Deborah Wolf LGBT Community Interviews: Tape Two - Micky
Copyright Deborah Wolf See the Lesbian Herstory Archives Rights Statement
Lesbians--United States--Social conditions
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.
Debra (Interviewee) Madeline Davis (Interviewer)
See the LHA Copyright Statement Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Tape one of a two tape series recorded in 1980. Succeeded by SPW498.
Sound PhysicalObject Oral History Interview
Lesbians--New York (State)--Buffalo--History--20th century
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.
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.
Sound Physical Object Oral History Interview
AIDS (Disease); AIDS (Disease)--Political aspects--United States; ACT UP (Organization); New York (State)--New York; United States; AIDS (Disease)--History; AIDS (Disease)--Social aspects--United States; Clinical trials--Reporting; Clinical drug trials; Drugs--Testing; Clinical trials of drugs; Drug bioscreening ; Drug trials ; Drugs--Clinical trials; Drugs--Effectiveness--Testing; Drugs--Evaluation; AIDS (Disease) in women
NIH-moderated panel about defining a national AIDS policy, research health services, and prevention in four talks from Maxine Wolfe (ACT UP), Dr. Wanda Jones (CDC), Corola Marta (Yale physician), and community activist Michelle Lopez.
[Julie Auerbach] Coordinator of the Behavioral and Social Science activities in the office of AIDS research at the National Institute of Health moderates a panel that discusses defining a national AIDS policy, research health services, and prevention in four talks. The panel begins with ACT UP activist Maxine Wolfe, followed by Dr. Wanda [Johns/Jones], the Associate Director for Women's Health at the Center for Disease Control. Side B continues with Dr. Wanda [Johns/Jones], followed by [Corola] Marta, a physician with the Yale AIDS program whose work was focused on inner-city primary care and women's health. The recording cuts off the last talk from community activist Michelle Lopez involved in issues related to women and children in New York. Lopez was also on the board that planned the conference.
Processed by Pratt School of Information LIS-668 students, Fall 2015
Maxine Wolfe Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Discrimination at Clark's Corner Restaurant
A woman reports about discrimination and threats she and her girlfriend faced when they kissed at a restaurant in Brooklyn Heights. She talks about the “kiss in” she and the Lesbian Avengers were having restaurant in protest. She also talks about plans to file a police report and take legal action if possible.
Linda Chapman [Executive Producer] Mary Patierno [Executive Producer] Ana Maria Simo [Executive Producer]
Copyright Dyke TV: Linda Chapman, Mary Patierno, Ana Maria Simo. Tapes and digital files held by the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Tapes reproduced with permission from the copyright holders.
Discussion on Battered Women, Wife Abuse
Interviewee discusses helping a domestic abuse victim retrieve their personal belongings, and shares statistics on reported domestic abuses.
Not to be used for publication without the express written consent of Liza Cowan. Contact the Lesbian Herstory Archive for Liza Cowan's contact information. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Discussion on Sexual Abuse of Children (Incest)
Interviewee discusses the statistics of child sexual assault, and how they are not reported accurately. They claim that girls face more assault than boys, but much of it goes unreported. Conversation circles around parental assault, parental protection, and social services. The host and interviewer talk about the role of the patriarchy, victim denial, abuse, and the need for child abuse education for children. They advocate for child’s rights, and children’s need for peer relationships.
Recording starts with an introduction from the Feminist Radio Network, with female vocalizing, singing, and performing. The recording then begins to talk about women in the food service industry, and the statistics of how many women are waitresses. Upon interviewing a waitress, the conversation moves towards the low wages, and need for unionization in waitressing, since there is such a reliance on tips. Segueing through empowering music, the discussion shifts to women’s speeches, performances and testimonies on women’s liberation. The recording then moves on to a panel with Maxine Kumin, Grace Paley, and Alice Walker, discussing their thoughts on women’s writing.
Disquieting Muses and Women on Trial: The Forbidden Texts of the Three Marias
For this episode of 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 Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Disquieting Muses: A Response to the Suicide of Women Artists
Suzan Shown interviews the cast and creator of the theater show Disquieting Muses: A Response to the Suicides of Women Artists, which examines suicides among women artists.
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.
DJ (Interviewee) Madeline Davis (Interviewer)
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 665 Projects in Digital Archives students
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.
Tape 2 of a 3 tape series. Preceded by SPW512. Followed by SPW514.
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
Gay activists Lesbian Activists Demonstrations Gay rights Gay military personnel - United States Don’t ask, don’t tell (Military personnel policy) Homophobia in the Military
This video is documentation of a demonstration protesting Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. The protest occurred on September 23, 1993 outside a fundraiser for the then prospective mayor of New York David Dinkins in which Bill Clinton was speaking. This segment combines raw footage artifacts with more formal documentation of the chants, and informal interviews with the participants. The last portion of this video shows police attempting to forcibly remove demonstrators.
Donna Allegra, via Cassandra Grant Collection
Donna Allegra, via Saskia Scheffer/Lesbian Herstory Archives
Side A: Dorothy discusses her personal life and how she came to discover that she was a lesbian. She talks about her marriage and separation. She discusses her relationships with women, all of which were long-term. Dorothy talks about her job in engineering as a tool designer and the fact that she performed a man's work for a man's salary. She discusses lesbian social life during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s and names several popular bars including Eddy's Tavern, Ralph Martin. She talks about her developing alcoholism and the prominence of this disease among lesbians in general, perhaps as a result of their uncertainty about life. Dorothy also talks about butch and femme roles in lesbianism, stating that she doesn't identify herself with either role despite the fact that the butches identified her as one of them. Side B: Dorothy continues the discussion of roles in lesbianism and the division between the two groups in bars. She says that her "crowd" did not distinguish between these two groups and she ultimately stopped going to bars, partly as a result of the need for role division. She discusses in some depth her problem with alcohol and talks about her membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. She talks about how she decided that she was a lesbian and gives further details about her first relationship. She also speculates on whether or not other people knew she was a lesbian, including her mother and acquaintances such as her landlord. She says that she has never had any problems with people discriminating against her. Dorothy also continues to talk about the social dynamics of bars in Buffalo.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, 665 Projects in Digital Archives Students
Tape one of a two tape series recorded 1981-10-2. Tape 2 is SPW473
Lesbian community--New York (State)--New York
Dorothy talks generally of leisure activities, relationships, and sexual relations. She then talks at length about one long-term relationship with Harriette, mentioning their business, break up, life-long friendship, and Harriettes other relationships. She talks first of weekend activities or leisure activities such as house parties, picnics, and going to bars. She talks in general about sexual relations, mentioning "daisy chain" sex, and attitudes towards sex and equality in love-making. She talks in general about long-term relationships and breaking up. She then answers questions and talks at length about her long-term relationship with Harriette, their break up and lasting friendship. She mentions their first car and the business they owned together. She talks of monogamy. She talks of Harriette's later marriage and other relationships. Dorothy talks of her opinion of bi-sexuality and of Harriette's marriage and relationships.
Interviewee: Dorothy, Interviewer: Elizabeth Lapovsky Kennedy
Tape two of a two tape series recorded 1982-10-2. Tape 1 is SPW472.
Lesbianism Lesbian couples -- United States Lesbian bars Lesbian -- relationships Lesbian -- sexual behavior Lesbian --United States --Identity Lesbian -- United States -- World War II Lesbian community -- New York (State) New York Lesbian --Family relationships Lesbian -- Social life and customs Roles --Butch and femme Lesbian -- courtship
Side A Dorothy discusses lesbians in the military during World War II with regard to her friend Betty, a lesbian marine who feared her phone was tapped. She refers to it as a 'witch hunt'. Dorothy discusses lesbian bars in Buffalo in the 1940s -1950s, and talks about friendships and butch and femme roles. Side B Dorothy discusses her break up with her girlfriend of 13 years, Charlotte. She talks about their courtship, sexuality, home life, and their families, who were never formally told they were a couple. While talking about the break up she mentions the deed to a cottage they shared and losing personal property in the breakup. Dorothy mentions seeking help from a lawyer and a lesbian psychologist in the 1950s. Dorothy discusses that she once considered suicide after a breakup.
Pratt Institute, School of information and Library Science, students in LIS-665 Projects in Digital Archives
Coverage=Spatial: Buffalo, NY Coverage=Temporal 1942-1960 Coverage=Temporal: 20th Century
Side A Dorothy discusses how women met one another, sexuality, and her various relationships. Particular focus is on her 10 year relationship with her girlfriend during the mid 1950s to mid 1960s. Side B Dorothy discusses how she feels about children and the fact that she never any. She gives her opinion on two women raising a child, and talks about her friends who are now married to men who raised children. In addition, she continues her thoughts on sexuality and butch-femme roles.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 665: Projects in Digital Archives students
Dorothy discusses her lifelong identity as a lesbian and her uncharacteristic history in adopting both the butch and femme roles in prior relationships. She talks about being the child of a single mother (her father died when she was two years old) and also describes her hobbies. She says she has always been very mechanically inclined and has also always been an avid reader. She suspects that being an avid reader influenced her ability to understand and be accepting of herself. She also discusses her education and career and her treatment as a lesbian on the job. She was the first female member of the American Society of Tool Designers and later became a technical librarian and engineering researcher. She also speaks about her friendships and non-sexual relationships with both gay and straight women. She notes the differences between those relationships and how her mannerisms and level of self-consciousness also differ in those interactions.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, students in LIS-665 Projects in Digital Archives
Side A of Tape 3 of three-tape series. Prior tapes in series are SPW474 and SPW475
Radio Free Women episode about "class and culture and how it applies to the women's movement". Opens with "Good Morning Heartache" by Diana Ross. Actual audio is an interview of performing duo. A majority of the audio is consists of casual conversation amongst friends.
Feminist Radio Network Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Gay activists Lesbian activists Lesbian community Sexual freedom
This video is a compilation of edited footage of Dyke Marches from 1993-2001: the 1993 Dyke March in Washington D.C.; the 1993 Dyke March in New York City; the 1994 Dyke March in New York City; the 1995 Dyke March in New York City; the 1999 Dyke March in New York City; the 2000 Dyke March in New York City; and the 2001 Dyke March in New York City. The video includes interviews with lesbians and individuals who are participating in the Dyke March and studio interviews with Kelly Cogswell, Maxine Wolfe, and Marlene Colburn. Lesbians participating in the march express their need for visibility, civil rights, and liberation on all fronts.
Mary Burkle [producer] Harriet Hirchorn [producer] Mary Patierno [producer] Anat Salomon [producer] Sally Sasso [producer] Kelly Cogswell [interviewee] Marlene Colburn [interviewee] Maxine Wolfe [interviewee]
District of Columbia, United States New York, New York, United States
Lebians Homosexuality on radio Lesbians in mass media United Nations Non-governmental organizations China
A fundraising letter asking for support for the Dyke TV Beijing Project to attend the NGO Forum at the United Nations World Conference on Women to record testimonies from women. The letter notes a partnership between Dyke TV and FIRE (Feminist International Radio Endeavor) to also bring recorded testimonies to short wave radio.
See the LHA Copyright Statement
Advertising Lesbians Lesbian community Television
An invitation for the Dyke TV Does 100! Cocktail Party & 100th Show Screening at Joy Tomchin and Baby Evan's home.
Stonewall Riots, New York, N.Y., 1969 Lesbian artists Lesbians, Black Childhood
This video serves as a valuable resource to understand what a full episode of Dyke TV would have looked like when it aired. In addition to a segment titled, “From the Archives,” which spotlights the experience of lesbians in Harlem, and further illustrates the community presence outside of the well documented activism surrounding Stonewall. Next was an “Arts” segment, in which filmmaker Su Friedrich discusses her background and experience making films. Finally, there are two segments of “I was a Lesbian Child,” a segment which is represented in clips on this site. These segments aimed to normalize the lesbian experience; interviewees discuss their childhoods and showcase childhood photos. The video closes with credits, contact information, and a Public Service Announcement about street harassment.
New York, New York, United States Newark, New Jersey, United States
Lesbians Lesbian community Lesbians in mass media Lesbianism on television
A press release announcing that Dyke TV will begin airing in San Francisco and seven other cities, for a total reach to 18 cities. The announcement notes the current cities of distribution, and describes content that will be included in upcoming programming.
New York, New York, United States San Francisco, California, United States
A fundraising letter describing some of the past news and features presented by Dyke TV, and asking for donations to continue creating programming. The letter warns that without help, Dyke TV will soon be off the air.
Lesbians Lesbian community Web sites - Design
A flyer advertising two internet courses. One teaches about the internet being used for lesbian and women's organizations and communication. The second teaches how to design a web page.
Homophobia Lesbians Lesbian community Sexual orientation
An email sent by David B. O'Donnell containing text from a June 19, 1995 article in the Colorado Daily called "Dyke TV is hateful? Prove it" by Richard Cendo. According to the article, Melanie J. Schurr refers to Dyke TV as a hate show due to its aversion toward "straights." The author argues that the show may be for lesbians, but that there is no evidence that points to it being averse to different sexual orientations.
Lesbians Lesbian community Fund raising Lesbian activists
A membership form for Dyke TV detailing donation tiers. Handwritten note in upper right hand corner reads "Yes! Sign me up, and send me DTV's newsletter, Get Turned On!
A letter requesting support for Dyke TV. The letter asks the recipient to consider becoming a member of the Dyke TV network of grass-roots lesbian television supporters.
A flyer advertising jobs at Dyke TV. Positions include camera operator, video editor, news writer/producer, fund-raiser, and public relations.
A flyer advertising jobs at Dyke TV. Positions include camera operator, video editor, news writer/producer, fund-raiser, and public relations. Contains casual descriptions of positions and required skills.
Special events Lesbians in mass media Lesbianism on television
A flyer advertising the 1995 fall season premier of Dyke TV, as well as related promotional events and requests for "Lesbian Child" segment participants.
A flyer announcing the third season of Dyke TV and encouraging people to come to a producer's meeting to present ideas.
(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.
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.
edited by Morgan Gwenwald, Manuela Soares, Sara Yaeger
All Rights Reserved by the Lesbian Herstory Archives and the DOB Video Project creators Morgan Gwenwald & Manuela Soares
In this oral history conducted by the Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club, EJ Koch discusses her upbringing and family, her coming out process through her first marriage, the book she is writing with a colleague, and how she arrived at Rossmoor.
Please see the Lesbian Herstory Archive's Rights Statement and the donor agreement form. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
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, 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, Lesbian community--United States--History, Oral history interview
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.
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.
Everywoman Space - ♀ (Women) Writers 8/8/75
In this episode of Everywoman Space (the second show of the Women Writing Series) host, Irene Yarrow, speaks with author Jan Clausen. Clausen reads a selection of her work, a short story called "The Warsaw Ghetto." Yarrow and Clausen go on to discuss the story and writing process. They take calls from listeners and Clausen reads a poem titled "A Christmas Letter."
See Rights Page
This Every Woman’s Space episode is centered on the theme of women’s anger, how it is expressed, repressed, and how it is shaped by socialization. Side A opens with an introduction explaining that this episode continues a previous “Speak Out on Anger” program, inviting women of all identities to share their experiences. The host plays a recorded discussion with writer Isabel Miller about interpersonal anger among women and the difficulties of expressing it, followed by readings of listener letters and journal entries, including one describing sexism in a legal workplace. Side B continues with call-in discussions where women describe struggles to voice anger in friendships, workplaces, and family relationships, reflecting on how they were conditioned to “be nice” and suppress confrontation. The host comments on these dynamics, encouraging listeners to unlearn emotional repression and view anger as a constructive, transformative force. The program closes with a listener’s poem and Margie Adam’s song “I’ve Got a Fury”.
Everywoman Space - Women Writers - Irene Yarrow Speaks with Jan Clausen
Irene Yarrow opens this episode of 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."
Feminism, Marriage, Coming Out (Sexual Orientation), Coming Out (Sexual Orientation) In Literature
This episode of Everywomanspace, hosted by Irene Yarrow on WBAI radio, features the complete reading of Yarrow’s autobiographical story “Woman Becoming.” Yarrow explores her personal journey of self-realization and coming out as a lesbian, interwoven with experiences of motherhood, marriage, and feminist awakening. The broadcast incorporates poetry by Judy Grahn, musical selections by Alix Dobkin and Joni Mitchell, and live listener call-ins.
In this episode of Everywomanspace, host, Irene Yarrow, speaks with Louise Risken about the lives of "shopping bag women" (unhoused women) in New York City. They play a short selection of recorded interviews between Risken and these women then take calls from listeners.
Everywomanspace - Anti-abortion Legislation and the 'Family' Protection Act
Abortion, Abortion Access For LGBTQ+ People, Reproductive Rights, Constitutional Rights, Women’s Movement, Reproductive Justice
This edition of Everywomanspace presents a conversation between Betty Levinson, an attorney in private practice and one of the regular producers of the Women's Legal Clinic, and Rhonda Copeland of the Center for Constitutional Rights, discussing the issue of abortion, along with the cuts that happened at the constitutional level towards Medicaid, and the consequences of the Family Protection Act.
This episode of Everywomanspace, hosted by Irene Yarrow on WBAI radio, Yarrow and a group of women discuss the recent events surrounding Assata Shakur's arrest and imprisonment and current treatment in the media and jail system. They read Shakur's poem, "What is Left," and play a recording of Evelyn Williams reading Shakur's poem, "Rights and Responsibilities Middlesex County Jail." The women go on to discuss the current state of Shakur's trial, share information on how listeners can support her, play a recording of Shakur thanking supporters from prison, and take calls from listeners.
Everywomanspace - Crimes Against Women II / Violence Against Women II
Violence Against Women, Race And Sex Discrimination, Intersectionality
This Everywomanspace episode hosted by Irene Yarrow with guests Margaret Robinson, Yolanda Bacow, and Magna Taliswoman, focusing on violence against women. The program highlights rising rape statistics, community actions like the Women’s Walk Against Rape, and the case of Cheryl Todd and Desi Woods, two Black women punished for defending themselves. Discussion expands to systemic injustices, racism, and the importance of women’s solidarity and self-defense.
Everywomanspace - Irene Yarrow Speaks with Isabel Miller
This Everywomanspace episode features host Irene Yarrow in conversation with author Alma Rautsong (Isabel Miller), discussing her novel Patience and Sarah, her use of a pseudonym, and her turn toward feminist and lesbian themes. Rautsong reads from her unfinished work Gertrude, which explores motherhood, domestic labor, intimacy between women, and struggles within marriage, highlighting themes of resilience and female connection. The discussion expands to women’s lived experiences, including menstruation, nurturing, anger, and forgiveness, and stresses the importance of preserving women’s diaries and personal writings as vital feminist and lesbian history, before closing with announcements and a feminist song.
Everywomanspace - Open Discussion 9/12/76
Women's Movement, Feminism, Women Radio Talk Show Hosts
In this episode of "Everywomanspace," hosted by Irene Yarrow, the host emphasizes that the program is inclusive for all women, regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, social class, or gender. She introduces the show as a platform for open communication and discourse. Throughout the episode, Irene takes calls from listeners, welcoming their criticisms and suggestions regarding what they would like to see in the program in the future.
Everywomanspace - Project Chance 10/3/76
Education, Resource Programs (education), Pedagogy, Classes, Counseling, Continuing Education
The episode features a conversation between the host, Irene Yaros, and Ellie Bulkin, Lavinia Penson, and Catherine Conroy. They discuss their new grassroots educational program for adult women, called Project Chance, which HEW funded through the Women's Studies and the Women's Center at Brooklyn College. What they'll be doing is preparing women who want to return to college, who wish to decide whether to do so, or who want to re-enter the labor market, and possibly do so at a level that gives them a slight advantage over what they would have had otherwise.
Tarot reader explains her practice and interpretation of tarot from a “subjective level.” Spirituality/tarot is positioned as a move from patriarchy. The tarot reader credits her practice of tarot to her upbringing around women, reading of feminist texts, also her mother is a witch.
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Women, Fat, Sexuality, Beauty Standards, Health
This episode explores the politics of body image. A conversation with a guest named Roe Rasmussen, Roz Pulitzer, Judy Grad, Carol Rosenthal, and Deborah Plumer. As they discuss their problems with self-image, especially in activist spaces, they address issues related to being fat, eating disorders, beauty standards, feeling desirable, and societal treatments around womanhood and fatness.
Everywomanspace II - Irene Yarrow Speaks with Author, Carol Rosenthal
This is the second episode of Everywomanspace. Host, Irene Yarrow, speaks with author Carol Rosenthal. Rosenthal reads her short story Cowboys and Yarrow reads her short story, Mother. The two briefly discuss each piece and how to support women's writing amongst themselves before taking calls from listeners on the same topics.
Exhibition Image for "Women's Power Roles in Reawakened Roe V. Wade"
https://unsplash.com/photos/TzVN0xQhWaQ?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink
John Cooper hosts "Explorations in Self Help," with guest Carol Sims. Carol talks about her new book, The Re-entry Game, a book for women dating post-divorce, published by Warner Books. She talks about the rise of the financial and socially independent woman, as influenced by Women’s Liberation, and life post-Women’s liberation. She touches on post-divorce topics like custody battles, and self-love. Recorded by KCRWM Santa Monica.
Not to be used for publication without the express written consent of Liza Cowan. Contact the Lesbian Herstory Archive for Liza Cowan's contact information.
Meeting between ACT UP and other HIV/AIDS activists and employees of the Federal Drug Administration regarding recent FDA activities in accelerated approval and expanded access to drugs.
Meeting between AIDS activists, including ACT UP member Maxine Wolfe, and empolyees of the Federal Drug Administration. Also included in the meeting are researchers who studied HIV/AIDS in clinical trials, as well as physicians at various clinics. The purpose for the meeting was to discuss recent activities of the FDA regarding accelerated approval and expanded access to drugs. Also discussed are the influence of corporations and recent scandals.
Processed by Pratt School of Information LIS-668 students, Fall 2016
This recording features thoughts on feminist credit unions by an unidentified speaker covering topics from the buercratic procedures and structure needed to create and run them, the ethical decisions on how to allocate loans given limited funding and importance of preserving their history.
Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Lesbian identity Homonormativity Second wave feminism
Recorded discussion regarding what constitutes a lesbian and lesbian identity writ large.
Not to be used for publication without the express written consent of Liza Cowan. Contact the Lesbian Herstory Archive for Liza Cowan’s contact information. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Recorded discussion regarding the defining features of lesbianism and the lesbian identity.
Discussion of domestic relations, and how a woman agrees to certain terms when she gets married. Women do not know what they are agreeing to. They know what it is, but they do not want the details. There is a discussion of how women are programmed to inherently undermine their own thoughts, and to label them as “feelings” as opposed to facts. Further discussion on how gender issues are defined.
Not to be used for publication without the express written consent of Liza Cowen. Contact the Lesbian Herstory Archive for Liza Cowen’s contact information. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Scan of letter distributed by planning committee members of First Black Lesbian Conference, San Francisco, 1980
Folk Songs of the Industrial Workers of the World
This recording consists of a collection of songs associated with the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), an international union founded in 1905 in Chicago, IL. IWW members, commonly referred to as Wobblies, were prominent participants in the radical labor movement in the early 20th Century in the US. They also had ties to the socialist and anarchist movements of the time. While this recording does not include any information on the singers, writers, or dates recorded, most of these songs were written by Joe Hill and likely are sung by Joe Glazer and Bill Friedland. Joe Hill was a famous labor activist and folk singer in the early 1900s, and Joe Glazer and Bill Friedland kept Joe Hill’s music alive throughout the 20th century. Songs 1-13 are likely sung by Joe Glazer and Bill Friedland, song 14 by Holly Near, and song 15 by Charlie Poole. Songs 1-13 were likely recorded in the 1950s.
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
Digital Format: .MP3 Physical format: Cassette Tape
Live performance of a variety of songs, including covers of "Imagine my Surprise" by Holly Near and "Take it Easy" by the Eagles
Various song rights holders Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
(Side A) Victoria Brownworth this episode of 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.
Gay Men's Health Crisis [Living with AIDS],
AIDS (Disease)--Political aspects; United States; AIDS (Disease)--History; AIDS (Disease)--Social aspects--United States; Drugs--Testing; Clinical trials of drugs; Drug trials; AIDS (Disease) in women
Episode of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) cable show Living with AIDS, covering topics related to women with AIDS.
Episode of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) cable show Living with AIDS, covering topics related to women with AIDS. Begins with clip from CBS special "Aids Hits Home", acknowledging new media coverage of heterosexual women with AIDS because of an inherent threat to middle class. Ruth Rodriguez from the Hispanic AIDS Forum notes that IV drug users comprise 60% of HIV+ women, a social group largely ignored by health professionals. Outreach and AIDS education media should be produced for a range of social groups. References Needle Talk, a series released by the New York Department of Health with physicians and educators discussing IV drug use, sex, and AIDS/HIV transmission.
Jean Carlomusto; Donated by Maxine Wolfe in 1993
Gay Men's Health Crisis Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Gay Pride Parade New York City, 1993 (Part 1)
Gay Pride Day Gay pride parades Gay politicians Lesbians in the performing arts
This clip shows archival footage of the New York City Gay Pride Parade on June 27, 1993. This particular parade represented the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It was also taking place at an apex for the movement against Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, banning out gay people from military service. Participating groups include the Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps, the Lesbian Avengers, the Women's Action Coalition, the Gay Veterans Association, and the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Also seen marching is politician Ruth Messinger and comedian/performer Lea DeLaria.
Gay Pride Parade New York City, 1993 (Part 2)
Gay Pride Day Gay pride parades AIDS (Disease)
Raw footage of the the Gay Pride Parade in New York City near Washington Square Park. Includes shots of spectators and parade participants including the Gay Police Association, RuPaul, Love Lounge, New Jersey Lesbian Coalition, The Eulenspiegel Society, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Long Island, Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE), the Hetrick-Martin Institute, People With AIDS Coalition (PWAC) and PWAC Mother's Support Group, AIDS Resource Center, Community Health Project, The Village AIDS Programs, and Gay Men's Health Crisis. "Boycott Colorado" signs are present throughout, referencing Colorado's 1992 ballot Amendment 2 that prevented protected status under the law for homosexuals or bisexuals.
This is a gay rights hearing with speakers arguing both in favor and opposed to the proposed bill. Those in favor urged the council to allow the parliamentary process to move forward so the bill could be debated and voted on. They argued for equality under the law and the importance of respecting the process. Those opposed expressed concerns about the bill extending homosexual rights beyond government employment, potentially affecting private schools and rentals, and equating homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle. They maintained that homosexuality is not morally or socially equal to heterosexuality. Several speakers share personal life experiences. Eleanor Cooper is featured identifying herself as a spokesperson for Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights and a member of Lesbian Feminist Liberation. U-Matic tapes note that the recordings include the following speakers: Harrison Goldin Feather Keane David Dinkins Eleanor Cooper Abraham Modowitz female doctor Gay cop MOS audience Interview with Pat Bond Rabbi Dennis M Eugenia Lee Hancock Robert Selden (cut-off after 1 sentence)
Lesbian feminism Lesbians in the performing arts
This video features comedian Georgia Ragsdale. The video includes clips from an interview and stand up footage from one of Ragsdale’s performances. She discusses the way she approaches her work and being out as a comedian. Ragsdale explains that for her, “Being out as a comic isn't a choice, because as a stand up comedian all you have is your worldview, your perspective on life and your life and the people around you, so I don’t see how you have a choice to be in or out if you're a stand up comedian.” She also reminisces about her first hour long show when circumstances forced her to come up with enough material in a very short period of time.
Goddess, Mythology, and Ancient Matriarchy
In this program there is a discussion on the earliest myths on the creation of the universe, and goddess creation myths. There is a discussion of ancient matriarchal culture, and its survival as wicca/witchcraft. It pays homage to women who were hanged under accusations of witchcraft. The goddess is synonymous with gynocracy, and women participate in the divine.
A Dyke TV flyer announcing various events including screenings, workshops, and parties, as well as new Board of Directors memebrs. The reverse side of the flyer announces New York Dyke TV airtimes and encourages support
Dances, organizing, Lesbians of Color, Witches, Education, Social Life, Prostitution, Gay Civil RIghts, Stonewall
Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, Billye Talmadge, Nikki Nichols, and Barbara Gittings speak about their experiences with the Daughters of Bilitis organization.
Manuela Soares [interviewer]; Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, Billye Talmadge, Nikki Nichols, and Barbara Gittings [interviewees]
Morgan Greenwald [Still Photographer], Sara Yager [videographer]
social life, women, women's political organizations
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.
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.
See the LHA Copyright Statement Photo by Morgan Gwenwald Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Holly Near is interviewed by Ruth Scovill. Holly talks about her early life, and influences that led her to the women's movement. She talks about anti-imperialism, the role of women’s music, and her criticism within the women’s movement, along with influences in art and politics.
Ruth Scovill Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
This tape was recorded November 14th and is a continuation of a previous recording, although the location of this previous recording is unknown. She discusses an accident and an encounter with her sponsor.
Pratt Institute, School of Information and Library Science, LIS 668 Moving Image and Sound Archiving students
Physical format: Cassette Tape Digital Format: .MP3
Honoring Lesbian-Queer Archiving: Online-Talk with Joan Nestle
Lesbian archives
Queer archives
Lesbian authors
Lesbian identity
A talk with Joan Nestle, co-founder of the Lesbian Herstory Archive, about the history and importance of lesbian archives and queer archives, along with her personal history. The discussion covers many topics in Joan's life and current activities within lesbian archives.
Lesbian Herstory Archives
Spinnboden Lesbian Archive
All rights reserved and credited to Spinnboden Lesbian Archive Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Begehren und Widerstand: Joan Nestle erstmals auf Deutsch
Emily Hixon introduces the topic of grand jury abuse. Through interviews, testimonies, and conversation, they discuss how grand juries can attack political activists and their organizations. They also examine women’s politicized folk music, as well as trial tactics and strategies. They theorize about the intentions of the FBI, lawyers, legal organizing, and the federal government.
I Was a Lesbian Child [Desireena Almoradie]
Childhood Lesbians Children and homosexuality Photographs
In this segment of I Was a Lesbian Child, Desireena Almoradie shares photographs from her childhood in the Philippines and stories of her life while growing up there.
In this segment of I Was a Lesbian Child, Jocelyn Taylor shares photographs from her childhood and stories of her life while growing up. She shares a memory from when she attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington DC.
On this episode of 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."
Interview with Martha Shelley, November 7, 2020
On November 7th 2020, MSLIS students Julia Rosenzweig, Tiffany Chan, and Sadie Hope-Gund conducted an interview with Martha Shelley on behalf of Pratt Institute School of Information and the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Martha was the producer of the 1970’s radio show Lesbian Nation, the tapes of which have been preserved in digital format on this website. The interview was recorded remotely from Brooklyn and Portland, and the covered topics regarded: her personal history, activism, and work on Lesbian Nation.
Julia Rosenzweig, Tiffany Chan, Sadie Hope-Gund , Martha Shelley
Irene Young music demo tape. Vocals by Stefanie Saldana and Judith Skolnik. Track Listing: 1. The Lie / 2. Sad Song / 3. It's Good to Meet You / 4. Pleasin' Man
It Can Be Done: Chicago Women's Graphic Collective
Women's Graphics Collective, Women's Movement, Feminism
A video about the relationships and bonds among members of the Women's Graphics Collective. The Collective produced posters addressing the struggles of the women's movement and other political movements, including the United Farm Workers organized a boycott on non-union lettuce and grape farmers.
Shirlee Blumenthal and Barbara Bejna, directors
School of Education, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, producer
All rights reserved to the Chicago Women's Graphic Collective. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND