Paula Kane & Judy Pasternak in the studio

(New York: WBAI Folio September 1976)

The emergence of women’s and lesbian radio programs in the 1970s and 1980s marked a pivotal chapter in the history of grassroots media and feminist activism. These programs arose during a period of profound social change, fueled by second-wave feminism, the queer liberation movement, and a growing recognition of the power of media to challenge dominant cultural narratives. At a time when mainstream broadcasting largely marginalized or misrepresented women and LGBTQ+ individuals, these independent radio initiatives carved out critical spaces for self-representation, community-building, and political mobilization.

Jan Alpert in the recording studio

(New York: WBAI Folio July/August 1974)

The impact of these broadcasts extended beyond their immediate audiences. They shaped broader discourses on gender and sexuality, influenced feminist media production, and established a legacy of community-driven, activist-oriented broadcasting. By foregrounding the lived experiences of women and lesbians, these programs challenged stereotypes and offered alternative frameworks for understanding identity, power, and culture. As we digitize and make these historic broadcasts accessible online, we are not only preserving a vital cultural artifact but also reactivating its potential to inspire new generations of listeners and media makers.

This collection serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the women and lesbians who utilized radio as a tool for empowerment, resistance, and creative expression. By contextualizing these programs within their historical and social milieu, this project honors their contributions to the ongoing struggle for equity and representation.

Irene Yarrow in the studio

(New York: WBAI Folio August 1977)

Everywomanspace was a WBAI show that ran a variety of different programs with different hosts. The recorded programs of Everywomanspace in this collection were hosted by Irene Yarrow, who started each broadcast with some variation of the following message:

This is a program by, for, and about women. All kinds of women. Lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, and celibate. Well-known and not known. Of different ethnic and racial groups. Of all classes, and all ages. This is a place for us to come together, to talk, to explore ourselves and our culture, and to grow. And this is a program where one of the most important things is communication: between me and my guests on the show, and between us and you the listeners out there.

Yarrow was dedicated to holding space for women during a time where women did not have many places of their own. One way she honored this commitment was refusing to take calls from men when she opened up the phone lines for questions or feedback - she felt that even if the men were feminist allies, taking their calls detracted from her mission of providing a space that was exclusively for women.

Another program that was featured on Everywomanspace was Women’s Legal Clinic, hosted by lawyers Betty Levinson and Judith Levin, who would discuss topical legal cases and issues. During an interview in 2024, Levinson and Levin reflected on calls and letters they received from women expressing that Women’s Legal Clinic made them feel seen, heard, and less alone. In effect, Women's Legal Clinic–like other women's radio shows during the time–built a community of listeners and gained their trust through efforts to educate, organize, and support women.

Check out the following recordings of Everywomanspace: Interview with Jan Clausen, Interview with Marge Piercy, Interview with Marilyn Coffey, Black Women in the Arts

Viv Sutherland in the studio

(New York: WBAI Folio November 1975)

Women's Studies aired on WBAI-FM in New York City in the 1970s, at a time when the field of Women’s Studies was taking shape as both an academic discipline and a grassroots cultural movement. Hosted by Viv Sutherland, Women's Studies brought feminist scholarship, literature, and activism to the airwaves, making cutting-edge ideas accessible to listeners who might never set foot in a classroom or encounter women-centered discourses in mainstream media. The show’s interviews, readings, and critical discussions mirrored the interdisciplinary ethos of women’s studies itself: drawing on literature, history, sociology, philosophy, and the arts to present a holistic view of women’s experiences.

The program was deeply intertwined with the feminist literary renaissance of the era, featuring appearances by iconic figures like Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, and bell hooks. It provided a space where theoretical ideas and creative works could converge, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to feminist thought. Women's Studies sought to democratize feminist scholarship and bring feminist literature into public discourse, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience and contributing to the broader cultural recognition of women’s contributions to literature and the humanities.

Viv Sutherland in the studio on April 10, 1978 (New York: WBAI Folio June 1978)

 "I have a really complex political philosophy-I believe that every woman (or man) has the right to her own politics, and the concurrent right to conduct her life according to the way she sees fit . . . regardless of what I, or anyone else, thinks about the "rightness' of her choice. I think that this is the only way we're going to take the second wave of the women's movement to its logical and inevitable conclusion . . . because this is the only way to ensure that women are able to take actual control over their own lives. Once that happens, the rest of the struggle is much easier to deal with. That's what Women's Studies has been about for the past three years. That's what my life has been about for the past six."

— Viv Sutherland (WBAI, Jul/Aug 1977)

13th Moon: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Dyke (ed. Ellen Marie Bissert; New York, 1977)

Women's Studies: 13th Moon was a recurring segment named after the influential feminist literary magazine 13th Moon. The series highlighted emerging and established voices who challenged prevailing norms and pressed listeners to rethink assumptions about gender, race, class, and sexuality. Under Sutherland’s guidance, episodes featured candid interviews, readings of poetry and prose, and lively conversations that showcased women’s intellectual and cultural contributions. By highlighting works that crossed the boundaries of genre, form, and discipline, Women's Studies: 13th Moon not only illuminated the breadth of feminist literature but also connected theory with lived experience, reinforcing the idea that feminist scholarship could and should resonate beyond the academy.

Judy Pasternak in the studio (New York: WBAI Folio June 1978)

Velvet Sledgehammer emerged in the 1970s as a dynamic and experimental women’s “magazine of the air” on WBAI-FM, designed to amplify the range and complexity of lesbian and feminist experiences. Conceived and hosted by Judy Pasternak, alongside the WBAI Women’s Department, the program aimed to challenge prevailing stereotypes and fill critical gaps in media representation. Rather than focus narrowly on any single issue, Velvet Sledgehammer explored the rich tapestry of women’s lives, broadcasting poetry readings, interviews with activists and writers, analyses of cultural and political events, and commentary on sexuality, gender, and intersectional justice.

Pasternak’s role was central to the program’s identity. As a producer and host, she worked collaboratively with other members of the WBAI Women’s Department to curate an innovative mix of content that would resonate with a diverse audience. Under her guidance, Velvet Sledgehammer became a platform that validated lesbian voices, celebrated women’s artistry, and encouraged the exchange of ideas among feminists of varied backgrounds and perspectives. 

Check out the following recordings of Velvet Sledgehammer: A Woman's Place / Kate Millett Speaks About Sita, Mischief Mime, the Various Voices of Black Women

Amazon Country Program Schedule Listing (University of Pennsylvania Almanac, Vol. 1 No. 7; October 12, 1976)

Amazon Country emerged in 1974 as a groundbreaking radio program on Philadelphia’s WXPN, and was the first lesbian radio program in the United States. Created by Victoria Brownworth, Roberta Hacker, and Rose Weber, it was envisioned as a dedicated platform for lesbian and feminist musicians and the women's music movement, filling a significant gap in media representation. From its inception, the program sought to challenge mainstream radio's neglect of marginalized voices by amplifying artists whose work resonated with themes of resistance, empowerment, and identity. In an interview for an article in 2019, Hacker explained, "it was such a time for an explosion of lesbian work driven by the need to uncover our history."

More than just a musical showcase—the show evolved into a cultural hub for lesbian and feminist communities, featuring interviews with influential musicians, poets, and activists, as well as live performances, highlighting the intersection of music and political movements, such as the fight for queer rights, women’s liberation, and anti-racist activism.

Indeed, both former and current hosts have emphasized that Amazon Country has always made its listeners feel less isolated. Reflecting on the show in the same 2019 article, Brownworth wrote that the program "was a subversive underground that connected women to lesbian society and culture in the decades before social media." Likewise, during an interview in 2024, current host Debra D'Alessandro noted that she has received emails from women saying that the show has been their lifeline.

Over the decades, Amazon Country has continued to expand its reach and influence, inspiring similar programs across the United States and abroad. Today, its longevity reflects the enduring need for spaces that celebrate and uplift underrepresented voices in music and beyond.

Check out the following recordings of Amazon Country: Victoria Brownworth Speaks with Bertha Harris, Dyketactics!, Gay Community Center

And tune in here on Sundays from 11:00-11:30pm EST!