Lesbian Herstory Archives AudioVisual Collections

Helen Ruvelas

Helen Ruvelas was born in 1950. She has held leadership positions with numerous feminist and lesbian rights organizations throughout her life. Helen became a member of the Daughters of Bilitis in 1973 and served as the group’s accountant. In 1975, she helped found the Feminist Federal Credit Union. Shortly after, she joined the San Francisco Parade Organization, where she managed logistics and served as a board member for several years. Ruvelas has also served on the boards of the Lesbian and Gay Chorus, Frameline, and International Ms Leather. Now retired, Ruvelas has worked in the corporate world for large financial institutions, and started her own accounting firm and a direct marketing company. Since her retirement, she has been a board member of the Desert Dyners, a lesbian social club, and volunteers with Grassroots Junior Tennis, an organization that provides professional tennis instruction to children who need help affording lessons. Helen also volunteers at the Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs, where she has taught computer classes. In April 2008, Helen assisted in the creation of Site and Sound, a California-based arts organization, and currently serves as the Secretary of the Board. Helen currently lives in Huntington Beach, California.

Helen Ruvelas Interview, May 10, 1987<br />

Helen Ruvelas Interview, May 10, 1987

Helen Ruvelas discusses her involvement with the Daughters of Bilitis during the 1970’s and the strong friendships she developed with some of the women in the group. She also talks about her eventual drift away from the group and its dissolution.