbian politics are so rooted in our
individual experiences, that it is good to dig out those hurts, the daily struggles, the fears, anxieties,
and inform each other of the emotional environments we each still dwell in. By this process alone can
we stand back and see who we really are beneath the rhetoric. --Traverse City, MI
Dear Ambitious Amazons: I'm wondering if there are other women who enjoy making quality lover/friend
connections (retaining autonomy) but find themselves pressured (guilted) into monogamy or more commit-
ment than they want to make - and then they feel, like a creep. Or if there are women who are making
such connections successfully without heavy possession, jealousy, or isolation taking over. It seems
a vital issue to me, one that brings us face to face with our conditioning - limiting definitions of
love ourselves - and how we choose to use our energies in these economically and otherwise crucial times.
Feedback greatly appreciațed. --Kathy - Box 66943, Scotts Valley, CA, 94066
Dear Wonderful Women: I'm so impressed with your speed at getting out Issue 3 that I'm sending you a
donation! Also I'm so grateful for the section "What Lesbians Are Doing Around The Continent." Been
spending time alone, in retreat and solitude, so I tend to lose track of what's happening - but thanks
to this section, I'm'in touch again. --Be high and healthy, Columbia, OH

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Lesbian Connection: Please remove me from your mailing list. I have received 2 issues of your maga-
zine and find it very poor. The tone of your magazine was one of paranoia. And the discrimination
against men was stronger than any I have ever met by being a woman. This is what we should fight not
create. I find in reading your articles women have a negative attitude about life. They ignore men
and feel they are all bad and out to get them. They are lonely and sad, and wonder why. I don't wish
to shut myself up in a category and close my eyes to everything and denounce it as wrong. I find no
women to feel this way. --Sandia Park, NM

purpose to what you are doing. I feel you might be doing more harm than good by encouraging other
Dear Ms: For quite awhile now I've been receiving your junk mail. I'm writing to tell you I DO NOT
want it!!! I demand to be taken off your mailing list. --0sceola, IA
No one at this address ordered this trashy filth! If this name and address is not removed at once -
we will sue. I'm only sorry I had to waste the 13g stamp on such junk! --Hobart, IN
EDITORS' NOTE: PLEASE, don't send in other names as jokes - it's a waste of time and $.
To the Ambitious Amazons: I would like my name taken off your mailing list. The concept of a news-
letter exclusively for lesbians is something we should move beyond. The capacity for women to love one
another and share sex with one another is something all women have. Whether we develop it or take ad-
vantage of it or not is a choice that should be born out of freedom. I would like to see that choice
come alive and the only way that's going to happen is if we stop dividing ourselves into groups and
separating ourselves from other people. Separatism and freedom are mutually exclusive - a person who
only allows herself to relate to lesbian-identified lesbians has made her own freedom impossible by
narrowing her possibilities down to a very small group. Those restrictions shouldn't be there. We'll
3 never have.the freedom to live and love as we choose as long as we exclude others (you can't come with
us, you can't listen to our music because you're a man, straight woman, black, Jew, smoker, whatever).
It seems most of your readers are into separatism to some degree or at least considering it as a` life-
style or philosophy. All it does is reinforce the image of the lesbian as a hateful and fearful bitch.
It so drastically narrows down our choice that it can only mean a dead end in any search for ourselves
as loving human beings. For any woman who chooses to love women the hardest things is retaining that
' freedom to choose and separatism makes it impossible. --Yardley, PA
Dear Amazons: Love LC! Right now it's one of the few movement publications I can really identify
with. Here in Balto we don't have any all lesbian political organization. We have the Lesbian Commun-
ity Center - but it's a social organization. After my years in first Gay Liberation, then Women's
Liberation, I'm really looking for a separatist lesbian organization that I don't have to organize
myself. I think I might have a long wait here in Balto. Right now some of us are organizing a Women's
Weekend for Oct. 8, 9, and 10 in the N.J. Pocono Mountains. We'll send you a flyer as soon as it's
printed. (See Announcements.) Keep up the good work. --Baltimore, MD
Dear Sisters: I, along with many other women, have puzzled quite a bit about whether I wished to keep
any or all of the names given to me by the various men with whom I have been associated in my 22 years -
I have quite a string of them. But I never could think of a name which I like enough, and which I con-
sidered enough of a personal political statement to make the change worthwhile. I am not terribly
clever about titles, names, and so forth. My favorite was "Forfreedom" - but a woman named Ann had
already thought of that. And while I'm sure she would have shared, I still suspected that one day my
name would come to me if I were patient enough. Well, it has. My first name will be "Mal'va." It is
the Russian word for the flower, hollyhocks. (My given first name was Holly, and my sister, Carol,
could never understand why, if there were hollyhocks in our yard, there could not be "carolhocks" as
well.) Through the name Mal'va, I tie my past to my present and my future. My second name will fol-
low a Soviet custom which I admire. A person other than one's close associates (who are addressed by
diminuitives or nicknames) is addressed by the first name and the second, or patronymic. No titles
are used. So I take as my second name, my mother's name - a matronymic. My second name will be
Elizabeth (as it is now) or more properly, "Elizavyetovna." śTXIn this name I recognize my only sure
parent. I will take no surname until the freedom of women, in particular, and of all people in general,
has been secured. Only people and registered animals have surnames. Until my (and my sisters') human-
ity and personhood are recognized in reality, i.e., legally and (more importantly) within the operating
| mores of this and every society, we do not have our own names in fact. I therefore see no reason to
have a surname on paper, thereby continuing to support the illusion that in this country there is "liberty,
justice, and equality for all." --Yours in the struggle, Mal'va Elizavyetovna - Valdosta, GA
P.S. It goes without saying that LC is a very important publication, and that I will contribute to your
financial better-being when I can. Even though by. being free to all lesbians, you remain somewhat less
secure financially, your being free and continuing to survive as a publication is an important statement
in itself. It shows that the community of women who support this publication can successfully do some-
thing which is for their own benefit without being forced to do so. We can be concerned for ourselves
as a community. We can choose a positive course of action voluntarily.
Hello Ambitious Amazons: LC is getting to be a well known and widely read source in the Phoenix area
and the Goddess knows we need it here. I am happy to continue sharing new issues with women who don't
yet. know you. Know that you are supported by a growing energized lesbian community! i
--With love and strength, Tempe, AZ
Dear Women: I love you! -Portola Valley, CA

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=26>=
Dear Sisters: I sit here, nude, after growing from your June and May issues. I'm a labeled "straight"
who is growing from LC and newness of the validity of women friends (of all sexual Persuasions). (I
shall return these copies to the bookstore for it would be horribly selfish to file them away as a keep-
sake when another sister could become happy by reading them.) In hearing from women nation/world wide,
you are loved. --East Lansing,, MI

I feel less confused and more patient with myself in my emerging consciousness. Keep up the energies,
Dear Sisters: Thank you for being there - we look forward to each issue. Sometimes it is easy to feel
isolated and it is certainly a joy to experience the feelings and thoughts of sisters throughout the
country. We are enclosing a contribution, and hope to send more in the near future. We love you.
--Montville, CT
Lesbian Connection: Finally have enough extra cash to send you a contribution. I've passed on LC to
lesbian friends and groups for two years now and find it a great way for dykes to keep in touch. I'm
a separatist and appreciate the lesbian-separatist articles you print. I also applaud your attempt to
keep LC open to dykes with different views. The May cover was great. --Stay strong, Perry Park, KY
Dear Amazons: I've enjoyed reading the variety of articles you've printed in the last two LC's on the
separatist/non-separatist issue. Enclosed is a check - hope your financial situation is improving.
--Chicago, IL
Hello Lesbian Sisters: It's so good to read Lesbian Connection, and knowing what is happening with
to you. , --DePere, WI
lesbians across the country helps to keep the mind alive. Also like finding out about special con-
ferences and other info. You all must be beautiful and resourceful women. Good luck and much life
To All Lesbians: I would like to help you if you will only listen. I am trying to save you from burn-
ing in Hell. If you will get you a Holy Bible King James Version and read the lst chapter of Romans
and the 11th chapter of Corinthians, and tęil me that- you are not going to Hell. You do not know who
"God" is if you do not want my help. Please do not send any of your lesbian's trash to this address
any more. Linda is not here. --Fred - Clyde, TX
find out from Fred or the Post Office. : u
Dear Amazons: I thoroughly enjoy your paper. I am a lesbian who has finally admitted to myself that
I am gay. It has taken me five years to allow myself to think about women as lovers. For the first
time in my life I'm not ashamed to think "lesbian." I have a hard time expressing my new feelings, but
with others' help, I'm doing better. --Keep up the good work, Ann Arbor, MI
Ambitious Amazons: The Connection is unique for making it possible for every lesbian to "have her say"
and I appreciate hearing the wide spectrum of views. Here's a small check to help you keep going.
Hope you stay ambitious! --Many Sappho smiles, Minneapolis, MN
,
Dear Sisters: I have a vision of meeting and rapping with hundreds of far-out women all across the
United States this summer and fall. I will be traveling in the northeast in August, then head westward
in September and south and back east in October. I am a woman-identified woman, a feminist and a vege-
tarian, a quiet, independent, fun-loving, life-giving woman. I would like to share my woman energy
with you and talk about energy flow, self healing or whatever you are into. And I could share what I
have gained from other women who I meet. Please write to me so that I will not pass you by. All mail
will be forwarded. In sisterhood, Janet Cutman, 278 Washington Blvd, Oswego, NY, 13126, (315) 343-2412.
Dear Ambitious Amazons: You're the greatest! Each new connection is just filled with all sorts of
vital info. I'm sending along a donation (all I can afford at the present time, but will send more
as soon as possible) as your growth and continuation is so important to me - and all of us who are
seeking to communicate with one another. And build a movement and a revolution. Good luck and keep
up the hard work. Wish I could be there to help in the flesh. --Washington, DC
Dear Sisters: Thank you for your labor of love that brings forth this exciting creation of expression.
Through each individual who contributes I can feel an aura of love, no matter the message or statement.
I am drawn in and can feel the flow that connects us. --0akland, CA
Please take my name off your mailing list. I have enjoyed your paper but must not receive it any more,
due to personal reasons. I can get the info from a friend. Your monthly publication is interesting
but too raunchy sometimes. I think we should clean up the sex talk and be more dignified. Raunchy
talk is not becoming to us. --Thanks, Kalamazoo, MI
Ambitious Amazons: I am an emerging lesbian and do not know where to turn, having been ridiculed and
damaged by the few women I dared to tell my lesbian tendencies to. Maybe by reading your publication,
I can learn to reveal myself honestly for what I am, yet remain unharmed by straight's accusations and
women out. --Thank you, New York, NY

gossiping. I know that other women around me must feel as I do, but I do not know how to seek these
EEEE

37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC
-®
w -m ` S27.
Sisters: You mentioned about a British Group called Free Sanitary Protection. Free sanitary napkins
and tampons. Well, being a woman, I cannot change what I am. I will always have my periods. This I
do not want to give up. But I will as I get older. But in the meantime I will need tampons and nap-
kins. I know I spend enough on them. We should have some sort of free service to get sanitary pro-
work. --Newport, KY
tection in this country as we need it. We should also get some sort of free medical help if needed.
Also free medicines for our periods when we have them. Well sisters I could go on. Continue the good
X X X X X X Xxxx
WHAT IF SHE WERE A LESBIAN?
New York (INS) . . . A woman employed on a plant run by General Motors of Canada, Ltd., said she had
herself sterilized to keep her job. "I shouldn't have done it," Norma James said, "because I know it's
not right that they should teli you you're not going to have any more children or else you can't work
here anymore."
Norma works on battery assembly, where lead oxide emissions are potentially harmful to unborn children.
She was one of six women at the plant who were told they would be transferred to another department un-
less they could prove they cannot bear children. Four of the other women have filed a complaint with
the Ontario Human Rights Commission, charging the company with sex discrimination.
Norma said in an interview that she needs to keep the steady night work because it pays $6.50 an
hour and a night differential, and enables her to look after her four children who are between the ages
of six and thirteen.
Findings at John Hopkins University have established the danger of lead oxide emissions to unborn
of policy. --Feminist Communications

X X X X NxN x
When reporters talked with figure skating gold medalist John Curry about his "unmasculine" style,
and finally asked, "Don't you keep getting asked if you're gay?" the British star responded, "I am."
Having broken the biggest taboo in sports, he was deluged with questions from members of the inter-
national press, except for American reporters. He told them that one of the reasons competent male
skaters fell down so frequently was that coaches forced them to skate in presumably masculine appear-
ing styles that weren't true to their natures. Curry said that he'd been physically beaten by his
former coach in an effort to force him to skate in a masculine style. --0ne
RERIN NREN NRN RR
The Executive Board of the United Federation of Teachers passed a resolution protecting gays at their
June 14th meeting in New York City. Similar resolutions have been passed by the American Federation of
of Columbia Board of Education. --GCN

Teachers, the National Education Association, the California Federaltion of Teachers, and the District
X X X X X XX NXXX
LESBIAN CONNECTION INFORMATION
A Nationwide Forum of News & Ideas By, For & About Lesbians
Lesbian Connection is free to all lesbians: We depend totally on donations from our readers, and
suggest an $8.00 donation (more if you can, less if you can't).
EXTRA COSTS FOR SPECIAL REQUESTS:

Outside the U.S. - $2.00 (sea mail/third class)
In Envelope - $4.00 (third class)
Subseriptions for Libraries/Institutions - $13.00
We now have back issues of Volume II available. Costs for back issues are $1.50. Please specify
which issue (Issue 1, 2, or 3) you're interested in.
NOTES: Please, LC does not include poetry, fiction, or requests for pen-pals. MOVING? Tell us
immediately (include your old address--the old mailing label would be helpful). The Post
Office will not forward copies of LC, and they charge us 25¢ every time they can't deliver
your copy of LC. We cannot handle. forwarding mail for other groups or individuals, so if
you have an announcement for us be sure to include permission to print your name and
address. (COPY DEADLINES for Issue 5 -- August 13 for articles, August 25 for ads, announce-
ments, and contact dyke listings.
MANY THANKS TO OUR PRODUCTION STAFF: Margaret M., Mary Ann, Nancy C., Laura, Julie, Pat K., Judy,
Toby, Elaine, Lynn, Dena, Berta, Jo, Kathy, Helen, Dee, Melanie, Pat C., Margaret S., and many others!
We wish to extend a special thanks to the lesbian in Grand Rapids who printed for free the cover of
this issue andnany past issues. s k
Badii
NNN NNK NNN NNN

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37.222.255.71 on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:03:21 UTC

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Lesbian Connection

Source: Reveal Digital , 08-01-1976

Licenses: Creative Commons: Attribution-NonCommercial

This item is openly available as part of an Open JSTOR Collection.

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Volume II, Issue 4 To reprint please ask

The following is a letter we would like to share with you. It is in reaction

We appreciate readers responding to the many things we print. Unfortunately,

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Articles & News

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I have just spent the best mother-daughter day of my life.

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1) Do not run screaming from the room. This is rude.

WHOIIAIBA992999299929992099290890899990939929099093989909899989992909999099299999999899929909999999909990999900000% KK KHHKK KKK

A WORD FROM THE GRAPEVINE

Realistically statistically speaking: we are of a transient culture; a scattered nomadic tribe.

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EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WHOM? A REPORT ON THE NATIONAL ERA RALLY

clear up and float away! : --Nan Haas > Chicago, IL

MORE NEWS FROM TV LAND

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20TH CENTURY PARADISE

KNHEN RENNIN RIKER EKEK

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Annapolis, and ran a bookstore. --Majority Report

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and that it caused vaginal itching and burning. |

their safety. --Info from New Women's Times

Air Force. `-X iXx--Lesbian

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vehicles carrying men." --Pandora

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feminist movement. --From NFTF

CAN LESBIANS BE FRIENDS?

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1 Sappho Was A Right-On Woman, Abbot and Love = --Mar,

2 "Women In Love, The Lesbian Way Of Life," (unpublished) Lesher

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TO THE MAN REPORTER .

ASSAULTS AND RITUALS |

CA, 94140. --Melanie - Lansing, MI

THE LEGACY: MORE THAN A LESBIAN LOVE STORY

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

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you. --Marge - Gallup, NM

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about it. I'm doing what I have to do to SURVIVE!

men, Watch out! --Charlotte, NC

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a female. --Gay News

against rape. --From the Guardian

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Angeles, CA, 90046. :

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Linda - Helena, MT - Phone (406) 443-5464.