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Alma Routsong Interview, January 20, 1990
Alma Routsong is interviewed in New York in 1990. She discusses her early experiences of being a lesbian and coming out. She explains how lesbian literature of the time informed her about DOB and influenced her to leave her husband and move to New York with her lover. Alma also discusses her writing career and use of a pseudonym. In tape 2 she discusses DOB groups and events, as well as the demise of DOB. -
Amazon Autumn Event, 1986
Footage of an event held in 1986. Both Deborah Edel and Judith Schwarz are featured sitting at a table for the Lesbian Herstory Archives and are handing out information about lesbian herstory in general and the archives more specifically. Joan Nestle and Mabel Hampton are also featured. -
Anne MacKay Interview, April 24, 1988
Anne MacKay is interviewed in Orient Point, New York in 1988. She discusses the early days of the DOB, lesbian conventions, coming out to her family, socializing, theatrical productions to help fund the Lesbian Herstory Archives, and relationships between lesbians. -
Arcus Flynn Interview, November 1, 1987
Arcus Flynn discusses her early life and her struggle with isolation and depression, her eventual discovery of the Daughters of Bilitis meetings and the community and friendships she found there. Arcus talks about the early importance of roles assumed by lesbians in the community (butch/femme), her involvement with the Women’s Rights movement, her evolution from Catholicism to born-again pagan spirituality (the Irish triad: truth, knowledge, and nature), and her discovery of herbology and natural healing. -
Astraea
Short clips of several interviews with various members of the Daughters of Bilitis about their experiences with the group and being a lesbian in the 1950s and thereafter. -
Berkshire Conference Panel Discussion and Cleo Glenn
Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, Barbara Gittings, and Lois Johnson discuss their experiences in Daughters of Bilitis on a panel for the 1987 Berkshire Conference on the History of Women; Cleo Glenn discusses some of her younger life as well as her involvement with Daughters of Bilitis -
Billye Talmadge Interview, 1987
Billye Talmadge discusses her early experiences as she came to understand her own preferences and sexuality, and the support she received from her college dean, classmate, and mother. She describes her role in the Daughters of Bilitis and the responsibilities and liabilities of being an officer in the group. She elaborates on the social and political climate of the times, and how she endeavored to help people overcome their fear of harassment and discrimination through providing education and supportive counseling and resources. -
Boston DOB 20th Anniversary, April 2, 1989
The Boston chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis celebrate their 20th anniversary with opening remarks by Lois Johnson. She briefly discusses the founding of the chapter in 1969 by Jan Chase before thanking committee members and individuals for their contributions to the ceremony. The video ends with the lighting and cutting of the cake. -
Carole Morton Interview, October 21, 1988
Carole Morton discusses her discovery of Daughters of Bilitis and her activism on behalf of lesbian mothers. -
Edythe D. Eyde aka Lisa Ben Interview, October 25, 1988
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. -
GWA Rough Cut and Crawl Titles
Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, Billye Talmadge, Nikki Nichols, and Barbara Gittings speak about their experiences with the Daughters of Bilitis organization. -
Helen Ruvelas Interview, May 10, 1987
Helen Ruvelas discusses her involvement with the Daughters of Bilitis during the 1970’s and the strong friendships she developed with some of the women in the group. She also talks about her eventual drift away from the group and its dissolution. -
Jean Ko Stewart Interview, April 11, 1989
Jean Ko Stewart is interviewed in Boston in 1989. She discusses her early relationships with women and coming out. She speaks about her role as the Vice President of the Boston chapter, which involved organizing dances and concerts and a focus on providing a community space for lesbians. She compares the political and social climate of California and Boston, and considers Boston’s racial climate at the time. Jean explains that she moved to California because she heard that women wore slacks to work, which was considered unacceptable in Boston in the 1960s.
Accompanied by an abridged version where Jean Ko Stewart speaks about meeting with the Daughters of Bilitis community. -
Judith Schwarz and Joan Nestle Interview, November 14, 1992
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. -
Julie Lee Interview, 1989
Julie Lee and her partner [Ginny] are interviewed in 1989. They discuss relationships, lesbian communities, activism and the civil rights movement. Julie talks about her role as secretary of the New York chapter of DOB and her roles in United Sisters, ACLU, etc. They both talk about police harassment and how 'out' lesbians lost their jobs. Julie also mentions her pseudonym. -
Karen Anderson Ryer Interview, 1987
Karen Anderson Ryer discusses her coming out process, and the acceptance of her parents. She talks about butch vs. fem, and changing generational attitudes. Discusses importance of feminism to lesbianism specifically, and differences from gay men’s movement. She details the split of “The Ladder” from the San Francisco chapter from DOB, and how she left to start a new magazine. Also mentions the integration of different lesbian communities – Oakland vs. San Francisco, and the impact of AIDS on the lesbian community. -
Ladder Workshop/Wendy Hayes, 1970s (Part 1)
Wendy Hayes elaborates her coming out in San Francisco and joining the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB). The Daughters of Bilitis started as a group of women trying to find an alternative to the bar scene in San Francisco. -
Ladder Workshop/Wendy Hayes, 1970s (Part 2)
About the First Lesbian Convention in San Francisco. A discussion of early scientific studies of sexuality (a couple of attendees and host talk about shock therapy). Trigger Warning: Discussion of shock therapy and suicide. -
Ladder Workshop/Wendy Hayes, 1970s (Part 3)
Creating local Lesbian chapters and national communication through publications: The Ladder, Focus, Sisters, and Lesbian Tide. -
Lesbian Nation, August 25, 1972
An interview with Julie Lee about her background, work and ongoings with New York City & New Jersey branches of Daughters of Bilitis. This recording also includes a discussion of the book “Lesbian Woman” by Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon, the topics it addresses and Julie Lee’s efforts on east coast distribution of the book. -
Lesbian Nation, December 26, 1972
Interview with Julie Lee, an important member of the Daughters of Bilitis, about the New Jersey National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) and her struggles to create a chapter of NOW dedicated to "doubly-oppressed" women (which included lesbians, POC women and improvished women in the community). -
Lesbian Nation, January 30, 1973
Interview with Jane Kogan about Daughters of Bilitis and why she gave up painting and her life as an activist and artist [The Lady’s Not for Sale by Kris Kristofferson plays] . -
Lesbian Nation, July 28, 1972
Martha Shelley interviews Gene Damon aka Barbara Grier, founder of the lesbian magazine The Ladder (1956-1972). They discuss the beginnings of The Ladder and how it evolved from a smaller publication within the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) into an independent publication. Grier discusses the shift in content as well once the magazine became independent of the Daughters of Bilitis. Grier felt that under DOB they were focused on presenting a clean public image of lesbians to society at large and that this was reflected in what was published in older versions of The Ladder. Once Grier became the editor, she felt it was important to address topics like sexuality, saying “we began running material that deals with sex honestly and forthrightly.”Tags Barbara Grier, Coming Out, Daughters of Bilitis, Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), Interviews, Lesbian Musician, Lesbian Nation, Lesbian Writer, Literature, Martha Shelley, Music, Publications, Sex, Sexual Relationships, Sexuality, The Ladder, Women's Lesbian Liberation Committee, Women's Liberation Movement, Writing -
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 Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 2)
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. -
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. -
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 4)
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.
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LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 5)
The majority of this video depicts Barbara and her partner, Donna McBride, going through photo albums and images of Barbara’s childhood, her family, and then her later years with Donna. Some topics that come up include Helen Bennett, Barbara’s relationship before Donna, and Naiad Press. The last 30 minutes or so of the video focus on Barbara as she discusses The Ladder and the various women who contributed to it and how publications helped shape social change for the gay and lesbian movement. -
LHA Daughters of Bilitis Video Project: Barbara Grier, November 27, 1987 (Tape 7)
This video consists of a brief interview with Grier’s partner, Donna McBride, and then follows a discussion Grier leads on her book collection, favorite authors, and publishing experience. She and McBride talk about Naiad press and its successes over the years and the video shows their office workspace and the multitude of submissions they receive for publication. Donna McBride’s segment focuses on her awareness of being a lesbian, the aftermath of telling her parents, and her later involvement with women’s activist groups. -
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 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. -
Linda Lopez Interview, October 22, 1988
Linda Lopez is interviewed in 1988. She talks about growing up in the South and how she fared as a lesbian living in a conservative community. She discusses the Dallas DOB and how the membership consisted of a number of women who had been married, divorced and had kids (including herself). She talks about the custody battle she had with her parents over her son and how many women faced similar battles but with their spouses. She also talks about how she and a number of women lost their jobs when it was discovered that they were lesbians. She discusses the Dallas DOB's events.
On tape 2, she talks about the impact of the Dallas DOB in Dallas and beyond, how it inspired activism and other organizations. She talks about Rob [Shivers]' leadership and its role in DOB's strength. She discusses Dallas and the South in General - how lesbians were treated and how they lived. She talks about the need for job security, the roles and expectations of women. -
Lois Beeby Interview, May 9, 1987
Lois Beeby discusses her early experiences and confusion as to recognizing she was a lesbian. She speaks about her role as a member and officer in the Daughters of Bilitis, and the eventual unrest and split in the group, leading to her leaving DOB. She speaks of unrest between gay men and lesbians and the desire for the two to join together as a united front. -
Lois Johnson and Sheri Barden Interview, April 1, 1989
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. -
Marion Zimmer Bradley Interview, October 17, 1988
Marion Zimmer Bradley talks about her experience growing up, her marriage and children, being a woman writer in science fiction, writing for The Ladder, and discrimination in publishing. She also touches upon her struggles as a lesbian mother. -
Martha Shelley Interview, June 24, 1989
Martha Shelley is interviewed in New York in 1989. She talks about being a lesbian in New York from the 1960s, the negative views of lesbians portrayed by psychologists, the bar scene, roles and her use of a pseudonym. She talks about finding DOB, the meetings and discussions that took place, and her contributions to the Ladder. She talks about Jean Powers and other members of DOB and describes the members as mixed race, working class, couples and singles. She also talks about her political activism in terms of DOB, peace, civil rights and the Stonewall Riots, including the marches she was involved in and the speeches she made. -
Memorial Service for Diane Cleaver (Part 2)
Friends and family gather at the funeral of Diane Cleaver to share stories, reminisce, and pay homage to her. -
Nikki Nichols Interview, May 14, 1987
Nikki Nichols describes her coming out process, and experiences with older lesbian women as a teenager. Discusses changing views on butch/fem issue. Laments the lack of lesbian groups in Sacramento, as well as describing issues with and fears of gay bars. Talks about how the discovery of DOB saved her life – socially and otherwise. Describes first DOB convention in 1960. Discusses her research into Native American attitudes towards homosexuality, as well as Native American rights movement.
On tape 2, she talks about The Ladder and its role in lesbian history, and gives her thoughts about which leaders loomed large in the DOB. She brings up the Act or Teach “controversy” of the early 60s. She mentions problems with drug culture in San Francisco during the 60s. She also talks about her enthusiasm for active protest/picketing, and the difficulties of getting gay activists and rallies in California outside of San Francisco. -
Pat Helin and Barbara Deming Interview, May 10, 1987
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. -
Pat Turner Interview, December 31, 1987
Pat Turner describes early experiences as a lesbian growing up in the south, conflicts with her enthusiasm for religion as a young person, and her family’s reaction to her sexual orientation. She talks about the relative lack of gay social life in Tennessee, despite the existence of certain bars in Nashville. Discusses how her first letter to The Ladder became an article, and the response from readers. Describes working on The Ladder, and later experiences after the Stonewall. -
Pat Walker Interview, October 18, 1988
Pat Walker talks about her mother's reaction to her sexuality, her first girlfriend, living with blindness, and her experiences with the DOB and its members. -
Rose Jordan Interview, May 23, 1993
Rose Jordan discusses her involvement with women’s political organizations, including the New York chapter of of the Daughters of Bilitis, and feminist groups along with the schism that existed between 2 generations of lesbian women.
Accompanied by an abridged version highlighting Rose Jordan's discussion of political organizations and feminist groups. -
Shirley Willer Interview, July 11, 1987
Shirley Willer talks about becoming aware of her true sexuality, being a lesbian nurse, the DOB, her view on motherhood, and her experience as an activist. On tape 2, she discusses her National Presidency of DOB, the break up of DOB in 1970 and the end of the Ladder in 1972. She also touches on the 1968 convention and her relationship with Marion. -
Slide Titles for GWA
This is a collection of video clips, photos, and opening/closing credits for a Daughters of Bilities documentary sponsored by the Lesbian Herstory Archives. -
Stella Rush & Helen Sandoz, May 15, 1987 (Tape 2 of 3)
Stella Rush and Helen Sandoz discuss writing and printing the Ladder, and another lesbian publication, the One. They also touch on a range of topics including obscenity laws, pornography, spirituality, the Homosexual Bill of Rights, and DOB conferences. They discuss the politics of the 1980s and compare it to that of the 1950s. Stella goes into detail about her upbringing and subsequent mental health issues. -
Stella Rush & Helen Sandoz, May 15, 1987 (Tape 3 of 3)
Stella Rush and Helen Sandoz are interviewed in 1987. The interview mostly concerns Stella Rush, who talks about her childhood; specifically her encounters with incest and molestation. She also talks about her experiences with police discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s in L.A. Helen and Stella both talk about being editors of the Ladder and being a part of the DOB. Stella talks about workplace harassment, and fear of loser her job. They show photographs from the 1960s, including some of their cat. The video closes with the two discussing their wedding rings.Tags Bars, Christianity, Daughters of Bilitis, Discrimination, Families, Gay Liberation Movement, Hate Crimes, Helen Sandoz, Homosexuality, Incest, Intergenerational Relationships, Interviews, Job Discrimination, Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, Mailing Lists, Mental Health, Mothers, Older Lesbians, Parents of Lesbians and Gays, Police Harassment, Radical Lesbians, Rape, Religion, Sexual Assault, Stella Rush, The Ladder, Violence, Women -
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. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 1 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 1 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 10 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 10 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 2 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 2 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 3 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. [THIS FILE DUPLICATES FILE "SPW159_DOB ATKINSON #3 SIDE B_"] -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 3 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 4 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 4 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 5 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 5 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 6 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 7 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 7 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 8 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 8 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 9 of 10, Side A
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office. -
Ti Grace Atkinson, Tape 9 of 10, Side B
This sound recording captures workshop discussions led by Ti Grace Atkinson at the Daughters of Bilitis office.