Amazon Country 9/19/76 - Dyketactics
Item
Title
Amazon Country 9/19/76 - Dyketactics
Subject
Lesbian radio
Women's music
Police violence toward LGBTQ+ people
Police harassment of LGBTQ+ people
Lesbophobia
Lesbian movement
Lesbian community
Feminism
LGBTQ+ civil rights
Lesbian musician
Media
Music
Police
Police harassment
Ti Grace Atkinson
Description
(Side A) Victoria Brownworth opens this episode of 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.
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.
Publisher
WXPN radio
Date
9/19/76
Rights
This item is protected by copyright. You are free to use this item for personal and educational purposes, as outlined in CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0. Requests for further uses and licensing questions should be forwarded to WXPN. See also LHA Copyright Statement.
Rights Holder
WXPN
Series Title
Amazon Country
Interviewee
Linda Norwood
Sherrie Cohen
Host
Victoria Brownworth
Roberta Hacker
Physical Format
Audio cassette
Duration
1:00:38
Music/Sound Used
"Old Cape Cod" by Bette Midler
"Scotch and Soda" by The Manhattan Transfer
"You Turned the Tables On Me" by Billie Holiday
"They Can't Take That Away From Me" by Billie Holiday
"I Only Have Eyes For You" by Billie Holiday
"Hearts Desire" by The Manhattan Transfer
"Get Off Me Baby" by Holly Near
"Sister-Woman-Sister" by Holly Near
"The Woman In Your Life" by Alix Dobkin
"Sweet Woman" by Cris Williamson
"Lean On Me" by Melba Moore
"I'd Like To Be" by Jade and Sarsparilla
Collection
Citation
“Amazon Country 9/19/76 - Dyketactics,” Lesbian Herstory Archives AudioVisual Collections, accessed May 20, 2026, https://herstories.prattinfoschool.nyc/omeka/index.php/items/show/1389.