Lesbian Nation radio program, 1972-1974

Collection Items

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  Lesbian Nation, April 14, 1972

  Martha Shelley hosts a poetry reading and interview with lesbian poets from the San Lorenzo Bay area. In between reading their poems, the women discuss power and equality dynamics, as well as relationships and trying to get works published in The Ladder. Trigger warning: racial slurs.

  Tags Environmentalism, Lesbian Nation, Love, Martha Shelley, Music, Poetry, Relationships, The Ladder
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  Lesbian Nation, July 28, 1972

  Martha Shelley interviews Gene Damon aka Barbara Grier, founder of the lesbian magazine The Ladder (1956-1972). They discuss the beginnings of The Ladder and how it evolved from a smaller publication within the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) into an independent publication. Grier discusses the shift in content as well once the magazine became independent of the Daughters of Bilitis. Grier felt that under DOB they were focused on presenting a clean public image of lesbians to society at large and that this was reflected in what was published in older versions of The Ladder. Once Grier became the editor, she felt it was important to address topics like sexuality, saying “we began running material that deals with sex honestly and forthrightly.”

  Tags Barbara Grier, Coming Out, Daughters of Bilitis, Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), Interviews, Lesbian Musician, Lesbian Nation, Lesbian Writer, Literature, Martha Shelley, Music, Publications, Sex, Sexual Relationships, Sexuality, The Ladder, Women's Lesbian Liberation Committee, Women's Liberation Movement, Writing
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  Lesbian Nation, August 11, 1972

  Martha Shelley interviews Sydney Abbott and Barbara Love about their newly released book "Sappho Was a Right On Woman," The book and discussion touches on topics of lesbian experience including the "evil" lesbian who attempt to rebel against norms, the external and internal pressure of the lesbian experience and the fragmented nature of the women's movement. [Music: Women Like Me by Roberta Kosse and Heroin by the Velvet Underground plays]

  Tags Identity, Martha Shelley, Women's Liberation Movement, Writing
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  Lesbian Nation, August 25, 1972

  An interview with Julie Lee about her background, work and ongoings with New York City & New Jersey branches of Daughters of Bilitis. This recording also includes a discussion of the book “Lesbian Woman” by Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon, the topics it addresses and Julie Lee’s efforts on east coast distribution of the book.

  Tags Books, California, Daughters of Bilitis, Feminism, Interviews, Julie Lee, Phyllis Lyon Del Martin, Publications, Women's Liberation Movement
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  Lesbian Nation, September 1, 1972

  Introduction of Mary Flowerpot followed by an interview where Martha Shelley and Mary Flowerpot compare and contrast the beginning of the GLF in the United Kingdom and discuss class distiniction, women in the workforce and the drag scene in Europe. Martha Shelley and Mary Flowerpot also read a letter a homophobic letter directed at Joe Johnston that was sent to the Village Voice. At end the episode, Martha Shelley answers phone calls from two lesbians about the firing of a lesbian speaker from WBAI.

  Tags Drag, International, International Lesbian Movement, Martha Shelley, Mary Flowerpot
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  Lesbian Nation, September 8, 1972

  Martha Shelley interviews lesbian students from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale about a number of topics including lesbian publishing, local environmental concerns, and student activism. Mary Flowerpot opens the show with another funny segment before Shelley comes on to address more serious topics. The students discuss a recent incident involving unwarranted police brutality against a local student group (trigger warning).

  Tags Activism, Bias Incidents, Colleges and Universities, Discrimination, Environmentalism, Hate Crimes, Humor, Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley, Mary Flowerpot, Police Harassment
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  Lesbian Nation, September 22, 1972

  In this installment of Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley interviews women of the Women’s Lesbian Liberation Committee of the Gay Activists’ Alliance (GAA). Mary Flowerpot also hosts her comedy segment. In Shelley’s interview, the women discuss the emergence of the Lesbian Liberation Committee and their role within the GAA. They talk about what they have done to address issues of sexism in the GAA and how they try to maintain positive discourse with male members.

  Tags Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), Humor, Interviews, Lesbian Musician, Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley, Mary Flowerpot, Music, Sexism, Sexuality, Women's Lesbian Liberation Committee
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  Lesbian Nation, September 29, 1972

  In this episode of Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley and guests read original poetry. They cover love, relationships, and life as a lesbian in New York City. Mary Flowerpot opens the show with her trademark whimsical comedy segment.

  Tags Lesbian Nation, Love, Martha Shelley, Mary Flowerpot, Poetry, Relationships
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  Lesbian Nation, October 6, 1972

  This episode of Lesbian Nation opens with a Mary Flowerpot humor segment then dives into an interview between Martha Shelley and Phyllis Chesler, renowned psychologist and author. In this interview, Chesler discusses women’s health, delving into her observations on how women are treated in mental health institutions. The episode ends with a poetry reading.

  Tags Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), Health, Intergenerational Relationships, Interviews, Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley, Mary Flowerpot, Mental Health, Mothers, Music, Phyllis Chesler, Poetry, Psychology, Women's Health
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  Lesbian Nation, October 12, 1972 [Kate Millett, "Since Sexual Politics"]

  Martha Shelley speaks with Kate Millett, author of Sexual Politics, about a wide range of subjects that includes the Angela Davis trial of 1971, bisexual identity, radical counterculture in American universities, sadomasochism, and the Vietnam War.

  Tags Bisexuality, Colleges and Universities, Holocaust, Martha Shelley, Prison, Psychology, Sexuality
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  Lesbian Nation, October 13, 1972

  Mary Flowerpot plays a recording of Joyce Grenfell's audio drama and a continuation of the story of "Sally Lime, the Third Woman." Later, Martha Shelley interviews Karla Jay and June Rook about the book "Out of the Closet," a gay anthology of views and articles about topics including the gay experience in Cuba and a discussion of the value of the individual perspective. [Music: Bar One by Maxine Adele Feldman]

  Tags Femininity & Masculinity, Gender Roles, Interviews, June Rook, Karla Jay, Martha Shelley, Mary Flowerpot, Phyllis Chesler
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  Lesbian Nation, October 20, 1972

  This episode of Lesbian Nation opens with Mary Flowerpot’s comedy segement followed by Martha Shelly interviewing Bertha Harris. Harris is the author of “Catching Saradove” (1969), “Confessions of Cherubino.” (1972), and “Lover” (1976). Shelley and Harris have a conversation about the writing process and intellectualism.

  Tags Bertha Harris, Interviews, Lesbian Writer, Martha Shelley, Mary Flowerpot, Poetry
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  Lesbian Nation, November 20, 1972

  A re-broadcast of a poetry reading with Audre Lorde on Staten Island. The poem read include "Times Change and We Change with Them or We Seem to have Lost Touch with Each Other," "Martha," and "The Maiden, and Song."

  Tags Audre Lorde, Martha Shelley
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  Lesbian Nation, December 26, 1972

  Interview with Julie Lee, an important member of the Daughters of Bilitis, about the New Jersey National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) and her struggles to create a chapter of NOW dedicated to "doubly-oppressed" women (which included lesbians, POC women and improvished women in the community).

  Tags Daughters of Bilitis, Julie Lee, Martha Shelley, National Organization for Women, Political Movements
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  Lesbian Nation, January 2, 1973

  In this episode of Lesbian Nation Martha Shelley speaks with poet Susan Caver. In between Caver reading her poetry, Shelley and her discuss the “disturbing” themes in Caver’s poetry which include incest and religion, as well as Carver’s past relationships.

  Tags Christianity, Fathers, Incest, Interviews, Martha Shelley, Poetry, Religion, Sexual Assault
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  Lesbian Nation, January 30, 1973

  Interview with Jane Kogan about Daughters of Bilitis and why she gave up painting and her life as an activist and artist [The Lady’s Not for Sale by Kris Kristofferson plays] .

  Tags Art, Daughters of Bilitis, Martha Shelley, Women's Liberation Movement
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  Lesbian Nation, January 1973 [Women Choose Women Exhibition]
  

  This recording consists of informal interviews and a narrated tour conducted by Martha Shelly as she walks through the museum on the opening of the Women Choose Women exhibit at the New York Cultural Center. Martha Shelley interviews important people tied to this exhibit such as Mario Amaya, director of the New York Cultural Center. Anne Kang, an activist who discusses work with her fellow activists to protest discrimination against work created by women at the Museum of Modern Art and the organization of what would become the Women Choose Women exhibition.
  
  Artist Muriel Castanis, a self described “sculpturette” shares her enthusiasm for the exhibition and the New York Cultural Center for hosting it. After the conclusion of this section, Martha Shelley conducts a walking tour of the exhibition and discusses selected works that stood out to her. She bumps into Janet Kogan and asks about her works and how they became part of the show.

  Tags Activism, Art, Discrimination, Interviews, Martha Shelley, Museums, New York
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  Lesbian Nation, February 20, 1973

  Interview about the play "Coming Out: A Documentary Play About Gay Life & Liberation in the U.S.A". by Jonathan Ned Katz with five members of the cast. In the course of the conversation, the cast also discusses issues with relating to other social groups through the play.

  Tags Books, Gender, Identity, Martha Shelley, Theater, Writing
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  Lesbian Nation, February 26, 1973

  On February 21st, a protest was conducted in Times Square by Committee for Fair Divorce and Alimony Laws protesting the paying of alimony by husbands. A counter protest conducted by National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) in favor of alimony and increased regulations and child support. Martha Shelley conducted interviews with both organizations from individuals at the protests.

  Tags Marriage, Martha Shelley, National Organization for Women, Political Movements
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  Lesbian Nation, March 13, 1973

  Karla Jay and June Rook about the book "Out of the Closet," a gay anthology of views and articles about the gay experience including the gay experience in Cuba and a discussion of the value of the individual perspective. [Bar One by Maxine Adele Feldman]

  Tags International, Interviews, June Rook, Karla Jay, Martha Shelley, Politics
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  Lesbian Nation, March 27, 1973

  In this episode of Lesbian Nation Martha Shelley speaks with Isabel Miller, author of “Patience and Sarah”. They discuss Miller’s writing career, her use of a pseudonym for writing lesbian novels, and the process of getting “Patience and Sarah” published.

  Tags Gender Roles, Interviews, Isabel Miller, Lesbian Writer, Martha Shelley
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  Lesbian Nation, April 23, 1973

  Second part of the interview with Jill Johnson, writer of the book, Lesbian Nation. Martha and Jill continue their discussion about personal and political relationships in lesbian culture and the complex issue of men in lesbian and feminist spaces. [Music: Can't Stop the Maddness by Birtha and audio from Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About The Godfather but Never Thought to Ask]

  Tags Gender, Identity, Jill Johnston, Writing
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  Lesbian Nation, June 8, 1973 [In Search of Sappho]

  Tags History, Martha Shelley, Poetry
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  Lesbian Nation, June 12, 1973

  Part 1 of a reading of a letter by Jane Alpert titled Mother Right that discusses Jane Alpert's life in the Weather Underground for three years. The letter is split into two parts: an open letter to women activists to leave the left movement to radical feminism and a call to action to build a matriarchy. The episode references rape, emotional manipulation and sexism performed by members of the Weather Underground and the left.

  Tags Activism, Feminism, Jane Alpert, Matriarchy, Weather Underground
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  Lesbian Nation, June 26, 1973

  In this episode Martha Shelley reads a letter written by Jane Alpert. The letter discusses male vs female biology, motherhood, feminism and the feminist revolution, Gynocracies and patriarchies, as well as gender roles.

  Tags Childbirth, Feminism, Gender Roles, Jane Alpert, Labyris Bookstore, Letter, Martha Shelley, Mothers
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  Lesbian Nation, September 10, 1973

  Part two of an interview about Marge Piercy's newest book "Small Changes." Discussion included topics like the value of writing about working class characters and language in writing and speech.

  Tags Books, Identity, Marge Piercy, Martha Shelley, Writing
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  Lesbian Nation, September 17, 1973

  Martha reads a response letter originally published in "Off Our Backs" from the women of Weather Underground in reply to Jane Alpert's letter. This letter references topics including the bridge between the radical feminism movement and the left, the divisions in the women's movement, and the ideals of the organization. [Music from Bali]

  Tags Jane Alpert, Martha Shelley, Matriarchy, Radical Lesbians, Weather Underground
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  Lesbian Nation, September 24-25, 1973 [Softball Game; N. O. W. Sports; J. Rawcliffe]

  Tags Martha Shelley, Sports
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  Lesbian Nation, October 15, 1973 [Esther Newton, pt. 2]

  Tags Feminism, Jane Alpert, Martha Shelley, Matriarchy
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  Lesbian Nation, October 22, 1973

  Martha Shelley and Lois Chaffee discuss the Women’s Liberation Center and an ongoing dispute over its occupancy of 243 West 20th St., as a family services group has tried to claim the space for themselves. Following their conversation, Martha Shelley reads aloud two letters from listeners, one a gay senior at Stuyvesant High School and the other a student at Sarah Lawrence College. Trigger warning: bullying, homophobic slurs.

  Tags Homophobia, Lesbian Nation, Letter, Martha Shelley, Poetry, Political Movements, Youth
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  Lesbian Nation, October 29, 1973

  Martha Shelley interviews authors Rita Mae Brown and Blanche Boyd about growing up in the American South, publishing their work with the independent feminist press Daughters Inc. rather than a mainstream publisher, and the synthesis and conflict between feminism and art. Among other announcements, Shelley also gives a brief update on the Women's Liberation Center and their right to occupy the 20th Street firehouse.

  Tags Books, Feminism, Labyris Bookstore, Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley, Rita Mae Brown
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  Lesbian Nation, November 18, 1973

  Tags Marge Piercy, Martha Shelley, Stonewall
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  Lesbian Nation, January 14, 1974

  Martha Shelley plays a Lavender Jane song to open the episode and reads a series of local announcements. In the second part of a three-episode interview, Shelley speaks with Florynce Kennedy about intersectional feminism and racial conflict in the feminist movement, defining one's lesbian identity, and working to reject the pathology of oppression. Trigger warning: racial slurs.

  Tags Florynce Kennedy, Lavender Jane, Martha Shelley
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  Lesbian Nation, January 21, 1974

  The episode opens with a song from Lavender Jane. Then in the final part of a three-episode interview, Martha Shelley brings back Florynce Kennedy to discuss Bobby Seale's trial and mayoral run in Oakland, Kennedy's experience as part of Assata Shakur's legal team, and intersectionality and conflict between the feminist and black power movements. Following their interview, Viv Sutherland reviews Myrna Lamb's play Because I Said So, playing at the Women's Arts Center. Trigger warning: racial slurs.

  Tags Florynce Kennedy, Intersectionality, Lavender Jane, Lesbian Nation, Martha Shelley, Political Movements
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  Lesbian Nation, April 2, 1974

  This recording begins with announcements for upcoming poetry readings located throughout New York City. The next segment is a pre-recorded interview panel that offers insight into the gay professional led by a woman identified only as Shoshana. She discusses her own background and experiences in the workplace and then asks her panelists questions about their experiences and difficulties they face. The panelists go on to discuss their hesitancy and fears of what the repercussions of being out on the job would mean. Continuing on, the panelists discuss societal pressures and the vagaries of workplace policies and the paranoia it can lead to. As the discussion concludes, the focus and fear society has on the sexual aspect of being gay is explored. This broadcast concludes with Martha Shelley discussing her feelings of nostalgia on turning 30.

  Tags Coming Out, Discrimination, Employment, Friendship, Gay Liberation Movement, Job Discrimination, Martha Shelley, Relationships, Social Life, Social Work
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  Lesbian Nation, March 21, 197[?]

  A recording of Judy Grahn who briefly discusses publishing and two independent presses run by women, the Women’s Press Collective & Mama’s Press in the California bay area. The majority of airtime is dedicated to Grahn’s reading of works from the aforementioned presses. She reads chapter 17 from Sharon Isabel’s autobiographical novel “Yesterday’s Lessons” as well as poetry from “Lesbians Speak Out” & poems of Susan Griffin.

  Tags Butch and Femme, California, Families, Fathers, Feminism, Lesbian Writer, Mental Health, Motorcycles, Poetry, Publications, Suicide, Women's Liberation Movement
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  Lesbian Nation, undated [Placenta Previa-cesarean]

  Recorded by Martha Shelley in San Francisco, an unknown woman reading a poem written about the birth of her child and motherhood.

  Tags Childbirth, Gender Roles, Love, Mothers, Poetry

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  • Lesbian Nation radio program, 1972-1974