Memorial Service Helen J. Sandoz, Side A, July 19, 1987
This tape is a recording from the memorial service for Helen Sandoz on July 19, 1987. The recording is of a religious service for Sandy with various readings from the Bible as well as religious music. After the religious ceremony, friends and loved ones told humorous and moving stories about Sandy.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving students.
See the LHA Copyright Statement Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Bachelorettes, Side B, September 5, 1981
The sound recording is women singing the old hymn "Down in the River" with the words changed slightly. The rest of the recording is the women singing various songs.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving students
Digital Format: .MP3 Physical format: Cassette Tape
This tape is a mixed tape of various songs by the queer country singer Judy Regan.
John and Elizabeth, Side B, November 14, 1988
This sound recording is a continuation of a previous tape, but the location of the previous tape is unknown. The woman on the tape discusses a car accident she was in and various aspects regarding this incident. She goes on to talk about her mother and her upbringing.
An anonymous woman records a tape to send to her friend Morgan. She is excited about Christmas being in a few weeks and carefully tells her stories as to not reveal the identities of friends who do not want to be named.
To Morgan Gwenwald from Stella Rush June 2, 1987 Side B
Continuation from "To Morgan Gwenwald from Stella Rush June 2, 1987 Side A"
To Morgan Gwenwald from Stella Rush June 2, 1987 Side A
Stella Rush records a tape for Morgan. She discusses her life and her struggles, and how recording tapes for others helped her to express herself when she was too depressed to write. She mentions nonchalantly at beginning of tape that she won't stop at a Denny's because they once refused her service.
See the LHA Copyright Statement
To Morgan Gwenwald from Stella Rush June 4, 1987 and June 5, 1987 #2 Side A
Stella talks about reuniting with her old friends and passing the torch to new, young activists. She also discusses her struggle with addiction and how she moved past it.
This audio recording discusses the Daughters Of Bilitis New York City chapter. The main voice on the recording is a woman who was elected national president. She talks about her time as national president during the start of the Womens Rights movement. The recording discusses the success of the New York City Chapter and the new role they were playing in the Womens Rights movement.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving student
This is a continuation of a previous audio recording. The recording is taken in a car ride and it is a letter for Morgan. She discusses her daily routine.
The recording is from a workshop from April 20, 1971. The women are having an open discussion on honesty and trust within the group. The talk about how they feel about each other and how they handle being in Daughters of Bilitis.
This audio recording is discussing her issue with addiction and alcoholism. She opens up about having good people by her side in these hard times.
This audio recording talks about activism and oppression within the lesbian community. The workshop is a group of women discussing their feelings and experiences with being oppressed as women in society, especially as lesbians.
Jeanne Cordova Interview, October 27, 1988
Jeanne Cordova discusses how the Daughters of Bilitis inspired her to change her career path and passions in life from aspirations of playing soft ball, to becoming highly involved in activism.
edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW195 - SPW196
Preservation: Cordova_Jean_tape1of1_1988oct27.avi Access: Cordova_Jean_tape1of1_1988oct27_access.mp4. [digital format]
Madeline Davis and Liz Kennedy. Boots of Leather Oral History Project Panel Gay Pride, 1979
Lesbian Community--New York (State)--New York
Side A: Panel discussion on the history of the archives, including a brief introduction on how they gather information through different interview procedures within the Lesbian community in order to build the oral history project. Side B: Panel discussion continues with topic brought up in side A.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 665 Projects in Digital Archives students
Kennedy, E. L. & Davis, M. D. (1993). Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community. New York: Routledge
Sound PhysicalObject Oral History Interview
San Francisco Lesbian History Project discusses Buffalo lesbian bars in the 1950's, 1981 February 24
Side A: Discussion on the social issues in the Lesbian communinity bar and nightlife scene in Buffalo, NY during the 1950s. Side B: Continuation of side A. Only 2 minutes of side B used in original recording.
Susan continues her discussion of lesbian social and political groups, both at the university and within Buffalo. This interview also covers Susan's experience with Buffalo nightlife (specifically gay and lesbian bars), coming out to her parents, and how being gay affected her career.
Susan discusses discovering her sexuality, her first relationship with another woman, and the university atmosphere for a lesbian. Her interview includes stories about her romantic experiences as an overweight woman, the gay and lesbian nightlife in Buffalo, and her political advocacy in the gay and women's rights movements.
Lesbians--United States-- Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Oral history interview; Relationships; Coming Out
SIDE A Discussing Windsor’s memories of her relationship with Ruth also called “Skip” beginning in 1933, when they began to identify as lesbians. Past discrimination in town of Reedsville, Pennsylvania, childhood and background, and time attending Allegheny College and working in a factory. Skip came to Buffalo to study biochemistry, and enters the gay community in 1937; however Skip remained in the closet until 1975. Discussing lesbians in the medical profession in New York, and past relationships of Skip. These women attended bars such as Ralph Martin’s and Carousel in late 1930s and early 1940s. SIDE B Windsor discusses suicides in the lesbian community. Skip was able to accept herself as lesbian, and Windsor explains why.
Sound Physical Object Oral History Interview
SIDE A Windsor discusses femme and butch roles in several lesbian relationships, and Skip’s opinion on these role changes. Windsor speaks about her relationship with Skip and difficulties of being constantly with her partner, having different money-earning capabilities, the emotions and desires in their relationship, and how they celebrated holidays together. SIDE B (Duplicate of Side A) Windsor discusses femme and butch roles in several lesbian relationships, and Skip’s opinion on these role changes. Windsor speaks about her relationship with Skip and difficulties of being constantly with her partner, having different money-earning capabilities, the emotions and desires in their relationship, and how they celebrated holidays together.
Lesbian Community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, and Lesbianism
Side A: The interview discusses what coming out was like for the interviewee and the reactions of her family members. Side B: Interviewee discusses dating and having her first love affair. The interview talks about the differences in reactions of people when she came out during the 1960s and how that affected what she did and who she hung out with. She discusses the change in going from a group of people who accepted her being gay to a group of people who felt guilty of being gay.
Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
A woman talks about her time married to a man as compared to her time in a relationship with a woman, and the pros and cons of both.
Terry talks about her experience, coming of age as a woman and specifically as a lesbian; and how she sought comfort first in alcohol and then within the lesbian community.
Is Referenced By: Kennedy, E. L. & Davis, M. D. (1993). Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community. New York: Routledge
Ann describes what she looked for in a women. Discusses the clothing change among lesbian women. Explains some of her relationship experience with women.
Stella describes growing up in a broken home, and having to take on a lot of responsibilities. Explains her curiosity in women as she got older. Later, she discusses how her bisexuality made her feel different than everyone.
Interviewer: Jane Doe Interviewee: Stella Stone
Phone message left by Cecilia from Routledge publishers. In the message she gives feedback on a chapter of the Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community manuscript and discusses the next steps in the publishing process.
Sara Brown discusses her experiences with her previous female partners. She talks about her childhood and the influence that her family and Catholic School had on her life as she was growing up. She also discusses the difficulty she has had in coming out to her parents in later life.
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 1)
Barbara Grier discusses her personal experiences with developing her identity. She describes lesbian nightlife and particular lesbians frequented in her youth.
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW169 - SPW173
Preservation: Grier_Barbara_tape1of4_1987nov27_access.mp4. Access: Martin_Lyon_tape1of4_1987may09.avi [Digital Format]
Side A: Opens with an unnamed woman singing with guitar playing in a live venue. Continues to go through the concert with intermittent breaks to speak about songs. Side B: Blank
Sound PhysicalObject Conference Proceedings
Proceedings from the MAD Conference in Boston
Sound Physical Object Conference Proceedings
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, May 9, 1987 (Tape 3)
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon discuss DOB's National Conventions. They are interviewed by Manuela Soares.
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW187 - SPW190
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, and Nina Kaiser, May 12, 1987 (Tape 4)
Both Del Martin and Nina Kaiser discuss the end of DOB in 1970. Del also touches upon her name and Nina Kaiser touches upon her first lesbian relationship at 19, her involvement with the Navy and her involvement with the National Organization for Women. They are interviewed by Sara Yager.
edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yager
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW184
Carole Morton Interview, October 21, 1988
Carole Morton discusses her discovery of Daughters of Bilitis and her activism on behalf of lesbian mothers.
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW174 - SPW175
Barbara Gittings and Kay Tobin Interview, 1988
(Tape 1) Lesbians, Books, Bias Incidents, Activism, Butch and Femme, Police Harassment, Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights
(Tape 2) Communities, Organizing, History, Homophile movement, FBI harassment, Conferences, The Ladder
(Tape 3) Organizing, Conferences, Feminists, Homophobia, Gay Civil Rights, Publications, Exhibits
Barbara Gittings talks about her life and her history with the Daughters of Bilitis. She served as the National Corresponding Secretary for DOB and helped run the NYC chapter when she was living in Philadelphia. Despite that, she frequently criticizes DOB positions and found herself to be more radical in her approach to activism. She speaks about concerns of being infiltrated by the FBI, and heists of the publication "The Ladder". The interview closes with Gittings speaking about organizing for conferences and workshops, including creating exhibits for the 1971 American Psychiatry Conference in San Francisco.
Manuela Soares [interviewer]; Barbara Gittings & Kay Tobin [interviewees]
edited by Morgan Gwenwald [still photographer], Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger [videographer]
DV-37 DV37_Barbara Gittings & Kay Tobin_tape2of3_1988feb20
DV-38 DV38_Barbara Gittings & Kay Tobin_tape3of3_1988feb20
Judith Schwarz and Joan Nestle Interview, November 14, 1992
Lesbian Studies, Bars, Mailing Lists, Abortion
The interview begins with Judith Schwarz and her recollections of the late 1950s and early 1960s, and how she knew of women who were hesitant to join Daughters of Bilitis, as they simply wanted to meet women at the bar, and feared their names appearing with labels publicly. She also discusses how women were hesitant to receive mail from Daughters of Bilitis for the same reason. She also talks about her first woman lover, and the circumstances that led to that. Accompanied by an edited version where Judith Schwarz talks about the significance of DOB, the secrecy of membership, new member experience, social events, and harassment. Joan Nestle talks about the perception of the DOB as a threat during the McCarthy Era, the complexity of the organization, and her own perceptions of DOB.
Manuela Soares [interviewer]; Judith Schwarz & Joan Nestle [interviewees]
LHA Spoken Word Audio Cassette Collection, SPW182
Digital: Preservation: .avi; Access: .mp4
DV25_Joan Nestle & JudithSchwarz_tape1of2_pulledquotes_1992nov14
Pat Helin and Barbara Deming Interview, May 10, 1987
AIDS, Bars, Coming out, Consciousness Raising, Consciousness Raising Groups, Homophile Movement, Gay Men, Rural Lesbians, Small Towns, Unions, Politics: Republican, Marriage, Feminism, Mothers
Pat Helin and Barbara Deming discuss their childhood in Iowa, relationships with their familes, their involvement with the Daughters of Bilitis in San Francisco and their friendship with Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. On tape 2, they elaborate on their early days in San Francisco, Pat’s previous marriage, political affiliations, jobs, dancing in gay bars, and why they ultimately left the DOB.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving students. Edited by Lauren Allshouse, Kim Loconto, Rachel Smiley, and Sara White.
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 4)
books, Contracts: Books, Distributors, Publications, Publishers, Presses
Barbara Grier proceeds with her conversation, discussing her insights and personal contributions to early lesbian literature and publishing, especially in her endeavors with Naiad Press in 1973.
Original: VHS tape Preservation: .avi Access: .mp4
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 3)
Barbara Grier discusses her time involved with the Daughters of Bilitis as a contributor, poetry and fiction editor, and eventual editor-in-chief of The Ladder. She is interviewed by Manuela Soares.
Edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 2)
Edythe D. Eyde aka Lisa Ben Interview, October 25, 1988
Lesbians, Coming Out, Music, Bars, Lesbian Publishing, Literature
Edith Eyde talks about her life growing up in rural southern California, moving to Los Angelos and discovering the lesbian culture there. She discusses publishing Vice Versa, one of the first lesbian magazines, and her music career. On the second tape, she continues to discuss her experiences in California, interacting with others who were vested in the same interests surrounding lesbian culture, and being proactive in literature and the arts.
All Rights Reserved by the Lesbian Herstory Archives and the DOB Video Project creators Morgan Gwenwald & Manuela Soares
Lois Johnson and Sheri Barden Interview, April 1, 1989
Journalists, Music, bars, Relationships, Anger, Humor, Housing, Animals
The interview begins with Lois Johnson, who discusses when she realized that she was a lesbian, which caused her to move out to California and take a job in journalism. It was there that she met a woman who eventually became her lover, and they used to play music together. Sheri Barden talks about her social life after she met Lois Johnson, though she did like to party with her landlord, who was also a lesbian, though these social affairs pretty much came to an end when her relationship began with Lois. On tape 2, Lois Johnson discusses expressing herself emotionally, and how she repressed her anger initially, unlike Sheri, who would often explode, leading to a lot of crying in the early part of their relationship. However, she continues to believe in love and commitment, and credits Sheri for having a great sense of humor. Sheri Barden also talks about her businesses, including a bed and breakfast that houses many lesbians. The two then reminisce on what they have in common, including their love of cats.
Digital: Preservation: .avi Access: .mp4
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, May 9, 1987 (Tape 2)
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon discuss changing attitudes of mental health care professionals towards lesbianism, contemporary support networks for lesbians. They are interviewed by Manuela Soares.
Stella Rush and Helen Sandoz (aka Sten Russell and Helen Sanders) Interview, May 15, 1987 (Tape 1 of 3)
Stella Rush and Helen Sandoz discuss personal experiences about living as a lesbian in the late 1930's and early 1940's, Sandoz choosing to remain off camera for the interview. Featuring anecdotes of when they realized they were lesbians, career choices, and the story of their relationship.
Preservation: .avi; Access: .mp4 [Digital Format]
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th century
Charlie talks about her life as a lesbian after twice being married to men. She discusses having two long committed lesbian relationships and the differing dynamics between her and those partners as a reflection of her age and comfort with herself. Charlie identifies as a Femme, and the Butch / Femme dynamic is explored. There is also discussion of her mother’s reaction to her lifestyle and the not somewhat non-forthcoming dynamic with her daughter. Note: To listen to this recording, please contact the Lesbian Herstory Archives to make an appointment.
In the first few minutes of this tape Cheryl and the interviewer have a casual conversation discussing topics as, a gay computer dating services and gays in the service Later in the tape Cheryl discusses how her relationships fall into patterns. From there she list characteristic she is attractive to in a partner.
Kennedy, E. L. & Davis, M. D. (1993). Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community. New York: Routle
Lou discusses her experience raising children as a lesbian woman, discussing at length her love of children, and wanting them to have a better life then she did. She also discusses her experience with police harassment as both a black women, and a lesbian. Side B includes songs about lesbians, their lives and realities, and their relationships with children and their families.
eng (http://www.loc.gov/standards/iso639-2/php/code_list.php)
Bonnie discusses rules of conduct within the lesbian community, including domestic violence, beginning and ending relationships, identifying as butch or femme, and domestic roles. Other topics include prostitution with women and men, bisexuality, definitions of lesbianism, types of relationships, and her rules of attraction.
Andy further discusses how she came to construct her butch image. She recalls getting into fights with men and having to give up good jobs because she refused to give up her queer image and identity. She discusses her clash with a teacher when she was in school in the 1950s. She describes her relationship with a prostitute and other close relationships. On side B she talks about breaking into the butch scene and coming out. Andy talks about gay bars and places queer women were welcome or not. She discusses fashion and explains why they wore their t-shirts backward.
Andy (Interviewee) Madeline Davis (Interviewer)
Lesbians--United States--Social conditions
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--Social conditions
Discusses her child, a son. He was the product of her one-day marriage. She kept him for about 8 months and then her brother and his wife took him and raised him. He would spend the summers with her until he was 12 and then he lived with her and spent the summers with her brother and his wife. Believes lesbians make better mothers because they know more. She didn’t want her son to go into gay life because she felt it would be difficult for him, she doesn’t believe that gay men relationships last. She believes you can teach someone not to be gay. They talk about gay men and lesbian relationships and social interactions. She would call upon her gay male friends to be her date to events that she needed a date, also sometimes family events. They talk about marriages between a gay man and gay woman. Debra says that she knew quite a few couples who had done that to put up a front, but that those relationships always worked out well. Debra also talks about marriage between two women. She never wanted to get married but knew women who did. They also discuss alcoholism and drugs among the gay community. On the second tape, Debra further discusses fights in the lesbian community. Madeline asks if she knew any lesbians who played sports in the 1940s and 1950s. Debra believes lesbians played sports but cannot definitely say so.
Debra (Interviewee) Madeline Davis (Interviewer)
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 665 Projects in Digital Archives students.
Tape two of a two tape series recorded in 1980. Preceded by SPW497.
This tape is part of a roundtable discussion between different researchers working on aspects of lesbian social history. Liz Kennedy discusses the early stages of work on the Buffalo lesbian community and how the project was changing from strictly an oral history and becoming a book. She also talks about how the interview format and questions have changed as a result of the earlier attempts and how they were surprised by some of what they were beginning to learn.
Lou and Jane discuss what life is like as an interracial lesbian couple. They discuss how white "studs" feel threatened by black "studs", feeling they will steal their women. Alcoholism is briefly discussed. They also discuss having to tell lies to their family to prevent them from knowing about their sexuality. On Side B- Jane begins with her experience as Fem lesbian, and her difficulty with what that means to her. She talks about her difficulty with coming "out", and then is interrupted by one of their children. Lou discusses her relationship with her Fem partner (Jane), as someone who self-identifies as a Butch. She discusses her choices in life, and her commitment to her relationship, her partner, and her family. She also talks about her disillusionment with the future, and her lack of hope for change. Lou references Jane's feelings, and her hope for Jane to recognize what it means to be a Fem.
Lou+Jane (Interviewees) Madeline Davis (Interviewer)
Tape 4 of 4. Preceded by SPW516, SPW517, SPW518
Lesbians--United States—Interviews, Lesbians--United States—History, Relationships, Childhood, Coming out, Lesbian Bars, Work.
Judy shares detailed aspects of her life as a gay woman in the 1940s; she talks about the first time she felt attracted to another girl at age nine, and what it felt like when she came out in 1944. The interview brings to light the array of conflicts and fears she experienced growing up at the heart of a devout Italian family in Buffalo, and the difficulties faced as a young woman living in New York City at the end of World War II. Some of the topics discussed include working conditions, relationships, gay and lesbian bar scenes, popular music, butch and femme, and clothing styles.
SPW 501 [Tape 1 in a series of Judy’s interviews, followed by SPW502 (tape 2) and SPW503 (tape 3).]
DJ discusses her early experiences with women as a teenager, her feelings of being a tomboy, and her coming-out experience. She discusses her experiences in the bar scene in Buffalo in the 1950s, and describes ways in which women would interact with each other, but publicly and privately. DJ also discusses roles in relationships, particularly the butch and the femme.
DJ (Interviewee) Madeline Davis (Interviewer)
Tape 2 of a 3 tape series. Preceded by SPW512. Followed by SPW514.
Butch and Femme, Social aspects, Identity, Social life and customs, Relationships, Aging, Desire, Friendship, Gender identity,
Judy talks about her relationships with three different women and the role they each played in the relationship. She talks about gender identities and one relationship with a woman who wanted to be a man and had very mixed gender roles. She talks about not being able to talk about her relationships with her mother, yet comparing her relationship to that of her mother and father. She speaks about losing sexual interest in her partner and moving from an intimate relationship to just a friendship.
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th Century
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--Social Conditions
Debra discusses her experiences as a lesbian. She talks about her first lesbian relationship when she was 12, how she was married for one day, how her mother knew something was different about her, and how her sister figured out she was a lesbian because she was only married for one day. She talks about her relationships with women, how she never openly acknowledged that she was gay but if she was asked she wouldn’t deny it. They discuss monogamy, she was mostly faithful, but she also talks about jealous partners and how when one is accused of things, one might as well and go ahead and do it. She doesn’t believe that a lesbian relationship is any different than a straight relationship. They discuss bars and areas in Buffalo that she would frequent: Moon Glow bar, Pearls bar, Ralph Martins, Ryan’s Hotel, Little Harlem. They also discuss dating rituals, fashion, and relationship/ courting roles.
Tape one of a two tape series recorded in 1980. Succeeded by SPW498.
Education, higher, Stereotypes (Social psychology), Coming out (Sexual orientation)--United States, Adultery, Monogamous relationships, Non-monogamous relationships
Side A: Cheryl discusses her experiences and the stereotypes that were associated with lesbians in college when she first first came out. Side B: Cheryl discusses her relationships, including sexual relationships and partnerships. She shares her experiences and opinions about affairs, and monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Generational differences within the lesbian community are also discussed.
Interviewee: Cheryl Interviewer: Madeline Davis
Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbians--Relations with heterosexuals, Lesbian bars, Discrimination in employment, Lesbians in literature
Side A: DJ continues her interview from tape SPW513. She finishes discussing her romantic relationships then moves on to discuss gay literature, specifically The Well of Loneliness. The topic of workplace discrimination is mentioned. DJ discusses relationships in the community through the venue of gay and straight bars. Relationships between straight men, lesbians, and bisexual women are discussed as well as race relations. Side B: DJ covers the topic of prostitution in the lesbian community. She speaks about the choice some lesbians make to marry men and have kids.
Interviewee: DJ, Interviewer: Madeline Davis
Lesbians--United States—Interviews, Lesbians--United States—History, Lesbian Bars, Work, Relationships, Lesbians –African American, Butch-femme, Childhood, Coming out.
Andy discusses the history of gay rights in Buffalo, New York, and describes how it feels like to be open about her sexual identity. She shares some of her childhood and early adulthood experiences in the 1950s and 60s –her first relationships and confronting the risk of losing her job. Other topics discussed include the gay and lesbian bar scene, raids, prostitution, butch and femme roles, and Andy’s experience within the African American gay community.
The interviewee discusses the time she considered getting a sex change. She talks about religion. At the end she talks about getting respect. There is significant distortion at the end of the tape. Lou and Jane discuss their sexual relationship and further aspects of female sexuality.
At the start of the interview, Andy talks about the first time someone asked her about sex. She talks about her experience going with hookers. She discusses butches and femmes and argues that femmes aren't "true" lesbians.
DJ discusses the time she went to the hospital and was diagnosed as a homosexual. She remembers that the doctor suggested she try going out with a man to determine the extent of her feelings toward women. She also recalls that the doctor told her she must learn to live with society and to control her emotions in public.
Bonnie discusses the lesbian community in which she came out and lived during the 1960s. She describes the difference of experience for butch and femme lesbians in public during this time, the roles butches and femmes play within relationships, and the social expectations involved. Other topics include Bonnie's lesbian mother, alcoholism, lesbian bars, Bonnie becoming actively gay at Catholic school, her way of flirting, and monogamy and infidelity within the lesbian community.
Funeral rites and ceremonies--United States
Judy describes her experiences over the past thirty years up to the point of the interview. Topics discussed include cheating (“playing around”), polygamous lesbian relationships, fights in bars, holiday celebrations, friendship, same-sex marriage, religion, drinking, drugs, crime, mental health and treatment of lesbian women, the commonality of lesbian women seeking psychiatric treatment, the working environment for lesbian women, living alone, families of lesbian women, and one case of a lesbian woman raising a son. Judy believes that lesbian women should not raise children and has an extensive discussion about her reasoning. She ends the interview by discussing movie stars and entertainers that were popular among the lesbian community in the 1930s and 1940s.
Windsor talks about what it was like coming out and her relationships, the death of her partner and how that affected her. She also talks about the changes in gay community and what it was like being single or in love.
Bars, Butch and Femme, Interracial couples, Lesbians of color, Mothers, Stereotypes of lesbians, Relationships
Anita talks about being in an interracial relationship with a white woman, and the roles of butch and femme.
Tape 2 of a 2 tape series. Preceded by SPW529.
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th century, Lesbian teenagers, Relationships
Anita talks about her first encounters with a relationship with a woman. She then speaks about the difficulties of raising her child. She also talks about the roles of Butch and Femme.
Tape 1 of a 2 tape series. Followed by SPW530.
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th century, Lesbian teenagers, Butch and Femme, Relationships
Shane talks about the different lives she led during her youth. These different roles included working a job at Goodwill, dating and living with hookers on the weekends, and studying to become a Methodist minister as a man. She then talks about her current career as a trucker.
Tape 3 of a 3 tape series. Preceded by SPW526 and SPW527.
Breaking the law, Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th century, Lesbian teenagers, Butch and Femme, Jail
Shane talks about running away from home with two girls after her father forced her to leave home. She then lived as a man in New Orleans under an assumed identity. She was arrested and held for 72 hours on suspicion of robbery. She recalls the people she met during her stay in jail.
Tape 2 of a 3 tape series. Preceded by SPW526. Followed by SPW528.
Breaking the law, Family, Gay bars, Hustlers (Prostitutes), Lesbian bars, Lesbian high school students, Lesbian teenagers, Lesbians--Italian American, Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th century, Pittsburgh (Pa.), Secrets--Family
Shane talks about getting into trouble during her teenage years and how her father kept sending her to all-girls schools thinking it would straighten her out. She speaks about gay bars in Buffalo and Pittsburgh. She tells a story about running away from home to pursue a relationship, ending up involved with hustlers and begging her father to help her stay out of jail. She talks about moving back to Buffalo, getting a job, and how things have changed.
Tape 1 of a 3 tape series. Followed by SPW527 and SPW528..
Lesbian Bars, Lesbian and Gay Experience, Lesbian Community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian Herstory Archives, Lesbianism, Lesbians Abuse of, Lesbians--United States--History, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Oral history interview, Lesbian couples, Lesbian physical education teachers, Lesbian teenagers
The gay movement has taken the lesbian community out of the bars or the "gay underworld," as compared to when she came out in the late 1960s, about 10 years prior to the interview. Portia, age 26, is not out at her job, but is known as a feminist and civil rights activist; her sister is openly homosexual. She talks about her early sexual experiences with girls and how she never felt guilty or different, but felt guilty with boys because of her Catholic upbringing. Her father beat Portia after she went out with her lover, and then she moved out of home at 18. She attended university and discusses her relationships and friendships in college, as well as her relationship with her first lover, who is still her partner, and their infidelities.
Lesbian bars, Gay bars, Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Lesbian community--United States--History, Oral history interview, Bartenders--New York (State)--New York--Biography, Lesbian Herstory Archives
Marge speaks of the bars in Buffalo, NY in the 1950s, specifically Bingo's, Chesterfield, Dugan's, Mardi Gras, and Carousel, which had more of an established lesbian clientele. She tells how Carousel changed from a lesbian to gay crowd in the late 1950s and eventually closed because of allowing "careless" behavior. She felt patrons of gay bars in the 1950s were more respectful than at the time of the interview in 1980. Marge was arrested for serving a minor female, which she felt was an attempt to close the bar where she worked. The tape cuts off at the end of the second side.
Lesbian-Butch and Femme, Lesbian-Bar, GenderLesbians--United States-- Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Oral history interview, Body Image, Families, Relationships, Abusive Relationships, Alcoholism, Prostitution, Jail, Friendship, Lesbian-Older Lesbians, Lesbian-Celibate, United States-Lesbian-Children, United States-Prostitution, Prison, Counseling, Lesbian-Church, Gender; United States-Poetry, Lesbian-Sexuality
Bobbie speaks on the nature of her various relationships, including patterns of sex and cohabitation, being confused about her significant other identifying as a man in public, she addresses the existence of her children, using men after prison to live and make money, attending gay reorientation church, her sexual practices, and the subject of the "Untouchable".
Tape 2 of a 2 tape series. Preceded by SPW490.
-general; -Lesbian Herstory Archives; Lesbian and Gay: General Information; Women; Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States-- Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Oral history interview; Body Image; Families; relationships; Abusive Relationships; A
She thinks people have the wrong opinion of lesbians, she says she feels alone in the bars, role playing was important that someone should be the more aggressive person in a relationship, talks about how she needs a butch in a relationship, thought of herself as a femme although she didn't dress feminine, describes a "dyke person", bar atmosphere and how she went to a bar every night to hit on the bartender, how much she enjoyed the bar scenes, prostitution, story about how she was abducted and raped by 3 men, about how she was in an abusive relationship, spending time in a correctional facility, sexual relationships while in jail
Tape 1 of a 2 tape series. Followed by SPW491.
Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States-- Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Oral history interview,
Bad sound quality. Discusses that she doesn't think of her community of a lesbian community, though she can contribute to the lesbian community. Says she now stays away from gay bar communities because she is a teacher. Discusses running into students at bars, relationships, family.
Prostitution, Identity, Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews,Oral history interview
Talks about dating a prostitute, lesbian prostitutes, lesbians and butches having sex with men, lesbian pregnancy, clothing styles,
Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews,Tattooed people--United States--Social conditions.
Talks about community tattoos, race, being butch, the challanges of identity and expectations. Touches on past sexual abuse by her father, gender roles, identity, learning about gay life and her discovery process, friendship, clothing and identity, her marriage to a gay man, her suicide attempt.
Tape 3 of a 3 tape series. Preceded by SPW477 and SPW478.
Religion, Christianity, Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Military, Army, Identity
Buff discusses the impact of the Metropolitan Community church on her life and the gay-rights movement. Mentions activities in Tucson, AZ. She stresses that current lesbians should know that there is more to life than the bars, but that in her time in Buffalo she didn't feel there were places for community outside of them. Mentions her time in the army, realizing she was homosexual, and coming out. Discusses her time in the army, lesbians in the military, being in Seattle and Germany with the military just after the Korean war. She talks about the differences in gay identity and self identity in the past compared to now.
Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Oral history interview; Families
Discusses growing up in Buffalo, when she realized she was first gay at a young age, and going to clubs
Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Oral history interview; Families; relationships; Abusive Relationships; Working; Gangs; Jail
Discussion on early childhood, being Canadian but growing up on an Indian Reservation near Syracuse. Also discusses being the head of a black gang, her relationship with her mother and abusive stepfather, and the jail time she spent for his murder, finding work (while hiding she was gay) and relationships.
Tape 2 of a 2 tape series. Preceeded by SPW479.
Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews
Discussion centers on bars in Buffalo in the late 1950s and into the 1960s, in particular Bingo
Tape 1 of a 2 tape series. Followed by SPW480.
Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York, Lesbian bars, Lesbians--United States--Identity, Lesbians--United States--Interviews, Lesbian community--United States--History, Oral history interview
Enit discusses how her perception of Lesbian oppression has changed over time. She also talks about acceptance in the work place and how professionals view Lesbians. Enit explains that her personal interests have changed with age and that her hobby is dance. She finishes by discussing her interactions with straight women and the support she gets from her Lesbian friends.
Tape 2 of a 3 tape series. Preceded by SPW477. Followed by SPW487.
Enit discusses facing her sexuality at the age of 12 and coming out to her family despite her frustration at their lack of acceptance. She goes on to discuss her social life and dating in Buffalo, NY, noting how she used to meet women at bars but that her social activities have changed with age. She discusses her participation in the Erie Picnics held for gay men and women in Pennsylvania. She is 47 at the time of the interview.
Tape 1 of a 3 tape series. Followed by SPW478 and SPW487.
March on Washington / Pacifica Program Service, 1979 (Tape 3 of 4)
Minorities--Civil rights [sh98005421] Sexism [sh85120678] Racism--United States [sh2008110339] Labor movement--United States--History--20th century [sh2009128353] Lesbian community [sh95005870] Gay community [sh91003435]
March on Washington on October 14, 1979, which dealt with the civil rights of the gay and lesbian community. Participants included Audre Lorde (who can be heard on side A about 80% through), Allen Ginsberg, Peter Orlovsky, Ted Weiss, Gotham, Tom Robinson, Howard Wallace, Kate Millet, and Flo Kennedy. Key topics included civil and human rights, the labor movement, racism, sexism, and love. Short technical glitches occur on Side A.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1160_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1160_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1160_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1160_B.wav
March on Washington / Pacifica Program Service, 1979 (Tape 4 of 4)
National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Washington, D.C., 1979 [sh93005113] Gay rights [sh94009215] Civil rights [sh99004998]
Rally mediated by Audre Lorde given at the March on Washington on October 1979. Speech topics include rights of LGBT prisoners, parents, immigrants, and atheists.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1161_A.mp3
Speeches, poem readings, and musical performances.
Voices of Women Writing Conference, April 30, 1982 (Tape 1)
African American feminists [sh2004002861] African American lesbians [sh85001859] Lesbianism [sh85076157] Lesbians [sh85076160] Sexism [sh85120678] Sex discrimination [sh85120591] Lesbian culture [sh2004003370] Literatures [sh2003003668]
Ms Holly makes assorted announcements then introduces Audre Lorde. She reads three poems: "For Each of You" "Poem for Women in Rage" "Sister, Morning is a Time for Miracles". Side B: Continuation of poem from Side A: "Sister, Morning is a Time for Miracles" Then reads: "After Images" Final Poem of reading: "On My Way to San Francisco I Pass Over You and the Verazano Bridge"
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1167_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1167_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1167_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1167_B.wav
Voices of Women Writing Conference, April and May, 1982 (Tape 2)
Audre Lorde is on the panel. Lorde speaks on side A after other panelists introduce themselves an on side B. This is the recording of a Community Workshop panel, mostly discussing obstacles to women writing, specifically, black womens literature. The recordings are fairly audible aside from some inaudible speakers who are not close enough to the recording device.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1168_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1168_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1168_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1168_B.wav
The Personal or the Political - I / Conference on Feminist Theory, September 29, 1979
African American feminists [sh2004002861] African American lesbians [sh85001859] Lesbianism [sh85076157] Feminism [sh85047741]
In addition to Audre Lorde, Linda Gordon, Manuela Prairie, Jessica Benjamin, Bonnie Johnston, Camille Bristow, and Susan McHenry participated in the panel. The recording includes a question and answer session between panelists and audience members. The topics discussed include racism, feminism, class oppression, individualism, sexuality, community, and sisterhood.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1155_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1155_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1155_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1155_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Coney Island / Lillian / Fashion]
African American lesbians [sh85001859] Lesbian couples [sh85076154] Lesbians--Identity [sh94004083]
Mabel Hampton discusses, with Joan Nestle, gender identity, attraction, men, and marriage. Mabel Hampton also discusses nicknames she shared with Lillian Foster, including "Little Bear" and "Big Bear." They look at photographs and reminisce about Coney Island, buying new clothes, and Nestle's preparation of slideshows for the LHA. The second half of the recording covers a few takes of stories surrounding Mabel's time living with Joan and Deb after an apartment fire, Mabel and Lillian's nicknames for each other, and the meaning of Mabel's fashion choices.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw64_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw63_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw64_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw63_B.wav
Mabel Hampton, Morgan Gwenwald, Pam Hicks: Breakfast at Pam's, April 9, 1989 (Tape 2)
Lesbianism [sh85076157] African American lesbians [sh85001859] Death [sh85036085]
Pam Hicks and Morgan Gwenwald chat with Mabel Hampton over breakfast about mundane topics, including lost keys and colors. The three get in a car and try to find the cemetery where Mabel has purchased a plot to be buried in. They locate the cemetery, but it is closed to visitors, so they proceed on to see if they can find where she purchased the tombstone.
spw1149_B.mp3 http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1149_B.mp3 spw1149_B.wav http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1149_B.wav
Mabel Hampton, Morgan Gwenwald, Pam Hicks: Breakfast at Pam's, April 9, 1989 (Tape 1)
Lesbianism [sh85076157] Dreams [sh85039483] Bereavement [sh85013296] Lesbian couples [sh85076154]
Morgan Gwenwald visited Mabel Hampton at Pam Hicks' place. Over breakfast, they talked about the dreams Mabel had been having lately, how people thought about her. Morgan made plans to visit Lillian's cemetery with Mabel together and listened to a tape that Mary gave Mabel.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1148_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1148_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1148_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1148_B.wav
Mabel Hampton talks about Lillian and more, January, 1988 (Tape 1)
Lesbian couples [sh85076154] World War, 1939-1945 [sh85148273] Lesbian community [sh95005870] Childhood and youth [sh99004940]
Mabel discusses meeting Lillian Foster, her wife, Lillian's childhood, and their life together in the community as well as various events they were a part of against the backdrop of World War II.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1147_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1147_A.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [1920s / World War II]
African American lesbians [sh85001859] Lesbian culture [sh2004003370] Prisons [sh85106996] Prisoners--Recreation [sh85106961] World War, 1939-1945 [sh85148273]
Side A: Mabel Hampton describes meeting other lesbians and associating with other women "in the life". Also discussed is her experience during the 1920s of being set up and sentenced to serve three years for a fabricated prostitution charge at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. Side B: Mabel's WWII era activities, including being an Air Raid Warden in Harlem, and meeting married women who ""came out"" during their husband's absence due to the war."
Mabel Hampton (Interviewee), Madeline (Interviewee)
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1146_A.mp3 Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1146_B.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1146_A.wav Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1146_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Life Stories, November 20, 1978 (Tape 1)
African American lesbians [sh85001859] Literatures [sh2003003668]
Mabel discusses the importance of lesbian writing and how she considers being a lesbian to be the most important aspect in shaping her life. She goes on to give a description of her childhood. She also describes the the girl with whom she had her first lesbian experience.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1133_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1133_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1133_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1133_B.wav
Mabel Hampton Interview [Lillian Foster / Femininity]
Oral history interview of Mabel Hampton. Mabel talks about Lilian Foster, her partner, that she has never dated any man, and is a feminine type of lady who likes to dress up.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw61_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw61_A.wav
Side A: Some discussion of when Mabel first heard the word lesbian, her experiences as a dancer. Side B: Mable describes her experiences caring for children, finding freedom as a child, running away from her aunt and uncle to New Jersey to live with the White family, and her spirituality.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw60_B.wav
Lesbian culture [sh2004003370] Greenwich Village (New York, N.Y.)--Maps [sh2009125702] Same-sex marriage [sh92003901] Lesbians--Identity [sh94004083] Race [sh85110232] African American lesbians [sh85001859]
Mabel discusses her early life as a lesbian in the Village between the two world wars, including the rooming house where she lived and the parties she attended. She describes how women dressed, what they ate at the parties, what they did at the parties, including dancing, the records they listened to, and the general social life of these parties. She describes the interracial relations between white and black lesbians. She also discusses the language lesbians used to describe themselves at the time, including "bulldaggers", "lady lovers", and "butches". She also tells the story of a large lesbian marriage ceremony in Central Park West, officated by a gay minister named Rev. Monroe and how the couple managed to get an offical marriage certificate. She also discusses gay life in Harlem and the New York City drag balls.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1145_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1145_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1145_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1145_B.wav
Mabel Hampton, November 28, 1986 (Tape 1)
Lesbianism, Lesbian community, Nineteen twenties, Harlem Renaissance, Dance, African American lesbians
Mabel talks about her life at theater Lafayette on Coney Island in the 20s. She also talks about the dress code of her and her friends; also the language describing lesbians back in the 1920s.
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1144_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1144_A.wav
Mabel Hampton's Story, July, 1986 (Tape 4)
African American lesbians, Prisons, Race discrimination, Rape, Families, Work
Mabel describes her life after being released from Bedford Hills, relationships with women in the early 20th century, economic and working situation, and more details about her family history (including the murder of her mother, the death of her father, Mabel's rape by her uncle).
Side A (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1143_A.mp3 Side A (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1143_A.wav
Side B (mp3) http://herstory.prattsils.org/mp3_files/spw1143_B.mp3 Side B (wav) http://herstory.prattsils.org/wav_files/spw1143_B.wav