Phil, January 9, 1980

Buffalo, N.Y. Lesbian bars

Butch Identity

Etiquette for lesbians

Lesbian Community--New York (State)

Lesbian couples

Lesbians--Sexual behavior

Lesbian--relationships

Lesbians--family--relationships

Lesbians--Identity

Roles--Butch and Femme

Bowling

Side 3: Phil begins the interview by discussing the dynamics of living with her lover and husband under the same roof, as well her lack of shame or guilt in being gay. She then talks about guilt among other lesbians she knew. Related to this, she discusses reasons people were not public about their lesbian identity, including work and family commitments. She spends the majority of this side of the tape talking about her long-term, intimate relationship with her best friend. She discusses the difference between butch and femme friends, as well as the distinct features of a close friend versus a lover.

Side 4: Phil continues to discuss the distinctions between friends and lovers. She talks about the various social groups she belonged to over the years, including a group that mostly had husbands and one that was more independent. Phil talks about lesbians having multiple partners, and how the community viewed butches and femmes who did so. Phil talks about lesbians in the Bowling Association, and the social events they put on. She then tells the story of a break-up and meeting a new lover, and the mythology surrounding butches making the first move.

Interviewee: Phil

Interviewer: Madeline D. Davis

Lesbian Herstory Archives

1980-1-9

Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 665 Projects in Digital Archives students

tape cassette “SPW465 Phil, Sides 3&4”

Side 3: 30:10

Side 4: 30:11

mpeg

wav

eng

Sound

PhysicalObject

Oral History Interview

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