Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]>
In the first section, radical feminist and theologian Mary Daly lectures about misogyny in the medical field, including the widespread use of Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopausal women and the increased risk of cancer associated with the birth control pill. She also informs her audience about the career of surgeon James Burt who, for approximately 30 years, reconstructed women’s genitalia after childbirth, often without consent, thinking that they were poorly designed for sexual pleasure.

The second section of the tape, which is in poor condition and has soft focus, features a woman performing a dance.]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]> Lesbian theater
Lesbian poetry]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]>
After, there are several minutes of solid stills featuring text appearing to be the names of individuals featured in the project "HomoTeens: Portraits of Lesbian and Gay Teenagers" by Joan Jubela. The footage features clippings of an article written about Henry, a young gay man, in People magazine that outed him to his mother. From 11:50-13:45, Henry talks about the conversations with his parents after the article was published, wherein his father was accepting but his mother was very upset.]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]>
Sections:

"Why are these lesbian activists eating fire?" [00:38-02:47]
Tampa Hate Rally: The Lesbian Avengers and other groups [03:07-03:46]
Gay activists who call themselves Lesbian Avengers [04:07-04:52]
Temple University News Taping [05:01-14:47]

]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]> [Description from the Lesbian Avengers]
The Lesbian Avengers Eat Fire, Too offers a look at the New York group's first year, from their initial demonstration in front of an elementary school in '92 to the Dyke March in DC, where the Avengers ate fire in front of the White House, cheered on by an enormous crowd.

The video supplements footage of actions with portraits of real-life Avengers still giddy with their first experiences of taking to the streets as out dykes, as well as interviews with puzzled tourists trying to answer the question, "Who are the Lesbian Avengers?"

Edited by two Avengers, videomaker Janet Baus, and experimental filmmaker, Su Friedrich, the video was a group effort, with a number of Avengers contributing.
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The Lesbian Avenger employed fire eating as an act of protest as a response to arson attacks against gays and lesbians who had been killed by Molotov cocktails thrown into their homes. ]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]>
[15:39-22:52] Following the demonstration, the video cuts to an interview in which two participants explain the importance and objective of their ceremony and the purpose of their "wailing," which was meant to imagine and express the agony of victims and those threatened by nuclear war. ]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]>
In Tape 2, Karen begins to describe her legal dispute with Sharon’s parents over guardianship and the emotions she felt during the process. Karen recounts the difficulties of coming out to her own family and Sharon’s parents, as well as her fear of a legal dispute over Sharon's guardianship outing her to the public.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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Tape 3 primarily consists of Karen recounting her legal struggles with Sharon’s parents regarding Sharon’s guardianship. Karen also discusses how it felt coming out to her parents.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

]]>
In Tape 4, Karen talks about her relationship with religion and her church, her belief that coming out is an important step in normalizing homosexuality, and her struggles against homophobia from medical professionals.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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In Tape 5, Karen discusses the physical and mental toll her legal battles have had on her, including the struggles she has experienced with Kowalski's family, particularly the pressure to be "perfect" to prevent the courts from using any mistakes against her.

Karen also talks about her relationship with Sharon before the incident, as well as the distance she felt that she needed to create between herself and her colleagues and students to prevent her outing, which could lead to the loss of her job.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

]]> A Lesbian Portrait (Lesbian Music For Lesbians Only) - Reel 1]]> A Lesbian Portrait consists of songs written by Linda Shear from 1972-1975. Shear, who requested that audiences for her performances be exclusively lesbian beginning in 1976, aimed to distribute A Lesbian Portrait through Lesbian-only networks. To support this goal, Shear and her then-partner Tryna Hope formed the distribution company Old Lady Blue Jeans. The album was released in 1977.

Read the liner notes.

1-1: Mama / Womanchild
1-2: Goddesses And Other Truths
1-3: Woman Let Go Now
1-4: For Tryna
1-5: Ninety
1-6: Remember]]> See the LHA Copyright Statement]]> A Lesbian Portrait (Lesbian Music For Lesbians Only) - Reel 2]]> A Lesbian Portrait consists of songs written by Linda Shear from 1972-1975. Shear, who requested that audiences for her performances be exclusively lesbian beginning in 1976, aimed to distribute A Lesbian Portrait through Lesbian-only networks. To support this goal, Shear and her then-partner Tryna Hope formed the distribution company Old Lady Blue Jeans. The album was released in 1977.

Read the liner notes.

2-1: Well Story – Spoken and Written by Tryna
2-2: Well Song
2-3: Old Woman
2-4: Song to Myself/Portrait
2-5: Family of Women
2-6: Lesbian Wombmoon-Chant]]> See the LHA Copyright Statement]]>
Interviews in Tape 3 of this collection describe the experience and meaning behind the demonstration.]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]> Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND]]> Prose, produced by Sharon Martin. Barbara reads Chapter 10 of her novel Pleasure.]]> Women in the Arts series, introduced by the director of Drama and Literature at KPFK, Clare Spark Loeb. Judy Chicago hosts and interviews author Anaïs Nin on the subjects of feminist literature and women's liberation. They discuss a disagreement they previously had about anger and women's liberation. Anaïs also reads from and discusses her book, Fourth Diary.]]> Everywomanspace with information about Lesbian Switchboard and Identity House to help listeners who want to know how to reach the gay community. She recommends these organizations and coming-out groups, along with consciousness-raising groups, for any woman who wants to get together with other women to discuss issues relating to feminism or lesbianism.

Irene interviews Jan Clausen, a poet and writer from Oregon who reads her short story, "The Warsaw Ghetto." Irene and Jan discuss autobiographical writing, the experience of writing about friends and acquaintances, incorporating the political into personal writing, and receiving feedback as a writer. They also debate the question of whether feminist and lesbian writers should publish with women's presses or commercial presses, prompted by a questionnaire Jan sent to a number of lesbian writers, which she describes as her "writing community." Finally, Irene asks Jan if she feels that her stories with "lesbian content" limit her to a lesbian audience. Both hope that all women would be interested in women's content, regardless of sexuality. Jan also reads her poems, "The Christmas Letter" and "This is a Poem for You, Mary."

Irene also takes questions from callers (side B) including a woman asking for advice on how to find resources to respond to her younger sister coming out and a woman who wanted to share her opinion that publishing through women's presses will be the only option when the women's movement "goes out of vogue."]]> The Velvet Sledgehammer and announces that the show's program will include "Hot Flashes," women's news from "Majority Report"; a story on "A Woman's Place" produced by Irene Yarrow; and an interview of author Kate Millett about her book Sita (1976) conducted by Judy Pasternak and Viv Sutherland.

The first segment is "Hot Flashes," a women's news report announced by Nancy Borman. Topics covered include: an "anti-wedding" event sponsored by Majority Report to discuss the sexist details of marriage contracts, Valerie Solanas reprinting Scum Manifesto after the original publisher went out of business and the copyright reverted to her, New York's announcement of plans for a large-scale Women's Rights rally, events for Lesbian Pride Week, and a bill to legalize abortion in Italy.

Irene Yarrow then introduces a tape about "A Woman's Place," a feminist collective in upstate New York that has existed for three years but is now in danger of closing due to lack of support. Irene recorded this tape at "A Woman's Place" and features women's songs, poetry and feelings about what the retreat has meant to them. The recording begins at 19:25 and continues onto side B. Irene announces that women interested in learning about "A Woman's Place" or contributing to save it can contact her. She attributes the music in the recording to Ruth Pelham, and the poetry to Erica Silver.

Kate Millet guest stars in the last segment, discussing her new autobiographical novel, Sita, with Judy Pasternak and Viv Sutherland. Kate describes the plot of Sita as "the plotline of the woman destroyed." She rebuffs "malicious" reviews that called her work either "icky" and "pukey" or "pornographic" for being queer. She considers these reviews to be motivated by bigotry. Kate recounts that a major motivation in writing Sita was to describe the loss of a lover, which she felt does not exist in any other book. She says she wanted to "write a very musical and very romantic book in praise of love: in praise, even, of its melancholy and possible futility." Kate also discusses hoping for "company" in writing "these kinds of books," but that she is alone in having to "take abuse" for them. With Judy Pasternak and Viv Sutherland, Kate Millett reflects on activism and efforts to dismantle the patriarchy. The interview closes with discussion of Kate's visual art.]]> Everywomanspace, Irene Yarrow interviews poet and author Marge Piercy. Marge discusses her book "Woman on the Edge of Time" and (side B) reads her poems "To Be of Use" and " Living in the Open."]]> Everywomanspace.

(On side A) Darlene Hayes (Phil Donahue Show) discusses media portrayal. Margaret Walker Alexander (poet) discusses the problems facing the Black woman writer. Mari Evans (poet) discusses her experience as a Black woman writer. (Panel continues on side B) Carolyn Marie Rodgers (poet) also discusses her experience as a Black woman writer. Two additional panelists are featured, but their names could not be deciphered.]]> Amazon Country with announcements regarding lesbian and feminist groups and organizations. Roberta Hacker interviews Arleen Olshan of the Gay Community Center. Arleen notes that lesbians are underrepresented in decision-making, policy development and program coordination, and the GCC would benefit from more lesbian involvement. They discuss lesbian separatism (especially relating to how few women are involved with the GCC). Arleen announces upcoming events at the GCC including various lectures by authors and activists, as well as consciousness-raising groups and educational classes. (Continues onto side B) Arleen encourages lesbians to check out the center because they "might be surprised" by the level of feminism that exists within the gay male community.

Includes an ad for the Bicentennial Women's Center.]]> Amazon Country by announcing that an Amazon Country employee lost her house, belongings and pets to a fire, so they're starting a collection for her through the Women's Cultural Trust. Various other announcements regard upcoming events, a lesbian support group, and the council elections at the Gay Community Center.

Roberta Hacker interviews Linda Norwood and Sherrie Cohen of 'Dyketactics!' to discuss their lawsuit against the police, the first time in history that lesbians have sued the police for brutality, excessive force, and harrassment. This lawsuit regards police action on December 4, 1975, when 'Dyketactics!' (and other groups) attended a (Philadelphia) city council meeting to help urge passing of the "Gay Rights Bill" by the committee. Philadelphia's Civil Defense Squad immediately approached and used excessive force against the women, prompting 'Dyketactics!' to file a lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia for lesbophobic police brutality. Linda and Sherrie encourage women to attend the trial in order to support them. They also ask for feedback so that they can better represent and stand up for the lesbian community. When Victoria asks what they hope to get out of the trial, 'Dyketactics!' dsecribes their hopes to raise consciousness around the need for gay rights.

(Side B) Linda and Sherrie discuss the positive reception they've had regarding the trial, and announce that there will be a community meeting hosted by 'Dyketactics!' to discuss the disbursement of the (potential) compensation from the lawsuit into the lesbian community.]]> Women's Studies to talk about her new play, Apple Pie. Apple Pie is a musical theater piece about a woman's life in Nuremberg. The play grapples with issues of moral truths and internal and external judgement. Myrna and Viv also discuss the difficulties and complexities of being a woman playright, and various ways that the play attempts to tackle sexism, racism, and anti-semitism in society. They also discuss Myrna's run-ins with male directors in theater and the complex feelings people have about male directors directing women's stories.]]> Disquieting Muses: A Response to the Suicides of Women Artists, which examines suicides among women artists.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

]]> The Forbidden Texts of the Three Marias]]> All Night Sunday with the Radio On, Suzan Shown interviews the cast and creator of Disquieting Muses: A Response to the Suicides of Women Artists, discussing the feeling of obligation to find a man, get married, and otherwise fulfill the role of what a woman is supposed to be.

Episode includes a reading of an untitled poem by Marilyn Monroe. Features a recording of Women on Trial: The Forbidden Texts of the Three Marias, a one-night only performance about the case of three women authors who wrote against Portugal's dictatorship and were subsequently put on trial.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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]]> Women's Consciousness Raising Hour, the first poet Rosemary Cappello reads a mixture of original poems and poems from friends and other notable poets, surrounding the theme of correspondence. Rosemary views correspondence as the most faithful way to show affection and grow closer with other poets. She also reads a poem that she wrote, in place of an angry letter, to respond to an anti-feminist book review.

The second poet, Barbara Ruth, opens with a poems about her awe for life: her experience knowing and being close to other women, seeing a solar eclipse. Her poems discuss women's issues, specifically, the tension between being a woman and having intense or maddening emotions, and the tensions women have with men. Her poems frequently invoke the power of women and call for a revolution. Furthermore, Barbara grapples with issues of valuing some lives over others, witnessing suffering, narcissism, and simple wanting. She also reads poems about her mother.]]> The Velvet Sledgehammer, Donna Allegra interviews members of Mischief Mime, a two woman theater troupe from Ithaca, New York. Mischief Mime tours and teaches nationally to prove artists can make it outside of the larger cities.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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]]> The Varied Voices of Black Women, a touring poetry and music production, on The Lesbian Show. Guests include poet Pat Parker, singer and percussionist Linda Tillery, pianist Mary Watkins and Gwen Avery.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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]]> Rubyfruit Jungle, Rita Mae's first novel, and In Her Day, Rita Mae's second novel. While discussing In Her Day, they cover the lessons Rita Mae learned from writing it.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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]]> The Women's Music Hour contains an interview with Pamela Brandt and Helen Hooke, who make up one of the first American all female bands, The Deadly Nightshade.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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]]> Women's Studies series, this episode contains poetry readings by Marilyn Hacker, an editor for feminist literary magazine 13th Moon, and poet Grace Paley.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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]]> Amazon Country. Bertha discusses how writing has been a means of freedom and escape for her, and how she would like fiction to help define what it means to be a lesbian. They also explore whether and how the patriarchy has an impact on what women write. They ruminate on the overlap between politics and art.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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]]> Everywomanspace. The program starts with Marilyn reading several of her poems: "Insight," "The Diet," "Wordlessly," and "Observation." Irene and Marilyn discuss Marilyn's brief career in journalism and development as a writer, and the writing of her novel, Marcella, a coming-of-age story. Marilyn then reads an excerpt from Marcella.

After the excerpt, Marilyn Coffey explains the projects she has been working on more recently--her second novel, books of essays, and teaching English at Pratt Institute. Irene and Marilyn discuss the difficulties of switching between various forms of writing, like poetry vs. prose vs. non-fiction. Marilyn also reflects on how joining the Women's Movement and becoming a feminist has changed her writing and the reception of her writing. They discuss how deeply ingrained the patriarchy is in their lives and consciousnesses. Marilyn reads a final poem, "Cold," to end the program.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

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Janet describes that the first room in a library targeted specifically for children was in the Pratt Library in Brooklyn in 1895. The librarian Anne Carole Moore worked there, and would become a very influential children's librarian. She speaks on the monopoly of children's literature in publishing and book awards, with Anne Carole Moore at the center due to her connections with other powerful librarians. Since Anne Carole Moore's appointment, child friendships and friend crushes in literature have disappeared. The removal of content in library books where children physically touched each other, Janet says, was a direct result of the fear of lesbianism.

Cynthia Secor speaks about Gertrude Stein and James Joyce. She asserts that Stein is an oft-overlooked figure in literature. Gertrude Stein was a sort of hidden figure, while James Joyce was taught everywhere. Stein was read by many lesbian women, but Cynthia did not read Stein until she joined the lesbian community. Cynthia reads a passage by Stein, "Cow come out...", discusses Stein's novella, Q.E.D., and her "Patriarchal Poetry" essay.]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

]]> Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]>
Side B: This side explores how institutions—from law enforcement to the courts and prisons—have struggled to keep pace with changes in female behavior. Adler critiques the justice system’s gendered assumptions, showing how women have often received either harsher or overly lenient treatment based on outdated ideas. She also highlights discrimination in prison rehabilitation, the invisibility of women’s prison uprisings, and the psychological toll of role confusion (psychological and social uncertainty that many women face as gender roles shift rapidly) and cultural pressure. The tape closes with a call to treat women’s liberation and female criminality as separate issues, arguing for systemic reform rather than a return to traditional gender roles.]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> ]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> "Prospectus for 'Season'" "Feminism"
"Synthesis of Politics + Spirituality"
"Ms.Magazine September 1975 + Akwesasne Note" ]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> Robin Morgan Reads: The Network of the Imaginary Mother]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]>
Side B:"Equating women to death, and men with life." Person being interviewed offers a new perspective on coexisting as both man and woman. She stresses personal identity over identification and speaks about how when a women acquires education she poses as a threat to men. She mentions how women giving boundless and immense love to men, when in actuality women are in search of themselves as an individual. Tape ends in music.]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]>
Side B continues with more sketches from Modern Scream, maintaining the format of comic vignettes performed by Tomlin. It features a flashback to Detroit high school life, a surreal phone company sketch, a spoof interview about playing a heterosexual woman, a parody detergent commercial that turns into a soap opera-style meltdown, and a long sermon from “Sister Boogie Woman” celebrating radical self-expression. The tape closes with Sutherland’s sign-off and a preview of upcoming feminist programming. Like Side A, it’s rich in satire but not thematically aligned with our themes.]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]>
Side B: There is a call in portion at the end of the program wherein Adler and callers talk about Rorschach and the Tarot, therapist role within witchcraft, New York magical and spiritual communities, and ends with a more heated discussion regarding the divisions between magic and science. ]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> CC BY-NC-ND 4.0]]> Side B: Everywoman Space II 7/11/76 - Irene Yarrow Speaks with Author, Carol Rosenthal ]]> See Rights Page]]> Side B: Everywoman Space 2/6/77 Irene Yarrow Speaks with Louise Risken about Shopping Bag Women ]]> See Rights Page]]> Side B: Everywoman Space - Women Writers - Irene Yarrow Speaks with Jan Clausen]]> See Rights Page]]> Side B: Everywoman Space Anger II]]> See Rights Page]]> See Rights Page]]> Side B: Everywoman's Space 8/1/76 Violence Against Women II]]> See Rights Page]]>