Many queer women in history fought for the right to exist, but for some reason the ‘L’ in LGBT history is so often overlooked. I mean think about it, how many historical lesbians can you confidently name? And no, I won’t accept Sappho. So, to honour Lesbian Visibility Week, let’s remember some important lesbian figures. And be thankful of their brave existence.
Stormé DeLarverie
Stormé DeLarverie was many things. A biracial butch lesbian, an activist and rumoured to have thrown the first punch at Stonewall. Her involvement in the gay rights movement was essential. She was a cross dresser, a performer and existed outside of conformity. She encouraged fellow queer women to embrace their identity and was appointed the title of ‘lesbian guardian’. DeLarverie’s life contributed to the safety of both past and present lesbians. Her legacy should not be forgotten.
Audre Lorde
A self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet”. She was a prominent figure, whose literature and persistent championing paved the way for future generations. Her feminism was intellectual and deeply intersectional. She encouraged visibility in a time that pushed anonymity.
Ruth Ellis
Living until the age of 101, Ruth Ellis is known as the ‘oldest surviving lesbian’. In the 1940’s Ellis and her partner Franklin took in LGBT youth who were in need of a place to stay. As 1960’s bars turned away black same-sex couples, their house offered community, and so became known as the “Gay Spot”. Her kindness, acceptance and activism isn’t nearly as celebrated as it should be.
Rita Mae Brown
Rita Mae Brown is an unapologetic activist best known for her book ‘Rubyfruit Jungle’. In the late 1960’s, she was expelled from University for participating in civil rights activism. In the 1970’s she was notorious for her willingness to speak out. She disobeyed a society that was determined to minimise LGBT existence. In other words, she’s a bad*ss. We can thank figures like Brown for their persistence.
Jackie Forster
Jackie Forster was a news reporter, actress and activist. In 1969, encouraged by the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Britain, Forster publicly came out, declaring at Speaker’s corner in Hyde Park: “You are Looking at a roaring dyke”. She devoted decades of her life to LGBT activism, founding the Gay Liberation Front, Sappho magazine and attending pride events. She addressed the lack of representation for gay women and frequently appeared on TV to discuss her sexuality.
Also in honour of Lesbian Visibility week, here is an article on five wholesome lesbian films to watch.