Debra, February 20, 1980 (Tape 1)

Lesbians

Lesbians Conduct of Life

Lesbians--Employment

Lesbians--Family Relationships

Lesbians--Social Life and Customs

Lesbians--United States--Interviews

Lesbians--United States--Identity

Lesbians--United States--Social conditions

Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th Century

Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--Social Conditions

Lesbianism--United States

Lesbianism--Social Aspects

Lesbianism--United States-- History

Roles--Butch and Femme

Lesbian and Gay Experience

Gay Bars

Discrimination

Religion

Lesbians--Romantic Relationships

Interracial Couples

Lesbians of Color

Gay Men

Hair

Fashion

Debra discusses her experiences as a lesbian. She talks about her first lesbian relationship when she was 12, how she was married for one day, how her mother knew something was different about her, and how her sister figured out she was a lesbian because she was only married for one day.
She talks about her relationships with women, how she never openly acknowledged that she was gay but if she was asked she wouldn’t deny it.
They discuss monogamy, she was mostly faithful, but she also talks about jealous partners and how when one is accused of things, one might as well and go ahead and do it.
She doesn’t believe that a lesbian relationship is any different than a straight relationship.
They discuss bars and areas in Buffalo that she would frequent: Moon Glow bar, Pearls bar, Ralph Martins, Ryan’s Hotel, Little Harlem. They also discuss dating rituals, fashion, and relationship/ courting roles.

Debra (Interviewee)
Madeline Davis (Interviewer)

1980, February 20

Original = Cassette Tape
MP3
WAV

Side A = 29:46 minutes
Side B = 29:38 minutes

English

Sound
PhysicalObject
Oral History Interview

SPW497

Lesbian Herstory Archives, Contact Designation: Maxine Wolfe, Contact Address: 484 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Phone Number: 718-768-3953