r THE LABBER JUNE/JULY, 1971 1.25 THE LADDER, pnblished by Lesbians and directed to ALL women seeking full human dignity, iad its beginning in 1956. It was then the only Lesbian VOLUME 15 No. 9 and 10 THE publication in the U.S. It is now the only women's magazine openly supporting JUNE/JULY, 1971 Lesbians, a forceU minority within the women’s liberation movement. LADDER Initially THE LADDER’S goal was limited to achieving the rights accorded heterosexual woaen, that is, full second^lass citizenship. In the 1950’s women as a whole were m yet unaware of their oppression. The Lesbian knew. And she wondered silend^ when her sisters would realize that they too share many of the THE LADDER STAFF Lesbian’s handlers, those that pertained to being a woman. Editor ...... Gene Damon THE l a d d e r ’s fvrpose today is to raise all women to full human status, with Director of Prom otion...... Rita Laporte all of the rights«mI responsibilities this entails; to include ALL women, whether Production E d ito r ...... Hope Thompson Lesbian or heteracxual. Circulation M anager...... Ann P. Buck Production Assistants ...... Lyn Collins, Kim Stabinski, OCCUPATIORS have no sex and must be opened to all qualiRed persons Tracy Wright, King Kelly, Ann Brady, for the benefit of all. Robin and Dana Jordan Staff Cartoonist ...... Ev Künstler LIPD STYLES must be as numerous as human beings require for their Art Columnist ...... Jean Louise personal happiMss and fulfillment. Secretary to the E d ito r...... Gladys Irma

ABIUTY, AMBITION, TALENT - THESE ARE HUMAN QUALITIES. CONTENTS: THE LADDER, though written, edited, and circulated by volunteer labor, The Butch/Femme Question by Rita L a p o r te ...... 4 cannot survive aM out money. We Lesbians are perhaps more anxious than The Politics of Di Prima by Carol Lynk ...... 12 other women to make our views known. We wish we could blanket the country Why I Want A Wife by Judy Syfers ...... 15 and the world iidfi free copies. But stem reality tells us that, more important A Hard Row to Hoe, Short Story by Lynn Flood ...... 16 even than mass dbtribution, is the need to keep alive the only real Lesbian Photo by Lyn Jones magazine in the world. Therefore THE LADDER will no longer be sold at Selected Poems from SAPPHO 71 by Harrielte Frances...... 25 newsstands. We mill survive only if there are enough o f you sufficiently Book Review by Hope Thompson ...... 28 concerned with A t rights and the liberation o f ALL women to spend $7.50 a Poem by Adele A. Chatelin...... 29 year to subscribe. ¡Sample copies are always available at $1,25.) Journeys in Art 6y Jean Louise ...... ,30 Angela Davis: Some Questions ...... 34 Against the Season, Review by Ellen G o ld ...... 35 ADVERTISING RATES Women Composers by Pauline Oliveros . . ,...... 37 Cross C u rre n ts...... 40 Half Page ...... 145 Back C over...... $100 Lesbian by Gene D am on...... 46 Quarter Page...... S25 Full Page ...... $ 80 Illustrations by Adele A. Chatelin Repeated Advertisements at Reduced Rates Readers Respond...... 49

BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE. WRITE FOR COST. COVER: Pholograph by Lyn Jones

Published bi mondUy at Box 5025, Washington Station, Reno, Nevada, 89503. THIRD CLASS MAIL IS NOT FORWARDABLE. W'hen moving send us your old address and All rights reserved. No part o f this periodical may be reproduced without the ZIP as well as new address and ZIP. written consent ofTHE LADDEIR. 2 the Ih'sI barroom brawl Iradition. Oiick.' Lesbian ean arrive at her own truth, il she arc .siriclb properly. Being .«mall of stature evi’r does, onlv bv iniieh .«out si’arehing and the BUTQI/FEMME question Bv RITA LAPORTE mvsi'lf. I would prefer ibe relative .salcly ol exjK'rienee of life. Il is not easy for any a waterfront sailor's bar to Ibe loiigbesl ol hiunan lieing lo achieve an aiilhenlie inner Whenever a fawp of Lrsbians gathers Lesbian bars. But rorlmialely most Lesbian life. Women s liberation has laiiglil many a together over a pened of time, this question bars offer no such danger, but they do heterosexual woman this, but one still finds invariably comes ^ and, for some of us, it exhibit much of the less brutal male-female, studies that “prove' the female to be has become probaUy the most boring ques­ doniinaiice-submis-sion behavior, exactly pa.s.sive and all those other attributes that tion of aU time. Rrverlhelcss, the question that kind of behavior feminists loathe. add up to a creature no one would care to is very much alive today, has in fact become Many, if not most, Leshian.s, including be. least of all the Lesbian. more pertinent apin in view of women’s those irelonging to the upper .socio­ How arc we Lesbians to e.scape or liberation. The aawers given to the ques­ economic stratum, do at one lime frequent re.solve the butch/femme eontroversy? Let tion range from: S is a pseudo-question, a these bars, knowing nowhere else to meet us once and for all separate female from matter of aping iKferosexual relationships, with their own kind, or what they hope will feminine and male from masculine. All to the convictioB that it is a deli^thil be their own kind. Many of these Lesbians Lrsbians arc female, but most assuredly not reality. Why is it Arf this question is still so arc appalled by what they see and sense the all Lesbians are feminine, no matter how much alive today and no nearer solution unnaluralness of it. In their revulsion they one defines that elusive word. It might be among Lesbians thenselves? throw the baby out with the bath water, wise to discard altogether the words, mas­ Lesbians are b m into the heterosexual throw out the whole butch/femme phenom­ culine and feminine, for hetero.sexual men world of sex stereotypes just as are hetero­ enon. What they arc left with is: "We arc all have so loaded them in their own favor. All sexuals. As they mature and gradually women, aren't we? therefore we are all .sorts of desirable qualities such as courage, surmount the big hurdle, that of fem inine and must not deny our strength, ambition, leadership, aggressive- acknowledging aod aecepting their nature, femininity.” Yet many l.,esbians know a nes.s, and mental brilliance are said to be they are, for the most part, quite without middle ground, though it may have taken masculine, which means attributes per­ Lesbian models «■ the one hand, while them many years to find it, to accept it, taining to the male only. The Lesbian is imbued with hetooKxual stereotyping, on and to be thoroughly comfortable about it. living proof that these qualities can just as the other. Some lebians fall in with that This is the trill’ iMilcli/fcmme phenomenon. well belong to the female, that they are, in stereotyping eaA and thoughtlessly, I would like to digress here for a moment short, human qualities. And yet the persis­ imagining themseha to be essentially male; tence of the butch/femme controversy others toss it out impletely, settling for an to point out a common error of sociology: to discover what should be. just find out yioints to a residue of meaning to the words, oversimpliried femte to female relation­ feminine and masculine. The words have a the center of humanity as once he saw the what is. This sort of thinking is particularly ship. Many of m, however, have ex­ real, relational meaning. They refer to earth the center of the universe. (There iiuiy misleading where Lesbianism is concerned. perienced a real naning to that miserable, qualities that exert a mutual attraction, be other “centers” equally valid, e.g., We la’sbians have a very difficult time of it slang phrase, batAlfemme. But this is analogous to the attraction between the hardly the end of t.T h e anti-butch/femme women, Lesbians, etc.) for we have no models other than the, for us. irrelevant heterosexual models. Even if north and south poles of magnets, to use an contingent tries to make our lives miserable Most Lesbians live in great isolation, inanimate example. Here we get down to whether alone or married to a woman, but heterosexual sex roles were right for all by making fun ^ what to them is a the bedrock level of experience, the level there are many small pockets of Lesbians, heterosexual women, they could hardly be ridiculous copy-cit existence. Many young not covered by .sociological investigation. A Lesbians therefore bad that their own kind usually gathered together around a big city right for Lesbians. And this brings us back to the straightjackets of female equals butch, however “feminine” she may appear can be as vicious asheterosexual society. gay or Lesbian bar, that may be designated lo the general public, feels .something she in Lesbian subcultures. The “bar scene” tends feminine and male equals masculine. Since Among those Lesbians who try to think inclined to label “masculine” and that to have considerable consistency from city manv Lesbians, about 50%, are simply not sanely and withHt rancor about the impel.s her toward a more feminine Lesbian. to city. It’s habitues come for the most part "feminine” as interpreted by heterosexual problem, little pmgress has been made She may form a strung friendship with from the lower socio-economic stratum and society, that leaves them nothing to In- because they uneitieally accept hetero­ another butch or a femme, for she is not it is here that the butch/femme phenom­ except “masculine” which means “male.” sexual male psychdbgists’ pronouncements. confu.sed Iwlvccen “falling in love” with a enon is played out in its crudest form. It is ■\s yet there is no reliahle .sociological One strange thcny is that masculine Les- woman and forming a deep friend.ship with here also that most of the “research” on study on the behavior of Le.sbian.s. let alone biarui, i.e. hutches, me really men born into a woman. A femme will find herself at­ Lesbianism takes place for the 90% or so of Ijieir inner life. A study that is liascd upon a a female body and tfiat feminine Lesbians, tracted lo the more masculine appearing Lesbians who do not care for this milieu are Inie. statistical sampling does not exi.«l i.e., femmes, learn« are conditioned to fall woman (again, it may b«' a woman who invisible to the researchers. It is here that Ix’cause most Lesbians hide too well for in love with butdks rather than hetero­ ■■pas.scs" as “feminine'' lo society at large, one encounters a genuine copying of hetero­ such a study to he possible. But, even if sexual males. We hve all been thoroughly but vvhos«' masculinity is sensed by the sexual sex roles. The butches are not simply .such a study were pos.sible, what W'ould it conditioned to tfaiA the adjectives, male femme), more masculine women, they imitate mates prove? .«inch a study would include all those and masculine, are mterchangcablr, as are A danger here is that the reader will at their worst. No male has spoken more confused Lesbians who were try ing eitluT female and femiaae. This is a mental think then’ arc two and only two kinds of dcrogatorily of his “chicks” than some of to imitate bctcrosexnal In'liavior patterns or straightjacket under which not only Les­ to deny them altogether. It is quite Lesbians, tbe butch and the femme. This is bians but all of soexfy suffers. Before going these hutches. And the femmes manage to proliable that tlie reality of la’sbiani.srn is merely a shorthand way of labeling. The further into this eaMer, Id us look more outdo the sexiest of sex bunnies. An known only to a minority, and that qualities, femininity and masculinity, are closely at the buídüfemmc phenomenon elaborate game is played where, if a strange minority consisting of La’sbians over 50. distributed in varying proportions in all butch happens to smile or say hello to with a sociologist’s eye. This is the eye of Le.sbiaiis (in all buinan beings, but we are the heterosexual mde. who sec.s himself as another’s chick, .she is apt to get slugged in Truth is Itardlv a matter of a vote. The hiTP dealing only «illi la-sbians). A butch is movement? Or take grief. Though the mat e Those Lesbians who perast in denying ones. This should hardly be cause for simply a Lesbian «ho finds herself attracted is not supposed to cry, whiih is very .similar any meaning to butch/femnK arc simply surprise in view of the fact that hetero­ to and eomplemrated by a I/esbian more to enforcing a taboo against laughing when those who either have no experience of this sexuals are human loo. We Lesbians, unlike feminine than she. whether this butch be something is funny, he can feel grief and very or only slijirtly more masculine than attraction or who are denying it in their male homosexuals, know that the basic should be perirutted to cry since this is a heterosexual distortion is the myth of male feminine. Fortunalely for all of us, there fear of being accused of copying hetero­ human expression of feelir^. supremacy. In theory Lesbians should be are all kinds of as Some femmes prefer a sexuals. In either case their denials mean Let me begin with my assumption that free of this and growing up Lesbian should very masculine fcrtch, many do not. No nothing, for those of us who know the masculinity and femininity are essences of doubt there are saaae women, confused and delight in finding our true mate, one who is be easy. Perhaps it would be if Lesbians some sort that have ontological reality. But grew up with each other in a Lesbian world. brainwashed by heterosexual sex roles, who like us and yet different, stand witness to a mental essense cannot be seen: it is a the reality of butch/femme. As for copying But Lediians, unlike heterosexual women, think they wa«l the butch chauvinist concept, rather like the concept of an Lesbian, the Leshiai who outmales a male. heterosexuals: as someone has said, there is grow up in total psychological isolation electron, that has an explanatory value. from each other. All we see is the hetero­ I say “no doubt” for every kind of human no worse butch/femme relationship than Masculinity can be felt or observed only as die male/female one of the heterosexual sexual world and we must cope alone with being exists, but ii my experience femmes it expresses itself through the body, in have soon turned away from such types. world. But, though all heterosexual re­ our inner emotions as they gradually make behavior, however subtle. We posit some­ their way into consciousness. Many of us Having hypothoized the four separate lationships arc butch/femme, they vary thing we call intelligence, but we can fall by the wayside, some going through life qualities or traitar fcmaleness, maleness, tremendously. We cannot out of hand become aware of it only in a live, awake, in a completely heterosexual fashion, others femininity, and maculinity, I am left with condemn all heterosexual relationships. and acting person. No one could determine What is so bad about most of them is not finding only partial and unhappy solutions, the problem of iefining them. This is an the intelligence of someone in a catatonic almost impossible bsk, in view of centuries their butch/femme quality but their and numbers of us finding fulfillment in a state. Measuring intelligence is full of marriage of two persons who com|dete each of cultural overfly and eons of wishful inequality. It is the dominanoe/submission pitfalls for it can be measured only in and other in equality and difference. What arc thinking on the pat of men. 1 can define or master/slave quality of the relationship through a particular culture. We have the some of the hazards awaiting the growing femaleness and aaleness only as those tiiat is outrageous. A Lesbian marriage that same problem with femininity and mas­ Lesbian? aspects of personAy that derive from the tries to imitate this aspect of the hetero­ culinity. No one can express these qualities Let us begin with the “tomboy.” She is biology and physMogy that distinguish the sexual marriage is equally rotten. There is in a cultureless vacuum. A child of decided not as damned as the “sissy” boy, destined sexes. But what these aspects are is largely nothing inherently wrong with a divison of masculine nature, whether male or female to become a more feminine homosexual, unknown, though I suspect they pertain to labor in a marriage, so long as it is freely makes no difference, will tend to express chosen and the labor of the wife is as for females are not so important, and, differences in the sexuality of female and this nature by engaging in activities that the worthy as the labor of the husband. While anyway, she will outgrow it. I was a male. My persona] definition of maleness is culture, however arbitrarily, has designated most heterosexuals are hopelessly caught up tomboy and will never forget, when in my a negative one — a^ality that precludes any ‘masculine.’ The little tomboy, if her in a sliding scale of values imposed on the 20’s and upon meeting a grownup who had erotic feeling. fV^ever may be learned immediate cultural environment (parents everyday activites of living — what the male known me as a child, being complimented eventually about ttese two qualities, it is and kindergarten) is not too restrictive, will does is important, what the female does upon turning into a fine, i.e., ‘feminine’, not germaine to this discussion as all play husband to another little girl’s wife amounts to little or nothing, we Lesbians woman. I was at the time playing the Lesbians are fenudr. And whatever female­ and mother role. These girls may or may need pay no attention to this. Housework is heterosexual to the hilt, dressed in a skirt, ness is, it is a ceastant when considering not be Lesbians, but the little butch is apt a bore and nothing more. It is neither wearing lipstick, and acting like a lady Lesbians. to persist longer than the little heterosexual femme nor butch activity. What wrecks rather in the fashion of an accomplished A tougher pnUem is defining fem­ tomboy because her inner masculinity heterosexual marriages is not so much the drag queen. That “compliment” had the ininity and mascifeity. It would indeed insists more strongly that she flaunt conven­ kind of work the woman is expected to do, flavor of an insult, though it was meant well simplify matters t butch/femme were no tion. We all have, not only a generalized but the underlying implication that she and it did at least compliment ray acting more than the iadation of male/female. urge to live, but to live as our inner nature must do it because she is the inferior. The ability. I cannot say that all tomboys are Then we could dapense with those two directs. Too often cultural straightjackets butch/femme Lesbian marriage that has no butch Lesbians, but many are. 11160: is a traits as nothing aare than cultural con­ distort us beyoud recognition, as would be place for male or butch chauvinism, that in wide range of butchiness to begin with and v ention. The abentifie principal of apparent if we could see into souls. We all no way attempts to copy male/female the outward aspects of butchiness are parsimony, that thr simplest theory is the know now that Helen Keller was a very relationships, that is a positive urtion of two variably modified by upbringing. The more best, will seldom w«k where human nature intelligent woman, but the average person authentic women, one more masculine and “privileged” tomboy is apt to be far more is concenicd. Humm nature is more com­ would not have thought so, seeing her as a one more feminine, is a model of marital [Hessured into learning to “act like a lady” plicated than we mt able to conceive in young child. The means for her expressing happiness that heterosexuals would do well than her freer, less “privileged”, sister. The theoretical terms. Since femmes and her intelligence were blocked until her to study. story of a friend of mine illustrates how hutches are meaniagful categories, so are teacher opened up the way through touch. tomboys or butch Lesbians are bom, not the adjectives, fem inc and masculine. This Few ofusare blocked in this physical manner, This is what Lesbians should try to do in made. is so despite the fact that much if not most but all women are blocked in cultural ways. the difficult search for their own truth. There are today a number of young of what is today Asignated masculine or But, just as Helen Keller found a way They should neither copy heterosexual life women who, in the course of “conscious­ feminine is neither.is simply human. Take around her terrible physical handicaps, nor react against it. They must ñnd their ness raising” sessions in women’s liberation, aggre.ssion, for exaaple. The male loves to some women find ways to pierce through own way, unconcerned about how much or have come to realize they are Lesbians think that this is awrfue of his alone and, the heavy veil of cultural distortion. how little it turns out to resemble aspects (have “come out”, as the expression goes) in its cruder aspect perhap.s, such as war Butches and femmes who have found each of heterosexual life. We cannot say out of or are wondering whether they might be. and street fighting, it Is. Gut there is a other in love and marriage are such women, hand that everything heterosexual is bad. These are women who have, at least before wealth of aggressiwmrss in the female else however much they hide their true selves We may find that some heterosexual pro­ joining women’s liberation, experimented how would there bean\ women's liberation from society. nouncements about life and love arc happy with heterosexual sex relations. In their new-found LesUnism they proclaim that 1 sexual, woman. There arc some very mas­ most active and that so-called activity an older Lesbian who pointed out to her culine women who have never questioned becomes indistinguishable from passivity. butch/frmme mtat go. They are hopelessly the folly of her course. My friend tossed confusing the lifhTos<-xiial relatioii^ip per their heterosexuality. And then something One might sa\ the hutch is actively passive away her male costume and tried to be a se with its almoslaiiversal tendency to be a happens to such a woman that puts the fear and the femme is pa.s,sivcly active and make woman. A few years later, dressed in a master/slave nW bnship and then to of God into her — perhaps a Lesbian, taking of that what you will. feminine suit, nylons and girdle, a frilly transfer this rcpnknsible aspect of hetero­ this woman’s “Lesbianism” for granted, More common than the butch who has blouse, and a coquettish hat, she sat on a sexuality over iite Lesbianism. This ignores assumes she is butch and says something to accepted a femme role is the femme who park bench waiting for a friend. Some the fact that there are heterosexual that effect. Overnight, such a threatened fancies herself butch. This is not simply a minutes later a policeman tapped her on the marriages wliero» the male/female attrac­ masculine woman may discard her mas­ denial of femininity. It is more often sheer tion does not entail any master/slave, shoulder and said, “Don’t you know you culine ciothes, get her hair redone, and confusion. If one is attracted to a woman, can be arrested for impersonating a dominance/subaission, superior/infeiior appear all frilly-feminine and unnatural one must be masculine or man-like. And woman?” Amusing as this story is, it coimotations (a U l such marriages are hard looking. Many will insist that such a woman too, since femmes are indistinguishable contains considerable truth. My friend waa to find). For Iht real Lesbian, however, is heterosexual. No, this is an extreme case from heterosexual women, the young impersonating. When I met this woman she even such a fineteerosexua] relationship is of denying one’s self. So long as d)is woman Lesbian is not aware of any difference and was in her 30’s, she dressed comfortably, out of the questÎB. Her inner nature makes was convinced of her heterosexuality, she imagines that all women (except Lesbians) made no fuss one way or the other about was unaware of her masculinity. It is often want someone masculine or as male-like as impossible the enjoyment of sexual being female, and was simply butch. relations with n r man. It does not follow easier to spot a Lesbian who does not know possible. Like society in general, she has The essence of butchiness is interior, that a polarity of attraction, whether she is one, for in this state of ignorance of swallowed uncritically the notion that all psychological, emotional — a form of herself she does not know how to hide the Lesbians are mannish. This leads some male/female or Butch/femme, must go. psychosexuality as fundamental as hetero­ What these wonn seem to be seeking is truth. The Lesbian who knows herself also femmes into pathetic role playing. It is sexual male, heterosexual female, or knows how to conceal it. This is sometimes written all over them that they are des­ “friendship plos sex” or an eroticized femme. Some hutches are easily recogniz­ friendship. TÎiis • a far cry from a true carried to amusing extremes, as when perately acting a role, wearing a facade that able by outward manner and gesture by Lesbians go to meet their Lesbian friends is hopelessly out of place. And it happens marriage between a feminine and a mas­ even the most naive heterosexual, but most culine Lesbian. arriving from out of town and mingle with that a loving Lesbian couple may consist of have picked up from the prevailing culture heterosexual women who are also meeting a butch playing femme and a femme play­ The heteroseaal, in her limited view of outward behavior that makes “passing” human reIation4i^, imagines that it is their women friends. The women who kiss ing butch. Each is acting out in herself what easy. Only the experienced eye of another each other are heterosexual. We have she desires in the other. This is not neces­ biological sexual Cferentiation that deter- Lesbian can spot the little telltale gestures. mirres the attraefn of erotic love, that, if covered three possible errors hutches may sarily as bad as it sounds for, if they tmly A factor of consequence in this matter of fall into: imitating men, denying their love each other and their relationship is a one woman is m attracted to another behavior is the butch’s own attitude toward woman, it m u s tia n attraction of same to masculinity, or playing femme. These are truly equal one, that they have their “roles” herself. If early on she has fully accepted errors in addition to the basic one of upside down is not fatal. But it is hard on same — hence t b word, homo-(Greek for herself, she ceases to be concerned with same) sexual. BiAknman beings are a good denying the reality of butch/femme al­ each one as a complete person. every little gesture that might give her together. What errors await the young 1 look back with amusement to my early deal more comgkx and blindness to the away. She presents a naturalness that very real different, which might be called a femme? days in the Lesbian world when it seemed offends no one despite her being thought of She too is aware that there is supposed to me that there was a terrible excess of psychosexual oa^ between butch and as a masculine woman. In contrast, the femme cannot raAe it go away. The persis­ to be something unnatural about a mas­ hutches. How unfair that there should be butch who fears herself, who is overly culine woman. If she is drawn to the tent need to do m proves only that many only one femme for every five or more sensitive to the ridicule generally heaped masculine quality in a woman, that must Lesbians are still irfected with heterosexual hutches. In later years, again to my amuse­ upon the masculine woman, may suffer the mean she is really drawn to, or should be stereotyping, st3i confuse heterosexuality ment, it began to look the other way torments of hell. Day in and day out she drawn to, a male, but she knows this cannot around. So many hutches were afriad to per se with femaleopprcssion...... L et us tries to disguise her inner masculinity, she now ignore the hribrosexual world and its be. The least she can do, she thinks, is to stand up and be counted that those of us may even manage to hid it from herself. To try to feminize the butch of her choice. She problems and try to look at the Lesbian who did . . . well. But all is well — nature others she appears strange and unnatural. is not denying her own masculinity, but her world as if it wcirtfic only one, or, like the provides. There is a butch for every femme Though she has thoroughly accepted her butch’s masculinity. Another form this may and a femme forever)- butch. sociologist, place the Lesbian at the Lesbianism, she knows not what to do with “center.” take is that the femme denies and fears her To summarize so far: Put schematically, this tender masculinity hidden within her. femininity, since femininity in our culture growing up Lesbian means first to come to This woman, dining her childhood, In some instances this leads to her taking is synonymous with inferiority. She earl) know and accept one’s attraction for would have madeaie look like a si.ssy. In the role of the femme. This is a curious made up her mind, however unconsciously, women; then to understand and to know her late teens shr fell into the error of inversion of her true self, one that points that slie would not be subjected to the experiencially the butch/femme reality; and thinking herself » be essentially male, out the reciprocity or mirror-image aspect feminine role (and ri^tly so as defined by lastly to know whether one is butch or haring, like all rfuis. only the models of of bulch/femmc. For the qualities of butch heterosexuals) and now cannot accept her­ femme. I question whether one could know male and female «rx roles to go by. She and femme are not opaque to each other — self as femme in the Lesbian relationship. butch/femme if one grew up entirely alone. dressed like a nua and held her own with the butch senses the nature of the femme She has it too firmly rooted in her mind This knowledge grovis out of one’s relations the ‘malest' of tlmi. This woman, unlike by what it is she seeks in another, and rice that feminine (heterosexual type) equals to others, particularly in a love relation. me, grew up liaiiilly free of parental versa. An analogy might be the right and passive and inferior. “PASSIVE?" Wliethcr What one comes to understand is that a control and, whdr I went into a phase of left hands. The.se two hands, though the or not the words “pas.sive” and “active” butch is as real, as ontological, a being as a try in g desperdkly to be properly same in most ways, are also the exact apply properly to heterosexuals, they do heterosexual male. And so is a femme as ‘feminine’, that is,bpical female, .she erred reversal.s of each other. not deserilie the butch/femme I>esbian real a being as a helero.s«-xual woman. Just ill the opposite dintioii. Then, around tin- An interesting side light in this con­ relationship. That so-called passivity' can be as a woman is not some kind of inferior age of 17, .she c a r under the guidance of nection is the masculine, apparently hetero­ man, or male «uiquc, as Aristotle, St. taking. but we can do this in total freedom Tilomas Aquinas ad Freud would have it,so but, beeju.se of the oppres.sioii of women, fricnd.ship. once we have set aside heterosexual model; On the contrary, being happily married, a hiilrh is no inribtioti male nor is a femme as irrelevant. It is a bit ironic that the tola finds that she must become that half person a woman whose miotion.s have strayed in in the heterosexual marriage of one and a her freedom to ehoo.se friends is unlimited. condemnation of Le.sbianism by a work She can elioo.se as friend someone she could illness from lheir|roper objeel, a male. We that also proceeds as though we did not half. In her rage at so horrible a fate, she have, then,asfuUy«|ual and authentic types thinks that making her husband do the not stand to be married to. She need not exist should, at the same time, provides us worry about whether she should proceed to of human beings: frmme.s. butehes, hetero- with total freedom, but so it is. dishes while she tinkers with the car will a sexual liaison of temporary or more .sexual women, aid heterosexual men.* “The institution we call marriage can’t somehow change tilings. Such solutions Wlieii 1 finally » e d at this simple existen­ attack only the behavior, the symptoms, permanent character, for her whole sexual hold two full human beings — it was only life revolves around the person she loves. tial tnith that i,» a biiteh, am as fully valid designed for one and a half.” So says and not the basic disease. In a typical as anyone else, a ktmendous load was lifted butch/femme relationship the butch will She may or may not have made this sociologist Andrew Hacker. He was, of decision consciously, but in either case it from me. course, referring to heterosexual marriage. work on the car while the femme washes frees her. She is made whole by her love, The Lesbian butch/femme marriage can and the dishes. Why docs this in no way strain her marriage, and this wholeness gives her We have showBlhat femmes and hutches usually does hold two full human beings. the relationship? Because neither the butch the freedom to grow into the fullness of her do indeed exist v their own right and not And this is not because it is a friendship nor the femme has attached any inferior- humanity. The femme is made whole in as distorted ladions caught up in aping arrangement wherein each partner respects superior significance to theje activities. union with the butch she loves as the butch heterosexuals. I em o t say that all Lesbians the other as a person and agrees to play at They are both chores necessary to the is made whole by her femme, a wholeness fall into these tno ealegories nor is the sex from time to time, where each goes her maintenance of the household. The butch no amount of friendship can give them. I do answer to this oí much importance. Ultim­ own way but provides warmth and af­ does express her masculinity in ear-mending not know how to put into words the ately every indnibal must try to find her fection for the other, where both carefully activity, since that activity has a masculine difference between this Lesbian love and a true innter self however restrictive her divide the chores so that neither one gets connotation in our society and we all need friendship that includes sex. There is a kind society. But it to know what others stuck doing more of the menial. There is to express ourselves in behavior. However, of feeling between a butch and a femme in have found to hr their truth. It helps to nothing wrong with such friendships. it may happen that the butch does not even know that the vanty of authentic women drive, let alone know anything about a car. love with each other that is neither purely Anyone who has achieved so fine a relation­ erotic nor purely friendly, Ihou^ these is greater than hdfcrosexual society would ship is fortunate indeed. But such a re­ It may be the femme who has a knack with feelings are present too. There is a total and have us believe. I «muid like now to discuss lationship is not a marriage. Nor can one things mechanical. Sensible grownups will not quibble over who docs what, for one’s liberating kind of possession, each of the more in detai the nature of the say that a marriage, based on love and masculinity or femininity may be expressed other and each by the other. butch/fnnme rehtfonships, as opposed to entered into for life on a monogamous basis in thousand.s of bits of behavior. Each hutches and femoBSseparatcIv. is for everyone. What is so terrible today, Ijesbian couple is free to decide upon its (Editor's Notes Rita Laporte is in her Since human hñgs are not disembodied among Lesbians and among women’s liber- division of labor. Behavior itself is of late 40’s and lives in the far west. She .spirits, they tendía express feelings grow­ alionists, is the attempt to deny the beauty ing out of their imer nature in outward secondary' importance. If the butch has was educated at the Brearley School in and authenticity of such lifelong, monoga­ delusions of superiority, no amount of New York City, the International behavior. Culture provides behavior molds mous Lesbian marriages. Those of us who activity juggling will change anything. School in Geneva, received her BA and without cultoe a specimen of homo seek such a love or who have found it are There is something immature about from Swarthmore Cxsllege, and later a sapiens would not be human. A cultureless supposed to be uptight, ensnared in the heterosexual marriages and those taw degree from Boalt Hall, University human being is a «Btradiction in terms, for Judeo-Christian mythology of the butch/femme marriages that imitate them. o f California at Berkeley. She served in our humanness em develop only in some ‘sanctity” of mamage (perverted from the How can there be a fulfilling love between a the WAC during World War II, remain­ cultural context. %ithe other hand, culture heterosexual reality), unliberated spirits master and a slave, however subtle these ing in the enlisted ranks, after which is confining and Ae more primitive the afraid of our sexuality. It is good that many distinctions nuy be? I think all of us can she held a variety o f menial jobs, the culture, the more tonfining it is. Ancient women today are thinking about and exper­ Greek culture was Ae most liberating cul­ understand the pleasure there is in lording it only employment available to female imenting with new patterns of living and college gradtiates at the close o f the ture for men thatliistory has so far known loving. It is very bad that they are assuming over .someone else. We ran all fall into this because it provided hilly for homosexual as that all old patterns of living and loving are human (not male or female) foible. But it is well as hrterosrxaf relationships. But its wrong. The mutual love of a butch and a far smaller pleasure that the joy of love, terrible rcstrietiveass on women was its femme is a ve^ old pattern, and for some and one cannot have both at the same lime limitation and the cause of the death of of us, the happiest. with the same person. But love, the kind 1 Greek civilization. 0ur .American culture A ‘whole person’ is yet not whole. Each am speaking of here, is not easy and there is today is providiif:a slightly bi-lter milieu of us seeks someone or some idea or God to no reason why it should be right for for heterosexual «m en. hut it lags behind complete us. The phrase ‘whole person’ everyone. Any time one embarks upon a Green ciillun- in ife-frantic heterosexuality. does not mean an individual who has need particular course, one at the same time Our ciiltun' provide no place and no molds of nothing and no one. Each of us needs foregoes many other courses. The truly or patterns for U^ians. This is both a more than herself, though we do not all monogamous Lesbian, huleli or femme, is drawback, to pul it mildly, and an advan- need or want the same thing. A butch needs so not out of a morality picked up from the lagi-. Lesbians iiurt work out their own and seeks a femme for her completion. A church or els< where, but out of a deep patterns of beliavioi a very difficult under­ heterosexual woman needs and seeks a man. desiie to dedicate her.self to one particular other person. .She simply does not enjoy *Msn inriutird arrmolc hnmosrxuaU, but I do not care to go into their problems with promiscuity, or changing partners. Like the monotheist, who prefers one God to many, butch and femme, ksrlf aii interesting morass o f confusion with Ike culturally assumed HEY M/XC. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF inferinrity of u'omvw she prefers to be failhrul to one person for THE WOMEN'S LIBERATION MOVE­ life. And this in no wav restricts her in MENT occur pcrliap.s temporarily or onlv on a."iiiii|itioii r>l greater wortliii-ess of the sp<-cial occasions (she specifies a eointiiu- iiity gathering). male in a re\oluli' rev­ changes she desires through both sins of thought of herself as a “chick.” I wonder if I learn I lo eat o|| (he woods; ’ they will, a.s olutionär) poet «Ao has written a series of omission and commission. dl the depth of her poetry is some sort of always, be able |o. 1m- expected lo. rely on poems called '^evolutionary Letters.” In “Revolutionary Letters” number illusion, because 1 really Just cannot s«'e men to gather food and other necessities for There are forty them and they are all two, Diane Di Prima predicts that, “. . . someone that strong and beautiful in her beautiful, neressay poems. None of them them. And the whole pattern of the weaker, thousands of sons / will see to it when you mind having “chick” as a self-image. Per­ dependent sex will grow again. Diane Di was written for fcauty s sake onlv, as each fall, you will grow / a thousand times in the haps she lumped movement women to­ Prima i.s ready lo make that most basic has a message * it must be heaid and gether as chicks and believes that she is bellies of your sisters.” She here describes a mistake in a civilization again, setting up learned by every aiolutionary and by those different, not realizing that all women are division of labor, so to speak, wherein the till- .same pattern for a divisive system of of us still u n d o in g radicalization. No different. That would be easy to see. A sons provide the strength to keep everyone thinking. When that system is set, it blos- poem bows to m f poetic system created woman still blind to her captivity would going. The sisters can only provide the .sonx«. as we have seen and experienced. We before Diane Di Anna or since, except for suppreM the knowledge that she is a multitudes of needed strong sons. And the have watched the palleni develop once that simjde, statcKnt-like style of her own. chick to compensate for feeling superior; sisters themselves will not initiate equally first between sexes, then between other Her rhythm m ow along as she would have that is, farther from the “ chick” image and and coincidentally with men the continu­ groups. It has been this fragmuitalion of the revolution w re, although Diane Di closer to that of movement men. If that is ance of their population. The men will “see society that has from the beginning pul Prima is not unlewed of either the ways of to it.” the case, then 1 can see that number people again.st people. The poet’s dream of the existing civilu^Son or its poetic produc­ Number six suggests that movement fourteen is an exercise in playing the role a free and united world is self-defeating tion, having writln several books of prose slie feels she has been given, especially in people “avoid the folk who . . . I want us without a recognition of this first deterrent and poetry. Amo^g her other poetry titles the line, including upper case letters, which to practice birth control”. I cringe to hear to that state. She has not realized that her are. This Kind wf Bird Flies Backward instructs women to “KEEP YOUR MOUTH her condenm herself to pregnancy after line from number four, “left to them (1959k Fhe .New Handbook o f Heaven SHUT. It may have been a coincidenee pregnancy; to a shorter life than she could selves,” has more depth than she can define. (1% 3), Earthsoag (1957 59), and Haiku that she chose such an appropriate instruc­ use; to a diminished ability to hght. It Number twenty-seven includes the line, (1966). tion to pve her sisters and herself in this seems that she, whom 1 hear calling “geno­ • ■ . It is better / to lose & win, than win The only plane where I have found the self-effacing exercise, an instruction for cide” at “the folk,” cries “suicide” to & be / defeated’ said Gertrude Stein”. forty “ Letters” U y assembled is in The herself. which men are infamous. She assumed that Whiles o f Their Eyes,* subtitled Revol­ Diane Di Prima docs know some worth in Instructions in number eight indicate her sisters would be stereotypically more women. utionary Poems (Sattle. Wash.: Craft As­ that, in a demonstration, “earrings for inclined toward dangerous verbosity than ft'ere 1 to read what I would expect sociates, 1970). I t r poems begin right after pierced ears are especially hazardous.” This would her brothers. the title page of tk-anthology and continue from a movement woman, 1 would have first appeared to be the only advice die “I will not rest / . . . till the young seen the version of number twentv-eight as for twenty pages. As this would indicate, would give to her sisters to protect them­ women / come into their own, honored and the poems average balf a page apiece. Some 1 have taken the liberty of rewriting it. The selves from their objectification through fearless / birthing strong sons / loving & original first verse reads: are quick. instruCiDnal near-chants which self-decoration. And even this message is dancing / till the young men can at last / 0 my brothers ask to be memoBed for future use in confused by the new dress of the male. She lose some of their sternness, return / to busted for pot, for looting, for loving revolutionary eangencies like number may have been addressing herself to both young men’s thou^ts”. She reinforces her young licautiful brothers & sisters, fourteen’s “are y n prepared / to hide sexes after all. new of sex-differentiated roles in number for holding out hope someone in youriome indefinitely / say, “& no one ‘owns’ the land / it can be twenty. Everyone must be free, but free to in both hands to the .Man, enraging him two to six weeks, cou going out / for food, held / for use, no man holding more / than fulfill their own funetion. The men must be etc. . . 0 my brothers, freaking out this he can work, himself and family working”. free to think, while the women must be free moment Others are desoipiions and predictions In this poem, number nine, it is good that to birth and love and dance. And the young this beautiful summer evening of the situation tlua far and fast approach­ she tells us man can only hold land, but so women must be honored, something wom­ in all the cages of America ing against which ibe poet feels we must bad that only man can hold land. He and en’s liberation also seeks, but this poet revolt: “ . . . the irw York Times / takes a that extension of himself, his family and its wants us honored for our procreative pow­ The rewrite reads: forest, every Sundw” (No. 16). And a few size, define the amount he can hold. She ers. Not only must we breed to be honored, 0 my .sister.' are songs of a reiolutionaiy singing her could not see that the family as a whole but we must breed sons. These sons are the busted by tricks, or emotions, or singi« to evoke a revolution­ proof that women have an acceptable place .should hold the land, if family has anything .shoplifting, learning ary emotion in tli> reader. One of these in a revolutionary society. I cannot resist to do with it at all. Her si^ t was even more love for young beautiful sisters. ends, “better we sluuld all have homemade mentioni^ here exactly where this leaves limited than this, for she did not see the holding out hope flutes / and praetn> cxcniriatitigly upon Lesbians in the new world. Spumed, again, obsolescence of the family in the revolu­ tbrough your bodies from men, them, one hundred years / till we h-arn to / tion. In number four she spoke of how forced into hiding by another male domi­ enraging them make our own niusir' (No. 31). nated culture where women have one func­ “people left to themselves” had no trouble O my .si.ster.s, freaking out tliis moment There is one tBgedy in thes*' poems. tion and that function is parasitic to men. sharing children, but we have seen by her this beautiful summer evening Perhaps Diane Di Kima has outgrown tliis acceptance of the family as the primary In Letter number twenty-two the poei in the beds and kitchens tragic flaw since “Brvolulionarv Letters.” unit in terms of possession, or, in the asks, “what do you want / your kid.‘< to of .America In them we sir a tadv revoliilionarx .spirit, projected society, non-possession, of ma­ learn . . . / do you care / if he learn.s to eat strong with her gutls. almost a jMTSon. off the woods . . Again we find that terial wealth, that this sharing situation ‘we are not alone asserts number e.\pre.s.sing hersi lf. *v examining Hie eon- would not be on a basic level, but would 10 12 O twenty nine. . . they arc waiting for ua what she really wanted and what she had a . . . I goodttwning sister, let me work right to get. her. hill if stir wauls lii r poi’lri l<> mean *7'(ie U'liilfs o f Their t.yet is available b> with you / gooa^m iiig brother, let me / There is one other Diane Di Prima poem wlial il miild III Ihosi- womi'ii wlio. like is'iiding $1.00 to (mnsiimption. 1208 8lh fight by your .siJe”. Whatever the intent of in the same anthology, “Goodbye iiivseU. ilisi'mlil il lhroii|!li llir faillis in ils \.i;. ,'i. allle. Wash. 9810.1. the poet, she (ftidcs again. She might be Nkrumali” (Poets Press, 1968), which is not I'ullleiit. she iiiiisl aiisivrr soiiii'Ikiw . \t% seeking to eorred the division, but I cannot included in the “Revolutionary Letters.” In grealcsl liopi' for llic- |iorl Diaiii- Di I’riiiia ((jirol l.ynk, ¡toel, critic, short story trust her enou|^ because of the rest of her it there is a passivity more far reaching than and one of iii\ grralesl hiipi's for the uriler, anii frequent contributor to poetry, to assase that is what she is mere female socialization. “. . . it’s their lileralori' of woiiirii s lihi'ralioti. is ihat.slir, The ¡Aihter is married to another attempting. I nimt assume it is a poem of war, ” she writes, “all I can do is wail / is pos.sihl\ llic Ia si of the rrvoliilioiiari poets woman and happily bridges the worlds brother greeting brother to “fight,” the not put detergents in the washing machine, and cerlalnlv one of llii- Is si of all ron- o f her generation with those before active, superior activity, and sister greeting so the soil will still be productive / when lnii(Mirar> porls. w ill pnl Ihe revolution of her lime and looks forward to our sister to “wotk,” ii their passive, sedentary the black men, or the Chinese, come to all woiiien into poetry as |H>werflil as that belter futures.) toil. I am suspioBus: what is outlined in cultivate it.” Diane Di Prima, in this poem, slie has made for Ihe wlioli' liberation this poem is the way I was taught is the was rendered impassive by her whiteness movement. right way in mid& class America. and her womanhood when the latter, at Number thirty-four made me angrier least, held potential for the energies we now than the other paems when 1 read, “. . . see striking at the barricades to liberation of let's . . . I teach the chicks / how to heal all people. It is a sadder poem even than Why I Want a Wife By JUDY SYFERS with herbs . . It sounded as if Diane Di those in which she allowed herself the 1 iM'long to that rla.s.sifieation of people my house clean. A wife who will pick up Prima was speak^ to the whole movement strictly defined function of her sex. If it known as wives. I am .A Wife. And. not after my children, a wife who will pick up until the “teach" Bne. “Let’s” is, of course, was written before “Revolutionary Let­ altogether ineidi iilally. I am a mother. after me. I want a wife who will keep my the contraction lor ‘le t us” and in the ters,” as 1 suspect, then she has progressed Not too long ago a male friend of mine clothes clean, ironed, mended, replaced poem there is aa additional implied con­ at least to the point of recognizing that appeared on the scene from the Midwest when need b«-, and who will sec to it that traction of “L rt» m en .” There is no way 1 whites can be valuable instruments of fresh from a recent divorce. He had one my personal things are kept in their proper can see to read Ac poem except as some­ change. Perhaps the next step in the pro­ child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. As place so that I can find what I need the thing written by a thoroughly conditioned, gression will be a consciousness of the 1 thought about him while 1 was ironing one minute I nerd it, 1 want a wife who cooks unquestioning waman who has accepted her power of her womanhood. evening, it suddenly occurred to me that 1, the meals, a wife who is a good cook. 1 place in a m ale-onted society. Diane Di Prima cripples herself with her too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife who will plan the menus, do On one occsbki, in number thirty-nine, sex. She has obviously overstepped other want a wife? the necessary grocery shopping, prepare the she tells us, “. . - then I / went home and boundaries drawn by her enemy, but she 1 would like to go back to school so that meals, .serve them pleasantly, and then do made love like a flower, like two flowers was, at the writing of “Revolutionary Let­ I can become ceonoinically indcpnidcnl, the cleaning up while 1 do my studying. 1 opening / to eaA other, the jewel in the ters,” blind to the greatest boundary she support myself and. if need Iw. support want a wife who will care for me when I am lotus”. It secHi impossible that this had been set behind. Her role in the those dependent upon me. I want a wife sick and .sympathize with my pain and loss woman, whohasAown us how the move­ revolution of which she was so full, and who will work and send me lo .school. And of time from school. 1 want a wife lo go ment men think af their women, who has which gave her so much strength and joy, while I am going to school I want a wife to along when our family takes a vacation so abdicated her M humanity for the place was defined by the same rules which set up take care of my children. 1 want a wife to that someone can continue to care for me allotted to her m the revolution, should be roles in the status quo world she would keep track of the children's doctor and and my children when I need a rest and a able to feel so ^u al to a partner in love destroy. dentist appointments. .And to keep track of change of scene. making. Could Ar have experienced a man, Her aims were pure, her expression mine, too. 1 want a wife lo make .sure that I want a wife who will not bother me in all the poweiW majesty with which she simple and commanding, but she did not my children cal propi-rly and are kept with rambling complaints about a wife's endows men, exiling to her? Could she protect herself from those less pure and less clean. I want a wife who will wash the duties. Rut I want a wife who will listen to even have expemaced something so equal ample. She and the men she calls brothers children's clothes and keep them mended. I me when I feel the need to explain a rather and trusting wiA a fellow slavish woman? had not finished exploring the bonds they w'ani a wife who is a good nurturanl difficult point I have come across in my Or was she halhoiating (she was tripping) sought to break. Probably she and those attendant lo m> ehildren. arranges for their course of studies. And 1 want a wife who and being led ta a truth: that it was the brothers would consider my criticisms schooling, inaki’s sure that they have an will l\{H- my papers for me when 1 have equal opening of ane person to another that counter-revolutionary and divisive in them­ adequate .social life with their peers, takes wrilten them. Ae sought. She ended the poem at the selves. The woman, though, was talking in them to the park. Ihe zoo. etc. I want a I want a wife who will take care of the Museum of NaJmal History (NYC) think­ terms of laying her life on the line. If a wife who will take care of the ehildren details of m> social life. When my wife and ing, “WHAT BtAUTlFUL CREATURES woman is to cast her lot in with male when liny are sick, who arranges lo be I arc invited out by my friends, I want a USED TO LIVE ON THE EARTH.” She revolutionaries, she should at least be cer­ around when the children need special eare. wife who will lake eare of Ihe babysitting had an acid h anger, another vision of the tain that the life she is offering is worth bceaus«', of cotir.s«'. I cannot mi.s- elas-s's al arrangi mcnls. When I meet p<-oplc at .school truly rutural t h ^ she so u ^ t when all the something as a revolutionary force now and SI hook My w ife miisl arrange lo lose lime that I like and want lo entertain, I want a creatures “left k> themselves” (No. 4) that it will be granted its full human value at work and nol lo.-^' Ihe job. 11 ma> mean a wife who will have the hoii.se clean, will thrived in an a n a of no synthetic hier­ in the new society. .small ml in my wife's income from tin r lo pri'iiare a s|wcial meal, serve it lo me and archies. She s^s^ “1 have unlearned / Should I be wrong about Diane Di time, but I gue.ss I can tolerate that. tiiv friends, and nol inlernipl when I talk regret” in numba thirty-nine. I felt that slic Prima, or if she should have changed since N’cedle.ss lo say. m> wife will arrange and ahoul Ihe things that interest me and mv meant, instead, Aat she had unlearned trust the writing of these poems, 1 wait for her |»a>* for the eare of Ihe ehildmt while m> friends. I want a wife who will have of herself and A the very self-based mes­ answer. My lone challenge has not the wife is working. arranged that Ihe children arc fed and sages that acid was releasing to her about significance itself to spark a reaction from I want a wife w ho will lake eare of niv n'ady for bed Irfore mv guests arrive-so plnsieal needs. I waul a wile who will keep lhal till' children do nol bother us. I want a wife who I;iko liir\ frrl «oinf«trl.iÍ>U‘. »vhü more suitable as a wife than the wife I “Yes. He’s very — charming.” then anollier, and slopped al a llii'd wliere líi.J íln’> ti'. llirir v.nu's an* rrplciiishrd when wife will lake the children and be solely it's on my mind. “He said I had a lot of Madeline looked back into llic room. She . l!ta! coffri' is .sened lo responsible for them so that 1 am left free. violence in me. It shows in the writing.” could hear kitchen sounds under the ilicn; as llicv likrit. And i want a wife wlio When I am throu^ with school and “Well, I imagine you do. You see, sawing. The fire still glowed. The hookea.ses kiiovs.- i;ial somrtmes I need a liifflil out by have acquired a job, I want my wife to quit Madeline, most people who hold back their stood n-sprclably around it. The sawing mvseli. working and remain at home so that my natural impulses as much as you do can feel suddenly slopped. He must have yelled al I wa;il a wifr who is sensitive to my wife can more fully and completely take their frustration in one form or another. his kid. No. he wouldn't have yelled. Just ■■a'Xiiai nerds, a wife who makes love pas­ care of a wife’s duties. Violence is one of those forms. That is asked him to stop. And tlic kid woulJ have sionately and ■■awriy when I feel ¡ike it, a My God, who wouldn't want a wife? possibly what the man sees in youi been very vs-ell adjusted and stopped feeling wife who makes sun- that I am satisfied. writing.” no resentment that his father’s bi.'sines.s life And. of coarse. I want a wife who will not (Editor’s Note: Reprinted by per­ “I know. 1 feel it. I like to write it. And should interfere with his owti free tirrie. Was demand sexual A n tio n when I am not in mission o f the author from MOTHER it, like, makes me feel like I won’t do it that possible, she wonaered .'rbe reached the mood for if I want a wife who assumes LODE, a San Francisco feminist publi­ You know, get viedent.” down and patted Sadie’s still sleeping heaes." yard. His son, about sixteen, came outside I’m not supposed to do that. K) 17 “1 guess. It s kind ol early to get drunk, stayed at the stove for a few minutes of “Well, Madelioiv I see our time is up for and we go watch them run throu^ mazes, thawing. Then Jim went to the refrigerator though.” today, n i see youvxt week?” so he’s got to read some poetry. Bye. Hope “That’s all right. We’ll go for a ride later and took out two cans of beer. “Yes.” your blind date is nice.” so we don’t stay there all ni(dit.” “This is it, Madeline.” “Is the same liae all right with you?” “That doesn’t matter, long as he’s a guy.' “Yeah, okay.” They often went for “Guess we can’t just let them sit there. “Yes. Thank ym .” Sadie got up to go Sec you later!” “rides” after. If it were not for Jim’s They moved to the long narrow living room out with Madeline but the doctor ordered Madeline escaped to the stairs but considerate tactics, that would have with their coats still on. Madeline sat on a her to sit down, fle walked Madeline to the slowed to go down them. I couldn’t wear a finished their relationship long ago. He’s ragged chair whose springs she could feel as door and let her art formally. skirt with him, she thought. I’d feel too inoffensive, she thought. Harmless . . . she sat. They had two hours before curfew. Always, she fcu g ht, it feels like he’s vulnerable. But he hadn’t tried too hard. J im stood over her, drinking his beer. teaching me how !• have a door opened for The doctor kept talking about “affec- “I feel so full. Why do you make me me. Oh. poor d o ^ inside, I don't feel so tional,” “warm” relationships. I guess he They left the Grandview early. drink this stuff?” He just smUed and sat at strong now. Mayk I should cut creative figures me and Jim have one. Shit, I’m not Madeline’s tension had made her drink her feet. After a while he put his head writing tonight mi see Jim. Maybe he’s even aggressive physically with girls. How more quickly than usual. She was feeling against her leg. She was reeling and her right. I’m suppoaoi to work on it harder could I be with guys?” good, just this side of sick drunkenness. Jim mind was numb from the new beer and very with him. Maybe hr’sri^ t. She signed out, left the dorm and ran up would not let her help push the car though, aware of her body. It felt good to have the hill to Jim’s ’54 Ford. He opened the afraid she would stumble and end up undei someone touching her. She made the effort door from the inside for her, only because the wheels. to reach out and touch the back of Jim’s “Maddy, it’s f«'you.” it didn’t open from the outade. Without “You think I’m drunk.” neck. He didn’t move. She let her fingers “Tell him I’ll heiight down.” greeting each other they both started push­ “No, Madeline. If you were drunk I’d move up the back of his head into his “ Hey, Jim, Ae’s coming. Okay. ing from inside the doors until the car take advantage of you.” slightly long hair. I’m forgetting this is Jim, Where’re you going,Mad?” started rolling down the hill. Then they “Blit you’re gallant, so you 11 take care his hair feels like a girl’s. I’ve got to be “Why the Saeetheart Ball, darling jumped in and Jim got the ignition going of roe instead.” careful. He could get excited or whatever thing.” while Madeline slammed her door until it “R i^ t. Come to my pad and we’ll make they do. But I feel it. If he could be a girl. “Come on. I Ain’t know who it’d be shut. When Jim got his shut, he said "Hi." coffee for you.” Jim turned, putting down his beer can, harder to get there,you or Jim.” “Hullo. I think my doctor thinks we “Why? I feel good. 1 don’t want to get and pulled Madeline to him. She fell into “Me ” should be affectionate.” sober.” his lips and accepted their touch. It was still “Probably.” “Why didn’t you tell me that before we “What the hell. It’s cold out anyway.” exciting, not like being with Jim, but she Kathy was justadormitory hang-around got the car started?” Uncaring,she decided it was okay. Jim wasn’t thinking anymore, just feeling, for­ type. She watched feople come and go and “Guess 1 didn’t want to do anything wouldn’t. I’ve been there sober and he getting who and how. She kept her eyes made sure they hai someone to hold their about it. Nothing personal. But you can’t didn’t. It’s okay. closed, did not want to see him, pretended heads when they 0L drunk. She seemed to just have a relationship by the book. Which They pulled up to his slum apartment enjoyment when their final umon com­ love to get Madebvoff, possibly because it reminds me. 1 have that book for you — the and pariced in the junk strewn yard. The air menced. By that time, though, shif was offered such a great opportunity for one with the short poetry I told you was very clear. The stars moved around completely numb and had to keep awake to criticisin. “Don’t yoa think jim ’d like you a about.” them. simulate response. Her only thoughts were little better in mArop, Mad?” she would “Uh huh. Want to go see George and “Jim, you really expect me to make it wonder that this was supposed to be the ask at times. Tong^ she plied her victim Hilda first?” up all those steps?” He lived at the top of a way. How could a man make love to a with a series of qu^ons. “Can you get in the lab now?” rickety tenement whose stairs crisscrossed woman? How could they be expected to “Why don’t yaai diock him and wear a “Yep. Got my key today.” above them in the dark against the windows know what to do, what women really liked. dress this time? Tw ’ve got such a good “Wow. Jim’s getting to be very im­ shaded by tattered colorful curtains. Jim And had she wanted to increase his pleasure figure, except you'kr too skinny. I guess he portant to the psych department. Okay, I put his arms around her where she leaned she did not know how, either. Two women thinks you look gMd in anything. But isn’t want to be formally introduced.” can be strangers, ^ e thought, but they have it easier in a skirt?” against the car. In the lab Madeline watched Jim put “I’ll catch you if you fall.” a common ba.se of knowledge. This is “Shut up, K ad^” George and Hilda through their paces. He “Uh-uh. Youll help me fall.” He was ridiculous. What has it got to do with me? “I can’t believe you never did it with wasn’t a bad looking guy. But his lips are so just holding her and she still felt good. A Why am I supposed to want it? him.” big. And his cheeks scratch. I don’t want to, little dizzy, but aware of the beautiful “He’s shy.” she thought. It’s my business who I make night. She felt intense and full of energy. “Why don’t yoBseduce him?” love to. He could just be the wrong guy. Or Jesus, 1 wish I was with a girl. That s bad. This time the doctor opened the door “I don’t want aa.” 1 could be stalling. It’s not fair. 1 just went Jim is good to be with. His lips were on her himself and showed Madeline and Sadie in. “You must.” to the damned doctor to find out why I am They all sat in tlie same ceremonious “Listen, Kathy, I got to find a book of who 1 am. Not to change tchat 1 am. But, neck. She fell that. She felt a little warmth inside. Hey, wow, she thought, maybe he’s fashion and were silent for a long while. poems for him. Tau look on my room­ damn it, he has to think that’s why I’m getting to me. A man and woman began to “Well, Madeline, did you have a pleasant mate’s dielf, okayi It’s called the Imagist having trouble. Why I keep getting in scream at one another in Spanish from the weekend?” Poem or somethiag and it’s got swans on trouble. Cause 1 don’t want to be who I am. “I guess. 1 wrote most of it. 1 saw Jim the front.” Probably just thinking of Jim’s needs tenement. Jim pulled back. “Let’s go up. It s cold Friday night. I don’t want to sec him any “Is he a fag, Ma£ I mean all this poetry anyway. Identifying with him. 1 just don’t out here.” They did attempt the stairs,Jim more.” and not screwing a d everything.” want to do it. behind Madeline to push her forward if she “Why is tliat, Madeline?” Madeline felt hoaelf redden. “Herr it is. “What’s next, Madeline?” swayed back. Once inside Jim lit the burn­ She concentrated once more on how to No, he’s not a fag. / like poetry. I’m just “Everything.” >, ers on the .stove and oven for heat. They say it. “ 1 don’t know. 1 guess I’m just not trying to teach h ialo like it. He likes rats “Should we go over to the Grandview?” attracted to him. I mean, I like being with she’s been going through some things too him, but it can’t jail atop at that.” and we’ve ¿ways helped each other in the They were going to a bar called The remember, .Mad, we’re with a bunch of “Why should it, Madehne?” past.” Territorial on 125th Street. It was a long slobs who don’t know the Statue of Liberty “For the reasoa 1 just told you. 1 don’t “The decision is yours. 1 am not sure subway ride with many stops into the from their ass.” seem to be attracted to him.” that this is the most advantageous time to drizzling niglit to pick up members of the “I’m .sorry. But you have to remember, 1 don’t get to hang around with real people “1 am pleased to see we have gotten to return to ‘old friends’ and old environments party. Finally all assembled there were only the heart of the wúfcci under discussion so but if you feel you must help her, I will not five — Harve and Joshua, Toni and her much.” soon.” interfere with your sense of responsibility. current lover Cassidy and Madeline. They “We’re real?” Cassidy asked. “Yeah. More real, it feels like, than kids “Yeah, I gueastoat is the heart Only it’s As a nutter of fact, I am pleased to see that stood waiting for admittance outside a not a very intereaing one. He just doesn’t you are acting out of just that sense.” prohibition-type door. The four Madeline at school. First of all, they’re not gay.” “1 see your problem,” Cassidy sympa­ turn me on. 1 don’t see why I should Christ. “I feel 1 should go.” was with were regulars and the forbidding pretend that he d«a.” “What have you told Jim?” door opened almost immediately for them. thized. The doctor w silent, as if formulating “Nothing.” They paid the fee that would eover ice and “So I don’t have much to talk to them a profound rcspoBK. His son was behaving “You haven’t talked to him?” mixers and were shown to their reserved about really. 1 mean all we can talk about is to ^ y , but Madffae got a glimpse of his “I didn’t want to say anyDiing to hurt table where they set up the bottles they had school. The life they’re reaDy living is just younger blond-fatoed dau^ter ninning his feelings until I could think of how to brought. different from mine.” Madeline was refilling around the comer af the house toward the say it b est” The Territorial was nearly empty that her drink. kitchen. Now sb el watch her mother make “Well, that is good. Very good. Perhaps early in the evening, and the five sat trying Toni asked, “You still seeing that guy? supper, just like S v y saws trees. The basic your hesitation over words reveals a reluc­ to be funny for one another. Toni was Can’t you talk girl talk, litDe femme?” primeval family. He must be very secure. tance to act out your hasty decision.” dividing her time between placating Cassidy “Shit, I don’t know how. Besides, that’s “Sometimes, Ihdeline,” the doctor Your hasty decision. Sadie got up and and talking to Madeline while the boys different. Jim and I aren’t like the kids that began, beating fait 6st on the arm of his began to bek Madeline’s hand. Madeline continued their affected routines. Madeline make out at the dormitory door every rocker as he talked, “we must give ourselves patted her. was fascinated by Joshua, a beautiful black night.” a chance to learn new feelings. To do this, “Down, Sadie. Sit,” the doctor ordered man with the grace of a respectable fairy “Why? You too good for the college of course, we muMte the same time unlearn in as deep and calm a tone as he used with and the sensibUity of an untrained poet. kids, too?” old oiies. Until th«T are less present in our Madeline. “Sit, giil. That’s good, stay down. Later, he promised, he would show her his “Toni, don’t pick on me. It’s just minds we caimot give new feelings a fair No? Then come over here. That’s right” He poetry. different.” chance to express toamselves.” patted her somewhat roughly and she “He’s so talented,” Harve boasted. “You sleep with him yet?” “Why get rid af aid feelings?” stayed. “Good Sadie. Good Sadie.” “It’s all for you, baby,” Joshua an­ Madeline drank several gulps in succes­ “We are not ^ i^ in g about ‘getting rid “I’ve been reading a lot of sociology,” swered, kis.sing Harve’s broad hand. Harve sion and answered, “You haven’t told me o r feelings, raeady transforming them, Madeline tried to begin again. was a nice Jewish boy from the Bronx, how you and Cassidy got together yet.” Madeline. Certainly we can never ‘get rid of’ “Yes, I remember you were taking two heterosexual before he met Toni, hut on Toni seemed to get the message and she and anything we have cepetienoed as intensely courses in i t ” meeting and faDing in love with her, he had Casady launched into an affectionate re­ as you have expcaenced your feelings of “We’ve been doing the looking j^tos somehow confused her sexual predilections port of their active intrigue of parent- the p ast” theory in one class. It reaDy makes sense. I with his own desires and ended up with dodging and very little privacy. “They’re not oddie past.” mean, puts things together. I can sec how Joshua. They were a beautiful hopeful “One night. Mad, we just gave up, “That is why we cannot merely speak of people relate to each other in some cases.” couple who had not merely passed in the copped some bread and holed up in the night but were somehow held together by them as past, bMt must continue to deal “Yes, I hope we can continue to talk on Hotel Earle in the Village.” with them in the present Until we have that line ruxt time we meet. I see our time each other’s determination; Joshua's to “And I’m never bringing a girl there dealt with them vdft the full respect which is up for today. I would warn you, however, become what he called respectable through again. Especially not my Toni. She’s too we owe to those itoung feelings, we caimot not to put too much faith in one socio­ his clerical job and to escape from Harlem, good for a dump like that.” expect to expeiicMe the new ones you logical view of things.” Harve’s to get out of his mother’s house in Toni turned away from Cassidy’s arms. seem to have beenaerking to feel.” “No, no. Of course n d t 1 just meant I the Bronx and to become a successful “It was bad. Roaches. Cardboard walls. Madeline said wothing. Not seeking, never saw things that way before.” salesman. They were a happy background How do you make it in coUege? Those link thinking I have to keel them, doctor. No, I “Good, good.” he led her to the door. for the convoluted conversation of the boxes you live in. They looked like hotel don’t expect any atoomatic switchover, but “Goodnight, MadeUne.” other three. rooms when 1 saw them.” the idea of any swMover doesn’t appeal to “G oodni^t.” She walked slowly to her “Okay, children, here’s the ice,” Cassidy “I don’t, Toni.” me. bicycle and unlocked it. Is he right? Am I announced. “Anybody for a drink?” “Oh, right, you got your boy to take “We’D have to be more patient, just doing things blindly? What’s going to Madeline had been waiting for her es­ care of you,” taunted Cassidy. Madeline. Tfais is aB very confusing to a happen with Toni? If Cassidy’s away . . . cape to what she hoped would be relaxation “Hey, Cass, honey, they started the mind in the midst ad change as yours is, so Maybe I shouldn’t, though. I’d just be and watched Cassidy mix her a strong jukebox! Dance with me? Do you mind we must go stry by step. Perhaps you comparing Jim unfavorably. Would that he screwdriver. staying here with the boys. Mad?” should not impufawcly write Jim off your fair to him? To whom? Why should I be “Essential to a happy evening,” Made­ “No, no.” list quite yet,” he Wlo-hoed. fair? I know «diat I want. But the doctor line announced, drinking largely and trying “Listen,” interjected Joshua, “I haven’t “Okay.” Is he right? Do I want to says I want something different Does he to ignore the taste. been with my lover here for two weeks change? “But I gel a break this weekend, know me better than I do? She got on her . “College kid, big words, right?” com­ now, so we're going to jump in now. You anyway. An old fimnd asked me down to bike and started back to school. Shit, shit, mented Harve. sit this one out, Madeline, and I’ll show you New York and I cag et an overnight out of shit. Toni quickly defended Madeline’s mis­ how a real lady danres. Okay?” the dorm. 1 reaDy want to see her because take. “She always talked like that. In Junior ■'1 need to learn, Josliua. Go ahead.” High she was talking like that. You got to Madeline was left with the end of her «■rond drink alone in wlial scrini'd llirii lo Madeline pulled back in sur))ri.s<^ "Why, ■‘Hey, Tone, let her sit between us.” Ix’ til«- only I'mph spaeo in lin' bar. 'I'lu' Toni? 1 Ibouglit. I mean, you look like “So talk to me. Hey, Maddy, you ain’t “Can’t sit up.” dancr floor was m t crowded al llial poinl you're n'ally enjoying each olhcr. " goiiq; to drink that strai^t?” “Okay, lie on my lap.” and sin* walehed dfc** couples in llies<‘, the "Mad, Mad. I don’t know. MayU' I “WTiy not?” Madeline had the vodka preliminary loveis" bonis of llie eveniii(i. bottle to her Ups and poured the acrid stuff “I’m sorry, sorry.” sliould’ve gone to colleg«', loo. This scene “It’s okay,” Cassidy answered in a Wow. Itiey’re al so lieaulifnl lopellier. into her mouth. Why am I doing this? Just down here is so different. Ca.s,s is just plain soothing tone. Maternally, she stroked Aware of each *fc-r. Kralernily dances, dumb. All the girls art' dumb. I know like in the movies. I need it I don’t want to Madeline’s head. Madeline fell asleep and Wbal a difference..A whole differi'iil moral­ think. there's got to Ik' different people some- Cassidy’s hand was less maternal when she ity. Musi make us freer in some way lo be wlu're. I was hoping you'd meet .some at “Hey, girls, we’re back!” It was Joshua and Harve. holding hands. “This big man’s woke. Too out to pretend, she just etqoyed gay. Nol dale. daKC. Iry lo make. JusI a college.'' the touch. Toni was near. Touching her, "Well. I did meet one guy. a teacher, but going to release me for our dance, little one. continuum of lovaaaking. Wrapped in each too, soothingly. A woman’s hand. Her lap. other because thtf's all they want. 1'he he's older." Come on.” My body. I can trust myself to them. whole place mcnii|; to one rhytlim. No “I mean someone lo make it witli. That Joshua led Madeline to the floor and Later, Harve walked Madeline outside to wasting time on aiier things. A kind of you can talk to, too. Like we did.” they began to dance to a fast Spanish song. Madeline tried lo pull herself together. After the first song, Toni, Cassidy and clear her head. communality of Ar soul. What real mar­ “You’ll stay at my parents’ house with riage is supposed tafre. Was this another of Toni's builsliil lines to Harve joined them and they all danced as keep her on her string, or was it something one couple. Madeline felt in the way and me tonight. Mad." She finished hersecond drink and mi.vcd “Okay, Harve. I won’t be any more another one. Thai she looked around. more important? For a quick minute left them to break up into couples while she Madeline had a cloudy vision of some sort poured herself more straight vodka. trouble. I promise.” Weird place. Got b remember this for a “That’s all right. It’ll be closer than story. The dance flaor was huge \vith beams of compromise, a stall' iN'Iwirn what she She sat at the table, watching the anyone else’s place except Joshua’s, But I’m from the floor to b e ceiling. Thenr was a had known and what tlie doctor was trying movement. The lights had been made lower. not sure you’d be welcome there. ” balcony around tfaeioom so that the ceiling lo teach her. A “healthy” relation.diip with Couples were embracing at the tables. Madeline was drunk. She knew it. She sank “Right. And Toni’s mother would kill was two stories ligh. Small tables were a girl with her own qualities. But Toni’s down into the bench. The movement made her if she brou^t me home again.” around the balcoM and beginning to fill up problem. her dizzy. Cassidy and Toni were coming “How do you feel?” with the overflow fcom downstairs. Be nice "You shouldn’t compare, Toni. Dif­ “Better, Harve, thanks. I got to thank all up there, watching all the lovers. Oh god, ferent people arc just different. Just enjoy back. of you.” Something was running throu^ this is my life. I'niappy here. I don't want her for who she is, nol for who or what she “You okay. Mad?” “Going to be sick. Sorry. Bathroom.” her head. “But the pain in here . . Bob to think why. Bb 1 have to because it i.sn’t.” Cassidy pulled her out around the table and Dylan. He knew it. “But the pain in here messes up the hapglKSS thinking the doctor “What do you know aliout it? All you rushed her to the bathroom where Madeline . . — no — “ And it was raining from the would say . . . What would he say? know is boys since you went to school.” was sick. first and 1 was dying there of thirst, so I “Madeline, you » happy there because ■‘That’s not true. Ih'y. Toni, Uicrc's “Wake up. Mad,” she heard. She was in came in here. And your long time curse you are protected from your own inclina­ been more than one girl since yon for me.” the bathroom, still. Cassidy and a stranger hurts, but what’s worse is this pain in here. tions. All those fvple reinforce the war “But you didn’t stick with them. You were pulling her to a sink. She was 1 can’t stay in here . . . She takes just like a you wage against jaurself.” Is that true? Is went on to your lover boy.” screaming and sobbing. woman. Yes, she does. She makes love just that? “It’s just since I slartc'd in therapy, “You don’t want to kill yourself, like a woman. She aches just like a woman, Toni and Caaily came back to the Toni.” Maddy. You’re just drunk,” Cassidy was but she breaks just like a little girl.” table. Madeline ladled for Joshua, but he “Junk the .shrink. When iny parents had saying over and over. “We’ll go back up. Okay, Mad?” and Harve did nd look as if they were me going, the guy didn't Iry to make me go “Kill myself?” She wondered what she going to miss tkr slow song that was straight. He just wanted lo straighten me had been saying, if she had been loud. playing. out.” It was unprecedented having the doctor “Como on, doiiT look so sad. I’m going “Sorry, Cassidy, I never did this before. I’m “I wish 1 could just junk him." come to the dormitory. But her friends did to give up Toni this dance. Go ahead. "W hy can’t you?” reaDy sorry.” “Stop crying. This’ll make you better.” not know what else lo do. She had not Mad.” "Because I’m afraid 1 sliould li.sten to Cassidy pressed cold wet paper towels on moved nor spoken in hours. No one had to “T hanks, Cas.si

S.O.S. (Save Our Soapboxes)

She slicks her hair back, pulls the zipper On her fly-front pants and goes to work In a factory, where no one gives a damn What she wears, so long's she does her job. She's been there twenty years, has a position of Responsibility and trust, well-liked by everyone. She cares about them all, who naed her care; They seek her out to tell their grievance to. The women all relate to her, the men take her to lunch. They are all half-in-lova with her And couldn't tell you why; but it's because She P U B L IC L Y and P R IV A T E L Y and V O C A L L Y And A C T IV E L Y G IV E S A D AM N , about everything That makes this country sick; Poverty Pollution and Power-politics, Prejudice Perniciousness, Injustice, racism and WAR; Her eyes reflect her caring, her talents are bent To it, and yet. At night, in the privacy of our room, when she comes Into my so willing arms, and bends to meet My needing and her own she then becomes A MENACE TO ALL DECENT PEOPLE, EVERYWHERE! PHANTOM MAN PARADOX IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE What happened, see. It was a really heavy affair; I dug him - but there was always something, Was that you kicked those words around You did not choose to stand I didn't know what, dividing us. We live Like the can Naked before me In the same world, spoke the same language. in that game kids played At that awful reception Until I met her, I never made comparisons When I »Bs young. In that hot crowded room. But, looking back, when I took my problems to him He'd say, "Honey, I understand" and she Shit, man, I got tired You did not choose to be Says, "Baby I know where your head is at," Of being "It " All that I saw And he'd say, "Le t me love you” while she Always looking In that one glance that stripped you Smiles and says "L e t’s fuck", but the paradox and looking, and finding Of your need for pretense. Only the goddam words. Is, that HE always fucked me — and SHE and I make love. I did not choose to prove Where were you hidkig? The truth of that adage All those years? It doesn't matter now It was not my intention Where, To live a cliche. Or from what. Or fromenhom. But god how I know you! Naked before me I got me a woman now In the arms of our loving And her vocabdkry's in her guts; Where you also DAWN AND DUSK INSOMNIAC She never hides know And we me. She turns, her thigh moves from my own; I wonder how many Do not P*»V games. Her hands, slowly. other fools Leaving my breasts, become sit up at four-o-five a.m. Busy with covers, clothes in beds ninety-nine & 1/100ths per cent And coffee; pure loneliness And I, sleepily, await and one one-hundredths wrinkled sheets. Her scrubbed six a.m. face, Half-crazed with poetry Pepsodent mouth. and needing only NOT WHO I A M Her sitting-beside-me smell a small miracle of words ULTIMATUM Holding the hot coffee-cup to make love scan Because the iMe-to-five scene While her eyes hold mine and say and sleep This is the last time that Insists on «ty deception I love you. certain. I’ll ever race to you. Wants only t l* Forcing your unwilling arms. Myth of me ' I busy myself, while she is gone. Breathing the word "beloved" And not who I am. With paints and poetry In your unhearing ear. Because my nne-to-five friends Until tonight Thrusting my thin cold hands Insist on mt meeting When she returns, tired In the torn pockets of your love The men whowill And hungry. And the miracle is, Tearing the shirt your heart wears. Think 1 am I can revive her Clawing the nakedness beneath Nolwho I am, With a poem To touch your full, unyielding breasts I carry m y hiiftlen seif And feed her with a painting And consummate these years of caring CRUISING Heavy, fraat nine-to-five And when she is surfeited. That climaxes in poetry We will lift forks And in your »-o-clock In the dim light, half indigo, And digs its nails into your silences With orange fingers. Arms lean I say, "B u y you a drink?" But leaves no scar on your unfeeling flesh. And full hearts. Lay my seif down. And mean, my god I miss her, but And eat our dinner for dessert. You'll do. We will talk At least until the morning catches us. About everything, and mean Naked around our needs. I love you. FOREST FIRE

I touch you and your eyelids glow And fire spills down from both your eyes To the twin lips I kiss, below The tangled forest at your thighs. _’f) interview, LESBIANS ARE SISTERS, featuring a bisexual and a female trans­ Hope Thompson Poetrq TOookTlevieu) sexual (?) who thinks about “balling Sylvia Plath-Dead at the age of 30 or so A quick way to judge a women's liber­ another woman.” Sylvia Sylvia ation anthology is lo look at the back for Sally Medora Wood, in A GUIDE TO who put your i ead in the oven its list of pertinent journals. If THE WOMEN WHO DARE TO SPEAK with the gas jets on LADDER, the oUest such magazine, is PUBLICLY, combines excellent advice with full blass$s-t omitted, you can he sure that most of the quiet humor. For example: you did It yourself contributors are primly heterosexual and Q; It says in the Bible that “Man was created for the glory of God, and sweet-heart still far from graspag the essence of female don't lie to me liberation. VOICES FROM WOMEN’S woman for the glory of man.” What do you think of that? they found your very own prints LIBERATION editad by Leslie B. Tanner, all over the stove New American Lârary, Inc., New York A: It proves to me beyond a doubt that men (and not women) wrote the and you stashed the kids 1970 ($1.50, 445 pp) does not list THE at the neighbors LADDER and has little of interest to the Bible. Robin Morgan’s article, GOODBYE TO so they wou Idn't have to see Lesbian who has looked throu^ other such yes, you're right anthologies. Judith Brown, in an otherwise ALL THAT, avoids the fuzzy male chau­ vinist analysis of the society’s ills, the they don't know it's a pain in the ass excellent joint artide with Beverly Jones, to write good po-et-ry TOWARD A FEMALE LIBERATION analysis that says men are as oppressed as women by The System and that “automatic (gas is best MOVEMENT, has a section on “Homo­ listen freedom for women — or non-white peoples daddy used to sayl sexuality.” She says, that this language you had a little darling nazi daddy — will come about ZAP! with the advent of [‘fag,’ ‘pimp,’ ‘quoa;’ and ‘dike’] “helps to but he gave you up for dead a socialist revolution.” “The oppressors are well insure Üiat each n n has his female slave, sweetie indeed fucked up by being masters . . . at least you made the beds and that each w aam eventually becomes the rat kicked the bucket but those masters are not oppreued. Any and everything's well scrubbeddd one.” But she seems not to realize that before your first date master has the alternative of divesting him­ homosexuality refen to males, males who what would sigmund ever say self of sexism”, but women, the oppressed, you left the house in or-derrrr...... are as chauvinist as any and who care not he'd say have no choice but to fight. -we escaped inspired madmen about the plight of Lesbians? We all know every seer-sucker-suit What I found most inspiring in the lost the factories in the half light how upset homosexuals are about poUce turned on the gas whole book was a lengthy radio interview (temples with their golden spires entrapment, about the injustices of their pushed you flat on your back being harassed in their public cruising (and of three high school women. The next and their purple interiors) generation of feminists, if these three are a (you always talked too much more) activities, bal who has read of any became an artist too sign, may avoid the pitfalls of male political we danced across the rope indignation on the part of homosexuals you drew pretty pict-ures ideologies and see clearly to the roots of the 'Swaying to a world of passions over the raping of Lesbians, indeed, women like soft-pinkpetals ona thorny stemmm) in general? oppression of women and that these roots and of dreams 100 pages of the book are devoted to ante-date any theoretical rationalizations without any keys, any secrets, any means subsequently invented by men. I am not Sylvia you KNEW 19th century femhosts. The rest is a very what it's like to feel in the night overstating when 1 say I was thrilled by the Suddenly spotty collection, aaostly reprints, of all a voice on your neck courage of these teenagers, one of whom was we were hurled sorts of opinions wkh an occasional island and you woke up begging for a drink among the first group of 13 women to enter to the corner of the room of clear thinkit^. One article imagines that of pett-roll the feminist movement consists almost the all-male Stuyvesant H i^ School in the and saw the shadows entirely of the und» 30 set; others express fall of 1969 and who more often than not fear of leadership, ttat bugaboo of young was the only female in her class, including (in the dizzing heat of a summer's day heterosexual woroem some play the “Who’s the teacher. She says, “My official teacher let's forget our memories for a time the most oppressefT’ game without even is always telling me that I shouldn’t wear like blissful ether thinking of LcstMaam and Ellen Willis says, pants because it's not feminine. If I’m we'll feel internal liquors in CONSUMERISM AND WOMEN, that walking down the hall how will anyone conquer) “the beneficiaries «Î this depreciation of know that I’m a girl, if I’m wearing pants. women are not men but the corporate So I said, ‘I really don’t care if anyone you and I are at the lakes edge power structure” as if that power structure knows I’m a girl or not; in fact, maybe it’s where they brought us and did not consist oi men. Having read a better if they don’t know.’ ” How many you and I are lost number of these a«*ologies, 1 find myself adult feminists today have this kind of in the fog along the shore annoyed at having to read through so much courage in the face of attacks on their ‘lack and the soft green of the trees female opinion that misunderstands sexism of femininity’ by male authorities? twist in order to enjoy m occasional gem. The groping to find some light theory is that all waarn should be heard, as if all women were equally wise. These anthologies are proaf to the contrary. This book even contains an embarrasing radio Adele A. Chatelin 29 J ouT’nei^S' in A/ ^ r r t t b v J e a n l o u i s e Foundations of the Mole-Chauvinist-Nude Part II; Alternatives Tile altrniativrs to llie malr-ctiauvini.et born in Hessine, f ranee, in M’ti.'i and gri w nudes presented in the previous issue are as up in the artist's district of Nionlniarlre. maiiv as lliere are unprejudieed artists. .She workid for a lime as a model to Kdgar However, the leniale painter sliould logical Degas, Pierre-.Auguste Renoir and other ly be b(-sl qualified to portray herself artists lesser known: but after seeing her truthfully and in fact, if she is a figure image continually portrayed as the anony­ painter, has almost an obligation to do so mous object of art, she felt finally a greater Women, who have from the beginning need to [lersonally affect the world around played only the passive role of modelling her and so decided to In’eome a painter for art, are now, both actively and sym­ herself. L'nfortunately, much of \ aladons bolically, beginning to reject this relegation figure drawing is derivative of Degas' ideal­ and seriously take over an effective role in ized male-ehauvinisl style which depicts the more vital act of making art. women who are supposi'div in the act of For this reason, Suxanne Valadon is .some “everyday” motion but wlio.se bodies gaining qreater status in the minds of artists are painted more like the perfectly propor­ (who are also concerned with their own tioned nudes of the Renais-sance than like liberation as women) becau.se she played those' of average, “every day" pi'ople. out in aetuality the belief that women must In disparity with her drawings, however, remove themselves from the model’s Valadon's paintings reflect the fire and sexual-art-object position. Valadon was independence of the true Valadon person-

t e ik V .

UtJ'IL/|J. l«UUb* WM K/ll vvi ■ ■ LI VI ■ L-IV Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. “woman” who is not only capable of Discuiucs ‘Genre’ Drawings”, American unlimited muscular action but flaunts her Artist, .lune 1953) Miss Bishop states; massive size not as a male-chauvinist sign of “ ‘Genre’ drawings are never heroic, never ugliness but as an undeniable physical in the ‘grand manner’ and never large. Also attribute. Valadon has purposely chosen for they are never ‘coinpoations’. In them form her subject not the usual elusive, aristo and content seem united by magic or at cratic beauty but a strong, independent and least by accident . . . In this particular rugged individual who is also capable of a kind of artistic expression the .subject must woman's tenderness, a softness which seem unmanipulatcd — as though a piece of uniquely in this painting does not go hand life had been sneaked up on, seized and in hand with weakness. somehow became art, without anything The more one considers Clumbre d having been done to it. This is the way it coucher bleue, the more it is possible to seems, which is part of the content.” erase the ingrained ideal of what a Nude, by Bishop, is firstly a moment of “beautiful woman” should look like and life. The figure is in no way “posed” nor is fin'd instead a new understanding of the it designed to fulfill pre-existing canons. A unlimited possibilities of what beauty can woman looking at this work knows be. For, if before viewing this work you felt instantly that this is her honest self and that a massive woman's arm was an because the painting is honest to life, it unattractive idea, you need only to follow offers the best possible alternative to the with your eye the line that begins at the male-chauvinist-nude. Bishop is a woman juncture of (^eck and cigarette and trace it and knows how to paint what she knows — along very slowly until it disappears behind being a woman. Throughout her work, the trouser leg. The line is truly beautiful as there is a constant sensitivity and verity in it swells, falls, swells again and is at the the way she translates the world in which same time both soft and strong — the very she lives. luture of the woman portrayed. Isabel Bishop was bom in 1902 in The final point that should be made in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has lived most of her discussing the Valadon painting is that it is life in New York Qty and has spent that not necessary to unclothe a figure in order time recreating in her art the small scenes of to present the feeling of a nude body. urban Ufe around her. At the Noon Hour is Whereas the backbone of every one of many drawings and prints which male-chauvinist nude resorts for its impact depict two women talking, laughing or on the diock of sexuality, the force of a strolling together. The male-chauvinist “clothed nude” is dependent upon the female figure is not permitted such liberties. figure’s individual “personabty” which If a second person is allowed to enter the must be so distinctive so as to make itself male-chauvinist painting at all, it is almost felt through her clothing. always a man, child or female relative but Of course, that is not to say that all never an unrelated female peer with whom unclothed nudes rely on sexuality for their the main figure might possibly have a content. Ihe unclothed nudes painted by non-rivalling relationship, or worse, with Isabel Bishop present for their content a whom she might conceivably have a commonplace movement, a slice of action, sensual/scxual relationship. It is important, and the physical characteristics of the nude therefore, to note that much of the art of are simply part of this movement. Unlike Isabel Bishop breaks witli this tradition and Degas’ figures, Bishop’s “genre nudes” do in presents, again with honesty, the fact that fact present the total concept of an women can and do enjoy the company of “everyday” woman's body caught in the their own sex, .sometime.« to the point of movement of an “everyday” act. Bishop excluding the opposite sex altogether from records the female nude as it exists and, the picture. Isabel Bishop. At the IMoin Hour. Tempera and pencil on composition board. with aU its imperfections, aUows the woman 1935. 25"x18". Collection Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, Massachusetts. to stand on her own without added (Jean Louise is an artist and under her idealistic or sexual illusions. In her own own name, Sarah lyhilworth, has Just alil\. (Imnthrr ri ceurhrr htt‘u*\ reproduced the ever repealed malc-chauviiust words (quoted from “Isabel Bishop had a month long one woman show o f here, is [a rhaps Ikt finest work. The female odalisqufl who recline.'; in a world of sweet figure w liieli ap|« a ; in tins painting breaks perfection and inhuman delieaey. ^Odalisque — is a French word meaning harem woman or female slaw deriwd from the The iminobilir.ed innh -eliaininist image cver> niale-eliamtic-t rule po.s.siblc. Her Turkish, odahliq (chambermaid). The odalisque in French painting usually reclines on a with arni.s. legs, hands and feel weakened, heigiil. weight. ■> i|i ¡i.iidPt placed in the inoders Ingres, Delacroix, Matisse and Renoir. month ate a ’rale denouncement of lenged and destroyed b> taladon's hrr ink and dyr drawingt at the major in Art History and Studio. She which would include the history and ALL THE COMMITTEES TO DEFEND Memorial Union Art Gallery, Arizona is on the staff o f a prominent art methods of left-wing groups? ANGELA DAVIS? Stale ( 'nii'er.tily. Tempe, Arizona. museum in New York City and lives in 13. If the Communist Party is as heavily Sarah aitetaleil Kmtgers University in FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY New Jersey with her companion o f infiltrated by F.B.I. agents as is commonly THAT SOME OF MY FRIENDS HAVE y’ewark and gradaated with a double eight years.) believed, who is making policy for the C.P. ADVISED ME NOT TO RAISE THESE - .Moscow or Washington? Hadn’t an QUESTIONS AND NOT TO DESTROY honest revolutionary better think twice CONFIDENCE IN THE LEFT. MY REPLY before jumping on a Party-made band­ IS THAT FALSE CONFIDENCE, TRUST Angeb Davis: Some Questions wagon? BASED ON IDEALISM INSTEAD OF 14. THROUGHOUT THE 1930’s, THE REALITY, WILL LEAD US STRAIGHT ,\ole: I was orig^ally going to sign include the statement that the Communist COMMUNIST PARTY CREATED SCORES INTO THE ARMS OF PIG AGENTS, INTO this article and take personal respon­ Party is infiltrated by pigs. If so, why did OF MARTYRS, SET UP COMMITTEES A HAIL OF BULLETS; OR EVEN sibility for its smntents, but I have she join it, and why does she continue to TO DEFEND THEM, AND COLLECTED WORSE, INTO THE CREATION OF A been advised by an expert in these recommend it as a viable alternative for FORTUNES FOR THIS PURPOSE. MOST POST-REVOLUTIONARY GOVERN­ matters that suck a move would be black people? And why was she able to OF THOSE MARTYRS - BLACKS, MENT MORE FASCISTIC THAN THE extremely fooUmidy. Since I am not remain underground for two months? CHICANOS AND OTHERS - DIED OR ONE WE NOW ENJOY. making judgmessts but only asking 8. Angela Davis claims that she stayed in ROTTED IN JAIL. NO ACCOUNTING A Sister questions. I feel dsat / am justified in a boarding house in Florida, but left FOR THE MONEY WAS EVER GIVEN. IS withholding my wwie. because pigs were living there. How did she THIS WHOLE EPISODE JUST ANOTHER know they were pigs, and why didn’t they FUND-RAISING SCHEME FOR THE Seems like all of my friends in the capture her then? PARTY? WHO THE HELL IS RUNNING movement have be« following the call to 9. The Communist Party, v^ich has duty as usual. Anyone on the left is our steadily lost support for the last thirty years friend. Anyone the pigs don't like is our and has been shunned by blacks as irrele­ AGAINST THE SEASON bvmnerule friend. Seems to nc that there is too much vant, and by women as male suprertMdst, REVIEWED by Ellm Gold emotionalism and oot enough intelligent now has a black woman martyr. Is this a **If they had no more than five years, the love one had for everyone?** thought on the nCeal scene. So I have coincidence? no more than six months, why should -From AGAINST THE SEASON prepared a list of ^ s tio n s concerning the 10. The Communist Party has been they live even a moment not uiorryiqg latest martyr araonl whom we are all staging demonstrations in behalf of Angela much, not mattering much to each Jane Rule’s third novel (N.Y., McCall, supposed to rally, « d 1 give my word that I Davis all over the country, and has carefully other, when from that center flowed 1971) is a chronicle of people who believe will rally to her die as soon as someone excluded the batmers of groups which or learn to believe that caring for each other comes up with satiitirtory answeis to these support Angela Davis but do not com­ is an experience greater for themselves than questions. pletely support the Communist Party. death or birth or their various specific 1. Wliy did a supposedly intelligent Communist Party members have beaten up pairings. It is an almost sociological study black revolutionary buy guns in her own members of Gay Liberation Front, in an of the development of feeling in a com­ name? effort to exclude “queers” from the picket munity of people defined at the center by 2. Members of •« Communist Party are lines, which the C.P. has been treating as two sisters, Beatrice and Amelia, and on the not permitted to own guns. Why did she their own private property. Communist periphery by a disturbed woman, Grace violate Party disdpfae? Party officials have threatened to call the Hill, who, like the society she represents, is ' 3. The C om m ini Party of the USA has police to keep unwanted groups from often denounced '“adventurist violence.” the main interruption of free expression I “trespassing” on their private property — among them. Are they defending Angela Davis on the picket lines for Angela Davis. After strug- The relationships are simple, but consist grounds that she mould never knowingly ^ing to overcome oppression from the of several basic couples. There are the become involved in a courthouse shootout? ri^ t, do we need it from the left? sisters who came to live their lives for each They have been .sihnt on that question. 11. After tl^ Communist Party and the 4. Numerous monand women have been other, relinquishing other possibilities open Socialist Worker’s Party split, during the to them. At the novel’s writing, Beatrice has able to go undergnand by hiding in their 193t)’s, the Socialist Workers derided the been dead for several months and the own communities - black ghettoes, com­ Communists beWuse the Communist Party munes. campuses, ntc. Why was a black elderly Amelia is discovering how much of insisted that all-' its members dress conserva­ her emotional life was directed only to her woman caught in 4 r whitest area of Man­ tively and that homosexuals be excluded hattan, in a Howard Jiohnson's motel? sister or suppressed for her. Peter, a from the Party. Over the yeaia, the Socialist middle-aged banker, becomes involved 5. Who is Kalyk Poindexter, and how Worker’s Party has adopted the same against his will with the emotions of the did he get bailed oniso fast? policies as the Communist Party, clothed in young man Cole who is staying with 6. Angela Dav» claims that during the a Trotskyist rhetoric instead of the straight Amelia. The relationship between Cole and months .she was à» hiding, she was too Moscow line. Who owns the Socialist Peter is an insight into male homosexuality confused to make nftrquale plans for escape Worker’s Party? They may run female impressive in a woman. Peter becomes to another coiintTy. This is an intelligent candidates, but who chairs the board? engaged to a woman of his own age and revolulionarv? 12. Isn’t it time feminists got together JANE RULE they try together to at least share emotion. T. Other explavations for her capture and got themselves a political education Photo By Lynn Vardeman Ida Setworth. who. it is suggested, may have been involved with Beatrice in their characters. She is the last holdout to tial for love - a moving lesson none of us nia and did graduate work at the youth, debates narhage with a man like emotion and as such is counterpoised to should miss. We can learn from all our University o f London. Presently she herself in his seventies while there is still Amelia, the loving old woman who inspires sisters, but it takes an exceptional woman holds a Cnnada Council Grant for time to share their feelings. The daughter of love in everyone around herself. Early in like Jane Rule to communicate to all of us writing and leachej at the University an old family in the town, Rosemary the book Ms. Rule sketches Dina as a because she can encompass all of us - and o f British Columbia. Ms. Rule has Hopwood, allows herself to love and pursue formidable bastion of suppression, but even published widely in magazines which a young woman, Dina Pyros, whose Les­ Dina cannot deny Amelia anything while include CHATELAINE, SAN FRAN­ bianism is almoel universally tolerated she denies almost everything to herself and (Jane Rule is from Nevo Jersey, but hat CISCO REVIEW, REDBOOK, THE primarily, it seeas, because she lives as to her “women”. Dina is a “foreigner”, lived all over America, in England and LADDER and various foreign language unobtrusively in the community as she metaphorically rather than literally, and a now is settled in Canada. She was a Phi publicaStons. She has, as noted, pub­ does in her own consciousness. strange reaction to the warm, emotionally Beta Kappa at Mills College in Califor- lished three novels. ) Other couples include Cole and an highly-charged Greeks who are her family unwed mother who also lives with Amelia and friends. As she has done with most of ever solicited for her own work and no one as a domestic. Maud is the town's nine­ the book’s characters, Ms. Rule does not seems to see anything wrong with con­ teenth century nosality figure married to tell us why or how, but only what. The k/meii €mf>oieu stantly ignoring her output while con­ an invaUd husband who is no more than an what we find in Dina is an attractive young tinually seeking out her husband’s work. Many critics and professors cannot refer appendage to heraeif, yet who is her reason woman, almost constantly swathed in By PAULINE OLIVEROS for living. There me others, each a study in “layers of clothing”, who operates an to women who are also composers without learning to rare for other human beings. antique shop and is an otherwise successful Why have there been no “great” women using a cute or condescending language. She There is little plot to the novel aside business woman. Jane Rule’s “Chapter composers? The question is often asked. is a “lady composer.” Rightly, this expres­ from the overall development of each of From An Untitled Novel In Progress”, The answer is no mystery. In the past, sion is anathema to many self-respecting these relationships, the slow burning of love which appeared in THE LADDER (Octo- talent, education, ability, interests, motiva­ women composers. It effectively separates among all the dbracters against all the ber/November, 1969), is chapter two of the tion were irrelevant because being female women’s efforts from the mainstream. Ac­ seasons of life. Reaction to death becomes novel and describes Dina almost thorough­ was a unique qualification for domestic cording to the Dictionary of American as much an act of love as the various ly. We watch Dina shed the cocoon of work and for continual obedience to and Slang, “lady” used in such a context is physical intimacies in the relationships. clothing and fears through the book as dependence upon men. almost always insulting or sarcastic. What Birth of an unwanted child is not a grim Rosemary Hopwood coaxes her out of This is no less true today. Women have critic today speaks of a “gentleman experience, but a situation in which the both. been taught to despise activity outside of composer”? overt signs of desmant emotion find ex­ One misses the intense romance of the domestic realm as unfeminine, just as It is still true that unless she is super- pression. Love occaDons the caress and the DESERT OF THE HEART and the concen­ men have been taught to despise domestic excellent, the woman in music will always violent blow. Old age binds the characters trated introspection of Ms. Rule’s second duties. For men, independence, mobility, be subjugated, while men of the same or as closely as do Me confusions of youth. novel, THIS IS NOT FOR YOU, in and creative action are imperative. Society lesser talent will find places for themselves. Even menopause becomes a drive for love AGAINST THE SEASON. Both elements has perpetuated an unnatural atmosphere It is not enough that a woman chooses to and triumidis over die despair middle age are distributed among the many characters which encourages distortions such as “girl be a composer, conductor or to play instru­ Can bring to a w o u h . of this new book as if to show the reader used as a bad word by little boys from the ments formerly played exclusively by men; Dina Pyros is ibe most interesting of the the universality of the two concerns. What age of 9 or 10. From infancy, boys are she cannot escape being squashed in her the Lesbian reader does not And in identifl- wrapped in blue blankets and continually efforts - if not directly, then by subtle and cation,: th o u ^ , she will easily replace with directed against what is considered feminine insidious exclusions by her male a sense of satisfaction at the growth of the activity. What kind of self-image can little counterparts. author. Ms. Rule, Uke Dina Pyros, sheds the girls have, then, with half their peers des­ And yet some women do break through. self-concern of her younger self and in the pising them because they have been dis­ The current Schwann Catalog lists over new season of her art re.veals her skill at couraged from so-called masculine activity 1,000 different composers. Clara Schumann dealing with a wide range of people. Her and vsTapped in pink blankets? of the Romantic Period and Elizabeth), de men, always ineffectual, begin to have The distortion continues when puberty la Guerre of the Baroque are the sole reasons for their ineffectuality. Her women arrives and boys turn to girls as sex objects representatives for women composers of the continue to have depth and are more varied. but do not understand how to relate on past. But on the positive side, over 75 Her people no longer need to be almost other important levels. Consider the divorce percent of the almost 1,000 are composers incestuously intertwined with one another rate! No matter what her achievements of the present and 24 of these are women. to have reasons to exist within the novel. might be, when the time, comes, a woman is These approximate statistics point to two Many of them are, but Ms. Rule has been expected to knuckle under, pay attention happy tn’nds: I) that composers of our able to give us other teal people who serve to her feminine duties and obediently time are no longer ignored, and 2) that no other purpose than her art. follow her husband wherever his endeavor women could be emerging from musiejil In her first novel Ms. Rule told us, “I’m or hielinatimi takes him - no matter how subjugation. (It is .signifirant that in a in love with the whole damned world. The detrimental it might be to her own. biography of Schumann that I have read, only problem is maintaining aesthetic A well-known contemporary compo.ser Clara is always talked about as a pianist not distance”. It is this she had done in has a wife who is also a competent a lompo.-s-r, and slie is quoted as saying, AGAINST THE SEASON. The book is composer. They travel together extensively "I'd give my life for Robert.") The first of the two trends is developing ! DOS! T THINHIW M T TO 6 i EQUfiL. another morality tale from Jane Rule, one and often return to the same places for even though the majority of [«-rformers do m » A 3 7 » Y whose lesson is learning the world's poten­ jK*rforniaiices of his work. i3ie is rarely if :i7 monic. CRI 145 Luytens, Eliabelh — Motet. Op. 27. Aidis not iin'liidr roiilra|Mirar\ imisic in llicir on the basis of one work by eritics who Chorale. Argo 5426 Diemer, Emma Lou — Toccata for Flute rrpcriojn' ami privjlr IracInTs widoin cn- Quartet, Op. 25 (1952); Wind Quintel: have never «'xamini-d their seon s or wailed Chorus. Armstrong Flute Ensemble. i'oiira!;i' llii ir slm hui' to lr> nr« iniisi«’ or for later developnwnl.s. Five Bagatelles. Dartington Quartet, Golden Crest S-4088 cvrn to liiTOii»' ji’^iiaiiitrd h ü Ii tlirir local Men do not have to eoinmit s«'\ual Leonardo Wind Quintet. .Argo 5425 compos«■ r^. \);cm-trf. siicli aj^ the liockr- suicide in order to eneoiirage their sisters in DiUon, Fannie Charles — From the Chinese. Quincunx. Manning, Howells, Procter, fclh'r and Kurd K«andations have helped iriii.sie. .Since they have been on top for so Andrews. Dorian 1014 Nendick, Shirlcy-Quirk, BBC Sym­ estahli>h renter.- far lieu niiisie in iiniver- long, they eoiild seek out women and phony. Argo ZR(j-622 .-ilies aiTos- the n m lrv and ¡nde|H'ndenl encourage them in all profes,sional fields. Dvorkin, Judith Maurice (1955). Ran­ or|:aih/atioiis such as the Oner (iroiip of Cibrarics of women’s music .should be estab- dolph Singers. CRI 1020 Maconchy, Elizabeth — Quartet No. 5 (1948). Allegri Quartet. Argo 5329 ,\nii \rhor and fc" San Kranei.seo Tape lislicd. Women need to know what they c:an Fine, Vivian - Alcestis (ballet music) .\hisie O ld e r proimmpos<'rs an: p resen t, among all men and women. Zurich Railio Orchestra. CRI 128 Stabat Mater (1951). Strickland, Japan and with the g rr^ r mobility of our Glanville-Hicks, Peggy — Nausicas (selec­ Philharmonic. CRI 133 soeii ty. critics harrauiiique opportunity — tions) (1961). Stratas, Modenos, Ruhl, a duty — to conwise directly with the WORKS BY WOMEN COMPOSERS Schumann, Clara — Trio in G Minor. AVAILABLE ON RECORDS Steffan, Surinach, Athens Symphony Matines, Gimpel, Silva. Dccca 9555 conipo.ser. Since prrforiners are often Orchestra. CRI 175 irresponsible with mn\ works because of Sonata for Harp (1953). Zabaleta. Smiley, Pril — Eclipse (1967). Electronic. disn-spiecl or lack •( established models, Ballou, Esther Williamson — Prelude and Counterpoint/Esoteric 5523 Turnabout 34301 works with which lir critics have familiar­ Allegro (1955). Adler, Vienna Orchestra. ized theinselves wotMe.seape some scathing CRI 115. Transposed Heads (1953). Nossman, Harlan, Pickett, Bombard, Kentucky Talma, Louise — Corona (Holy Sonnets of mi:^ndgmrnts due to poor performances. Bauer, Marion - Suite for Strings (1940): Opera Association, Louisville Orches­ John Donne). Aks, Dorian Chorus, CRI The ideal eritie eoaid not only interpn-t Prelude and Fugue (1948). Adler, 187 teehiileallv and cnnMirage an atmo.spherc tra. Two discs, LouisviUe 545-6 Vienna Orchestra. CRI 101 Toccata for Orchestra (1944). Strick­ which is sy m p ath eticth e phenomenon of Howe, Mary - Castellana for Two Pianos Beach, Mrs. II. H. A. — Improvisations for land, Tokyo Imperial Philharmonic. new nuisie. hut presmt the conipo.ser as a and Orchestra (1935). Dougherty, Piano. Rogers. Dorian 1006 CRI 145 real and ira-onahlr person to audiences, Ruzicka, Strickland, Vienna Ordiestra, t’erlainly. no ■■greal'eoiiiposer. especially a Trio for Violin, Cello, Piano, Op. ISO CRI124 Warren, Elinor Remick - .Abram in Egypt woman. Iras a ehaner-to «■merge in a society (1939). Clio Concert Trio. Dorian 1007 (1961); Suite for Orchestra (1954). Spring Pastoral (1936). Strickland, which hi lii-vi s that alt ■‘great'' miisie has Lewis, Wagner, Ijondon Philharmonic, Boulanger. Lili - Music of Lili Boulanger. Tokyo Imperial Philharmonic. CRI 145 Im'<-ii written by tlnwi tong departed. Wagner Chorale; Stickland. Oslo Philhar­ Markevitch, Orchestrr Laitioureux. Ever­ The M'iond tn-af is. of cours«', de- Stars (1937); Sand (1928). Strickland. monic. CRI 172 est 3059 p«'ini«'iit «>11 III«- first b-eaii.s«' «if the eiillnral Orchestra. CRI 103 White, Ruth - Trumps From the Tarot d«'privali«>n of w«im«»in Ih«' pa.-l. Critics do Crawford (.Seeger). Ruth - Ouartel (1931). Ivey, Jean Eidielberger — Pinball (1965). Cards (1968). Pinions (1968). Elec­ a great d«al of daiiag«' by wishing to Amati Oiiartet, (Jolumbia CMS-6142 Electronic. Folkways 33436 tronic. Limelight 86058 dis«<)vrr ■ gn-alness''.. It does not matter .Study in Mi.xed Aceenls; Nine Preludes Jolas, Betsy - Quatuor 11. Mesple, French that not all eoni|Hn««' are great l oniposers: for Piano (1926). Bloch. CRI .S-247 (Pauline Oliveros is Professor o f Elec­ it mailers lhal Ihisarlivily hi- encouraged Trio. Angel S-26655 Suili’ for Wind (^uinlel. Lark Ouinti-l. tronic Music at University o f (Califor­ among all Ih«- |Hipdblioii. lhal wr coin- CRI .S-249 La Guerre, Elisabeth J. De - Harpsichord nia at San Diego. Before taking that niimi«'al«' with «-a«'li ', February, March following him like sheep. ruled in favor of Ms. Ida Phillips against the and April, 1971. Nd one in 25 clippings Martin Marietta Corp. of Orlando, Florida, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, she writes AGAIN MORE THAN WE CAN TALK ostensibly about the good things in can actually be used ■ this column, but it is saying that “an employer may not refuse to ABOUT: WOMEN’S STUDIES, WOMEN’S hire a woman because she has children women’s liberation. But she closes her very important that we see them, for this is TEACH-INS AND WOMEN’S GUERRILLA UNLESS the same ruling applies to men”. column thus: “My own feeling is that the our only way to ted the climate coast to THEATRE. These three activities and some- This was the first such case that the Court Lesbians, armed with the justice of their coast and in other countries. One thing is times all three at one place are happening has heard in 22 years, and is the most special quarrel, should now regroup and clear . . . very, very slowly some areas are on many college and university campuses. opening up for wgaien, and even anti­ famous women’s rights case in terms of wage their own battle for liberation. Then We figure we do not see even one-tenth of publicity. the rest of us could get back to the real women writers are eweful about what they the existing activities being reported, so the say in articles about women . . . they are JOBS FOR COLLEGE EDUCATED issue: equal opportunity for women in a movement at least on the university level is WOMEN SCARCE: The Occupational man’s world. Who knows? We might now developing that marvetous nervousness that growing very rapidly. A typical look at such used to characterize writing about black Outlook Quarterly, put out by the U.S. find the men ready to cooperate”. We £ happening, in this case from Cornell, is Dept, of Labor, commented in its Fall, wonder if she means they m i^ t cooperate when black was a new word and “Negro” reported elsewhere in this column. much easier. A clippiog from Seattle tells of 1970, issue that jobs for college educated if we all promise to be “good” and FLORYNCE KENNEDY; SPECIAL women are becoming scarce. We already the first woman to become a major radio non-Lesbians. If your paper carries her WOMAN. Ms. Kennedy is a very quiet know that, and their predictions for the column, you might consider complaining to station manager via «me other route than woman in terms of pushing her own image, becoming the widmr of the former future, say in 1980, sound a lot gloomier. the TKWspaper office formally. so some of you may not have heard of her. NEWS FROM ENGLAND VIA manager. A clipping from the east gives a CORNELL UNIVERSITY IS She speaks, however, from time to lime on AUSTRALIA: SYDNEY (Australia) detailed account of the women’s tennis UNUSUAL, WE THINK MAYBE: In a little various campuses around the country, and DAILY TELEGRAPH, January 14, 1971. circuit, with vastly increased purses for booklet called “The Cornell Coed”, put out if you get a chance to hear her you cheat No legal action is to be taken in England in women and increased Bterest in their game. by the Women’s Coordinating Council of yourself by not going and listening. A the case of the marriage of Terry Floyd and This last mentioned was clearly a women’s Cornell in 1970, we find an anonymous (all lawyer, Ms. Kennedy’s major interests are Carol Lord, two women who married last liberation victory. A princess in Pennsyl­ articles are unsigned) down-to-earth little the civil rights movement, women’s libera­ August in Southend. Terry Floyd’s full legal vania wants to l i a ■ining engineer in the introduction to life at Cornell if you are a tion and abortion law reform. Her book, name is Mavis Tracey Floyd. Carol, coal mines of that stde. She probably will ABORTION RAP, is now out and almost Lesbian. It is called prosaically, “The contacted at their apartment, commented: make it too. In Hclywood, Florida, a every library will have this. Very good, but Lesbian at Cornell". In it you find all the “I can hardly wait to tell her. We can begin woman is elected Chawman of the Seminole some of it is heavy going. Very much little details of what to do, where to go, living normally now”. We hope so, brave Indian Tribe of Floridh. A Seattle woman recommended if this is one of your etc . . . that dot all the other articles. How plans to climb Mawnt Everest and U.S. concerns. very, very different today is from girls. Terry is 25, Carol 24. CHILDREN’S BOOKS; LIBRARY Line’s freighter, Amencan Astronaut, has a W'OMAN FILMMAKERr???? We have yesterday. May every college and university woman mess steward. That’s just a tiny been asked by Sharon Smitli, 3927W follow suit soon. JOURNAL, January 15, 1971. The SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL section of sampling . . . but tlikgs are slowly, slowly Flower Drive, Los Angeles, California, CONNECTICUT LABOR changing. 90037, to list her address and ask that you DEPARTMENT BULLETIN; January, this issue contains an excellent article en­ THE NEW YORb TIMES SUNDAY contact her if you write, produce, direct, 1971. An article extracted from U.S. Labor titled “A Feminist Look at Children’s BooLs”. The “author” is the collective MAGAZINE: We do ■□( know how long edit, do camera or sound, animation, com­ Drpartmenl figures comments that “By this will continue, but the Sundav supple­ puter films, or any other film-related 1980 the number of women working will be known as “The Feminists On Children’s ment to the NEW YOiK TIMES has been activity. Sliaron is doing a book about double the 1950 figure, reflecting a major Literature”. There is also a good editorial, carrying a number articles on both women filinmakcrs. THE BOOK WILL change in American life style”. The article same issue, same subject. No matter what women’s liberation aad gay liberation. NOT INCLUDE ACTRESSES OR WOMEN goes on to say that a majority of these you THINK you read as a child, you didn't. Some of them have hem fair, as was “The IN TV OR VIDEOTAPE. women will have ehildren and their increase Read this and weep at the higli price of being “born female” in this world in terms FemLih (iase Against figmund Freud” by SLIGHT SMILE FOR NICHOLAS VON in the labor market in part depends upon of vour human riglits. Richard Gilman. Desfilr male autliorship HOFFMAN; In an old syndicated column. “how well and how .soon the need for day care is met”. We agree, hut wonder how WEST GERMAN WISDOM: NEW 40 well and how soon loo. YORK TIMES. January 15. 1971. West CHANGE: January, February, March and and the women’s movement to women s (irrmaiiy classifies hausfrau as a legitimate any of the preceeding congresses where April, 1971. Clippings from all over the centers, women in China, women in Cuba, urriipation and is si'ríously considering such resolutions have been introduced in U.S. tell of small victories for women in women and the law, radical lesbianism, iiistiliiliiig a penmn to more equitably vain since 1923. Watch your papers . . . variotis companies where one would not women in education and on and on. Vener­ treat women who keep house. write your congressMAN and hope. If you have believed progress was possible. able Florence Luscomb, 84 and still very WOMEN’S LIBERATION COALITION live in a state where both of your senators Notably, some of the publishing industry active, related the history of feminism in IN IMPORTANT SLIT; Report by Betty are opposed, blast hell out of both of them has, without much fanfare, given, or the U.S. in the opening address, and the Thomas Mayen, Mareh 1971. On January by mail and by telegram. And while you are promised to give, equal employment oppor­ 16, 1971. a suit was filed in U.S. District three days were under way. Reading the doing this, think about this .... if every tunity to women, married or single, in the marvelous reports in the CORNELL DAILY Court in Michigan by four women against woman in the U.S. at the same time simply future. TIME, Inc., is a good example. On Automatic Kelaitcrs of America, Great SUN, Ithaca’s only morning newspaper said: “OK, I quit . . . you either give us February 7, 1971. it was announced that (university produced of course), makes you Lakes Steel Divisiaa in Ecorse, Michigan, our rights or we stop functioning in any TIME had come to terms with some 140 plus a number of mailer firms and several wish you could have been a part of the fun. capacity ...” HOW LONG WOULD women employed by four of their many Apparently every item on the agenda was unions. Legal woifc is being handled by THAT TAKE TO WIN? magazines, and that equal opportunity was attorneys and law students of the Women’s covered (and from some of the photos, UNPOPULAR AD CAMPAIGN to be the rule in the future. A detailed Liberation Coalition without charge. The everyone was tired), and at the all-women’s PRODUCES FEEDBACK; VILLAGE history of how women at TIME, NEWS­ suit charges the various defendants with dance a few gatecrashing males were tossed VOICE, January 28, 1971. Minda Bikman, WEEK, FORTUNE AND SPORTS ILLUS­ “freezing” women in jobs to avoid pro­ out. We won’t run reports like this often for in “Virginia Slims in Feminist Country”, TRATED took on the bastioned industry, moting them and paying them equally with lack of space, but it is so good to see these reports on a meeting held by major tobacco and won, a little anyway, is told in detail in men. changes at this level. interests with various prominent women in THE MARCH OF TIME’S WOMEN, by DRESS MAKES A MAN? PANTS MAY WOMEN STRIKE IN POLAND: War­ New York City. Obvious intention of the Lilia Lyon in the February 22, 1971, issue ALSO IN SOME VIEWS. On January 24, saw, February 15, 1971. Thousands of tobacco groups; cooperation. Results nil. It of NEW YORK MAGAZINE. Fascinating. 1971, the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE women textile workers in Lodz, Poland’s is interesting to note, though, that the very MARYLAND MOTTO SCORNS reported that woinea can now wear pants in second largest city, have gone on strike for small minority of women who arc actively WOMEN; NEW YORK TIMES, February 7, Contra Costa Coiaty Courts (California), better working conditions and higher wages. working in women’s liberation are accom­ 1971. Delegate Lucille Maurer, Democrat of though the right to do so was recently plishing much. Think what would happen if Eistimates of the number involved run as Montgomery, Maryland, has introduced a questioned in Nevada’s courts. This par­ high as 10.000 women! twice as many were working? resdution into the House to change the ticular idiocy came about because a female SUSAN STRUCK “STRUCK DOWN” : NICE GIRLS DON’T GET IN motto on the Great Seal of Maryland from judge had ruled that a jitney driver, THE SEATTLE TIMES, January 30, 1971. TROUBLE, by Gail Sheehy, NEW YORK “FATTI MASCHl, PAROLE FEMINE” to Adelaide M. Abalas, who came to court in Susan Struck, a captain in the Air Force MAGAZINE, February 15, 1971. An ironic “FATTI FATTI, NON PAROLE”. The pants, had to come to court in a dress. Ms. who has been fighting discharge from the and civilized angry look at the rape assault former means literaUy DEEDS ARE MAS­ Abalos quite reasonably explained that she Air Force because of her pregnancy, has situation in New York City (and any other CULINE, WORDS ARE FEMININE. It is had no dresses. A male Superior Judge, lost a legal battle. U.S. District Judge major U.S. city). Some of this is even more more often interpreted to mean “Let Thomas F. McBride overturned the ruling. William Goodwin found against Susan. Her terrifying than GETTING RIPPED OFF MORE IDIOCY: Los Angeles, February attorney will, of course, appeal. women talk, men act”. The suggested new (article in December/January, 1970-71, motto is “DEEDS DEEDS NOT WORDS”. 24, 1971. Judge Wilbur Dettmar ordered FRANKLIN KAMENY FOR THE LADDER) and, indeed, the successful trial lawyer. Maigperite Buckley, to go CONGRESS: Washington, D.C., February, NEW BILL WILL PARTLY HELP capture of the rapist (we are sure it is the LESBIANS: New York City, February 9, home and change mio a dress. Ms. Buckley 1971. Dr. Franklin E. Kameny, long a same story) is also related in this article. 1971. Three bills introduced in the State said she had beea wearing pants suits in campaigner for male homosexual rights, Read it. Being a Lesbian is no guarantee Legislature by three different Assembly- L.A. courts for ttaee months and no one announced his intention to run for the that you won’t be raped. It happens to men, are all directed at equal rights for had worried about it before. The case was non-voting congressional seat from the every woman from 10 to 100 years of age. homosexuals. One part of the bill deals with moved to another court . . . where Ms. District of Columbia. This required 5000 MARRIAGE PETITION DENIED TWO the repeal of the sodomy laws, which WOMEN: LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, Buckh-y continued her work IN PANTS. . signatures on a petition, but it was easy to obviously cannot affect LesUans; but the raise that and more as his helpers wound up COURIER-JOURNAL, February 20, 1971, Al'DACIOLS LADY? TIME Magazine. other portion would amend 296-A of the Circuit Court Judge Lyndon Schmid denied January 25. 1971. Françoise Parturier, 51 with 7700 names. Dr. Kameny is 45 a New York State law and make it illegal for physicist and an astronomer. He had the request of Tracy Kniglit, 25, and vear otd novelist, essayist and feminist, employers or landlords to discriminate Marjorie Jones, 39, for a license to marry. applied for election to the all-male actively worked in forcing cases through the against anyone on the basis of sexual The women have been battling for this right .Academie Franjaisr. The males reacted as Federal Government’s red tape for years on orientation. That could conceivably be use­ since July 6, 1970, as has been reported in the behalf of male homosexuals (and in a one miglil expeiL and Ms. Parturier rc- ful to Lesbians,butwedonotadviseholding this column in the past. The case will be crived onK one vo^. . . but she tried. case or two on the behalf of Lesbians in the your breath up there in New York. carried all the way to the Supreme Court by EOl'Ai, RIGHTS AMENDMENT FOR armed forces). Reports from the area WOMEN’S FESTIVAL AT CORNELL: Attorney Stuart Lyon. The judge, a very WOMEN; January- Febniary. 1971. On indicate that he is receiving wide local TV, Special to THE LADDER, February, 1971. enlightened fellow, commented; “no reason January 25 and Jjouary 28. 1971, Senate radio and newspaper coverage, but as we go A casual article in the ITHACA JOURNAL why we should condone and abet a spirit of Joint Resolution.«• and 9 were introduced to press no wire service attention apparent­ for February 13, 1971, announced tlie what is accepted as perverted lust anv more into the proceediags and debates of the ly outside the capitol area. Dr. Kameny is 3-day women’s festival at Cornell, which than we should condone . . . thievery and 92nd (Congress of èlle U.S. for the over- not expecting to win the seat, but wishes was to begin (and did) February 19, 1971. chicanery”. wheliiiing (appareolly) la.sk of giving simply to use the resultant publicity to Among other things, it listed the workshop woini-n the .-anie i ^ t s each and every man focus attention on the status of the male MORE MORE: SAME SOURCE. March topics . . . ranging from abortion and lakes fur granted Aoin birth. Chances of homosexual. 1, 1971. Stuart Lyon, attorney for Tracy contraception, monogamy, black women passage an- no lietfcv and no worse than in EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS Knight and Marjorie Jones, announced today that tlicy fcavr filed a notice in performed. Dr. Nina Braunwald, the chief ing male homosexuals from Lesbians, Jdl surgeon in both operations, commented terrible errors of both omission and com­ Jefferson Circuit Court that they will take mission. But it is the most widely read outlines clearly the amount of extraordin­ their cas4’ to At Kentucky Court of that as far as the hospital knew, the ary irritation most Lesliians and male techniques used in both operations were magazine in the WORLD, and if half its Appeals, As antiripaled. they are on the readers read it, a few minds must have been homosexuals feel toward heterosexual way through the cwrts’ system. used for the first time. In each operation. males and females, but very, very seldom Dr. Braunwald directed a team of 40 nudged an inch or two. NO NO NO FAITH . . . THIS IS THE ALAS, POOR NORMAN, WILL ANY­ say. THIS one is too important to miss. If physicians. MESSAGE: Writii* in the Letters Column ONE KNOW HIM SO WELL IN FUTURE: you do not have access to the March 4, of the NEW Y O « TIMES MAGAZINE. LET’S HEAR A BIT MORE ABOUT 1971, issue of VILLAGE VOICE and want SANTA LIBERATA, SANCT ONCOMBER, HARPER’S MAGAZINE, March, 1971. February 21, 1971, following Merle Miller’s Norman Mailer, who must have been feeling to see this column, write to the editor of "coming out" ariele cited in last issue’s SAINTE WILGEFORTE, MAID THE LADDER and we will send you a UNCUMBER AND ST. UNCUMBER. All of very September Mom^sh over Kate Millctt CROSS CURRENTS, Faith A. Seidenberg. ever since SEXUAL POLITICS began to photocopy . . . FREE. (Note: at prett Vice-Pi«sidcnt of legal Affairs for NOW, these are presumably names of a single time we find that this article was only legendary female saint Reference to this be talked about over two years ago, finally Syracuse, New Y «l, says: “To our homo­ got his blows in, in the cited HARPER’S. number one in a series — more comment in comes from a letter written by a man in sexual brothers aai sisters, I say, ‘Your Day Columnist Myra MaePhetson, writing in the next issue o f THE LADDER.) SATURDAY REVIEW, February 27, 1971. Is Next’. ‘Right On!” ’. The rest of the WASHINGTON POST on February 19, BANK OF AMERICA SUIT: San Fran­ Would some woman please volunteer to letter is an excrimt view of why male 1971, then takes Norman apart once again. cisco, March 4, 1971. Three women filed check this out and perhaps add some homosexuals have lo fear loss of status in It’s rather fun; he is so bad he is funny. suit in federal court against the Bank of our society. What Faith docs not see information? VALLEY WOMEN’S CENTER: March. America, contending that the world’s (though her letter is a tremendous step in ALL WOMEN’S DANCE: Washington. 1971. Located at 200 Main Street, largest commercial bank discriminates the direction of 9 >od intentions) is that D.C., February 27, 1971. The first Washing­ Northampton, Mass., 01060, the VALLEY against female employees. lumping homose»»! males and Lesbians ton, D.C., all women’s dance was held, WOMEN’S CENTER promises (if it lives up THOUSANDS MARCH IN LONDON: into the same bag ir the same terrible yoke organized by Radicalesbians and women’s to its brochure) to be a very complete March 7, 1971. Media estimates say ovgr that is heaped m heterosexual women liberation in that city. Site was the All center serving most of the basic needs of 4,000 women marched for women’s libera­ when you insist «■ defining them in terms Souls’ Unitarian Church and over 75 the women in the area. With such an tion in London on March 7, 1971. This women attended. In addition to dancing, of heterosexual mm. THE first revolution is ambitious program we suspect they need probably means at least twice as many, if liberation songs were sung. We are told a the women’s mo«mcnf, and Faith, we workers. Area women take notice. England’s media “count” the way the similar dance was held by Lesbians and Lesbians are right Mierc with you already. DO YOU NEED LEGAL AID? Try media in the U.S. do. Chanting and singing, women’s liberation members in Baltimore MILITARY WILES FOR WOMEN asking your local women’s liberation office the demonstrators marched for several the week before, but we have no report on EASING TOO: Wadiington, February 21, for referrals. Some places have places to hours. Observers note that there are far this. A long article on the first such dance 1971. The armed «rvices, facing a battery send you to and some cities, L.A. for more “laboring class” and “working class” of charges of sex ^crimination, especially (held in New York Gty on Friday, April 3, women involved in the British movement, 1970) in the United States was in the examine, actually have staffs of women against married »wnien with children (or lawyers who will help you. (March, 1971, though they also say that the movement sin^e women, 'fca that matter, with October/November, 1970, issue of THE notice). there is about a year behind the U.S. in children), are easiag their regulations in this LADDER. terms of growth. Marchers were said to LESSONS FROM THE MEDIA: THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY: March 3, area. Pregnancy sW brings automatic dis­ 1971. An excellent lead article, “The represent 56 workshops with over 1000 missal, however, Aaugh this is being chal­ Women’s liberation is fond of bad “hard core” members. mouthing the general media, the women’s Church and Gay Liberation”, appeared in lenged bv a number of women in uniform. this issue of this most distinguished of all ANGLICANS BACK WOMEN AS WOMEN’S ACTION PROGRAM: NEW magazines and the general trade magazines. PRIESTS: March 7, 1971. In a very close We have done some of it in this column. Protestant publications. Writer Elliott H.E.W. BABY; WaAington, D.C., February W ri^l makes the same error that most such vote, 24-22, the First Anglican Consultive 24, 1971. Xandra Kaydcn, a non-militant However, it is wise to note that even a Council agreed that women could be or­ halfway good article on women’s liberation writers do in addre.ssing himself to males feminist, has bee» appointed head of the and their problems only while including dained as priests under certain conditions. Women’s Action Itagram, an experimental is better than none at all if it will rcadi Ijist October the Hou.si’ of Deputies of the MILLIONS more women than anything in facts that apply only to Lesbians in the department with mx months’ life time article. But even with this it is an intcrc.sting Episcopal Church in the Uuiti’d States granted. Official ^ ro v a l and blessings the women’s liberation media can hope to rejected a move lo permit the ordination of reach. A magazine like FAMILY CIRCLE, view. He is particularly interested in the gay from Elliot L. Ridiardson, Secretary of desire for monogamous marriage performed women as priest.s or bishops. Tlie Health, Education mid Welfwe, were finally for example, is sold in grocery stores to 50-incmbcr Anglican Council was fonned in housewives, and thousands, possibly a legally in terms of both state and church. p'anted. The primsy goals pf the group arc The lead editorial of this issue is along the 1969 to develop common policies among to PROVE that w«neii aren’t advancing as million or more buy this and read it the world’s 47 million Anglicans in 90 faithfully. The February, 1971. issue con­ same lines and is an excellent, even militant fast as men. and to find out how the stand for this church-oriented periodical to countries. Debate against the ordination of “government can help” improve this tains a really excellent, though very basic, take. women centered on fears that this would situation in case Aey' do indeed PROVE article, "Are You Hurting Your Daughter LOIS LANE IS A LESBIAN: VILLAGE upset cooperation with both the Roman that women arc «ppressed. We will be Without Knowing It”, which points out datholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. what you should and should not do in very VOICE, March 4, 1971. A series of foolish watching. articles in VILLAGE VOICE by men pro­ PLAYBOY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST HEART SURfiERY WITH A DIF­ basic terms in raising female children, and RADICALESBIANS: WASHINGTON points out theerrorsin children's literature. claiming themselves to be “heterosexual” FERENCE: DAILT TIMES ADVOCATE, and “asexual” and having, they say, as POST, March 9, 1971. Burt Jo.scph. Di­ Escondido, Clalifosim, lebruary 25, 1971. Caroline Bird, in an article in the February rector of Playboy Foundation, indicated 27, 1971, issue of TV GUIDE, covers many problem.s as homosexuals, has University HoipitA at San Diego was the brought a stinging, marvelous response from that the foundation was going to support scene recently of fcro major operations on women in the media and women’s libera­ Jill Johnston in her column, “Dance certain women’s riglits demands now being males aetuallv dying al the time surgery was tion in very cursory terms with some Journal”. Carefully and cautiously separat­ tried in the courts in conjunction with the American Civil lAnties Union. Mr. Joseph dares presume to decide what is a legitimate recommended and everyone needs to know said, however, that though they recognize or illegitimate grievance where women arc a little of the life of the woman who wrote the difference klween "legitimate grie­ concerned? the first great work on liberation, A VINDI­ vance and illegiliBBte grievance” this does Next issue: we’ll have a full report on CATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN. not mean that they “support radical March 8 “Internationa] Women’s Day” cele- Elsa Gidlow, familiar to LADDER Lesbianism”. We vender how any nun bratioiu coast to coast readers as a very romantic Lesbian poet, has a new book out, MOODS OF EROS, Mill L e s T D l a n a . $2. Order direct from The Tenth Muse, 983 Valley, California, Druid Heights Press, 1970. For those many of you who con­ By GENE DAMON Wisconsin Street, San Francisco, California 94107. This poetry is of interest from both tinually crave Lesbian poetry (to judge the Leslnan and women’s liberation stand- from my mail), this is caviar. Ms. Gidlow is pmnt. careful in her crafting and completely We recently received a handful of books honest in her subject matter . . . no mere and pam phlets from PATHFINDER changing of pronouns here . . . the poetry PRESS, including a collection of plays by could only have been written to a woman, Myma Lamb, by far the best known drama­ by a woman. (This is availaUe from Druid tist in the wonun’s liberation movement Heights Press, 685 Camino Del Canyon, Ms. Lamb is frank in calling her own wmk Muir Woo<^ Mill Valley, California 94941, many tilings before die labels it drama. for $2.25 including postage and handling.) TruA to t ^ she is more talented tiian die Anotiier new book of Lesbian poetry gives herself credit for; and her eventual (see selections from it elsewhere in this growth will be interesting to watch. The issue) is SAPPHO ’71, By Harriette Frances, collection consiste of THE MOD DONNA S.F., Donahue/Arlington, 1971. We suspect any, escapes. Nevertheless, she writes well and SCYKLON Z, a collection of 6 short this book will make Ms. Frances, previously and holds your interest. plays all leading to tiie same conduskm known as an artist, a new reputation. I’ll let 1 didn't learn of James Jones’ THE . . . that women have been screwed and far tire selections speak for themselves, but I too often. It is available both in hardcover predict you all will want the book. MERRY MONTH OF MAY, N.Y., Dela- and quality paperback. Certainly the latter, THE MANUSCRIPTS OF PAULINE corte, 1970, in time to get a review copy at $2.25, is well worth its cost These read ARCHANGE, by Marie-Qaire Blais, N.Y., for this issue; but reviews dte a major weU, incidentally, which isn’t true of aO Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1 % 9 ,1970, is one Lesbian character, Samantha. One review pUys. of those novels that Jeannette Foster would says Samantha is black, another does not so u. ONE WOMAN’S SITUATION: A dassify as variant it concerns the pre­ specify. More later if it’s worth corrunent. STUDY OF MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT, adolescent life of a girl who most assuredly UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED, by by Margaret George, University of OliiHMS will grow up to be a Lesbian. The standard Shirley Chisholm, Boston, Houghton Press, 1970, is very good from the stand­ Freudian theories (now in total disrepute) Mifflin, 1970, is a clear eyed, well written point of basic history of a pioneer in would indicate that you just carmot tell autobiography by one of our very few A reprint fromaoew paperback house is women’s liberatioh. But the author does her such a thing from the life of anyone women in Congress. Surely, everyone read­ one to look for «a the newsstands . . . subject a disservice and, in the doing, all of pre-adolescent. We contend otherwise and ing this is well aware of Shirley Chisholm, FROM DOON « 1 DEATH, by Ruth us, by refudng tol^ deal honestly with Mary know readers will much much enjoy this black ex-school teacher from the Twelfth Rendell. This 1 9 it(l% 5 in U.S.) English W ollstonecraft’s n o v el' MARY, A gloriously well written novel. Congressional District of Brooklyn, who mystery novel is a a of the better ones to FICTION, which' was quite qiedfically Marguerite Duras, who erqoys an odd defeated James Farmer; but very possibly be reviewed in jt m past in this column. autobiographical 4nd whiib offers our best underground reputation in the United some of you do not know the details of her The less said aboitf Ae plot the better, but look at the real woman. It is easy to see States while already established as a major up-from-undcr life. Ms. Chisholm believes this is a fine mysia^ and of relevance here. why this would happen, for MARY, A bterary figure in her native France, disap­ that women can make it via the system and T h ro u ^ the y n s a lot of people have FICTION, is substantiaUy Lesbian . . . or, points in DESTROY, SHE SAID, N.Y., presents some compelling proofs of her been impressed waft the size of the editor’s to be more accurate, variant, since nothing Grove Press, 1970 (also London, Hamish ideas. One interesting note . . . her district Lesbiana coUectiaa. Credit where due is spelled ouL Indeed, nothing could have Hamilton, 1970). Minor and explidt has 2.5 women voters to every man voter brings up the beA dealer and sometime been in a novel puUished in 1788. To be LeslHan scenes iue tied into a symbolic . . . and she won her scat by a margin of publisher, Julia Neaaaan, who acted as my sure, M&. George does deal gingerly with novel which defies unraveling. Four people 2.5 to 1. This sliould sav something to all of book dealer for raaqr many years sometime Mary’s many real and imaginary attach­ at a hotel in France include a man, his wife u s. . . WE OUTNUMBER THEM . . .(An past. THE TENTH MJSE is both the name ments to wmnen, but with delilierate or and a male friend. All of them fall in love excerpt of this book appeared in the Feb- of her store and harpublishing imprint. Her acddental lack of awareness of the impli­ with a female stranger at the hotel, but it is niary, 1971, COSMOPOLITAN MAGA­ most recent p u b b e^ n is a quality paper­ cations coupled with her totally unsuccess­ the wife who is most turned on by the ZINE; but don’t settle for the short article, back of Lynn LooBer’s poetry coDection, ful life with meiL Mary WoDstonecraft was stranger and lures her finally into a forest read the book.) THE FEMALE FBIWAY, San Frandsco, one of the system’s victims . . . and to be which is somehow a symbol of evil (the Movie makers have been flirting again The Tenth Muse, IRO. Lytm’s title poem sure, the system we mean is the one that forest, not the woman). There is a highly with vampires, and one of their horrors (for and a number B others in the book has determined the destiny of literally all charged erotic near-seduction scene be­ the viewer) is THE VAMPIRE LOV'ERS, appeared in piut M es of THE LADDER, women from the beginning of time, total tween the two women. In the end the written by Tudor Gates and directed by and the collection isBecommended. Cost is rule by men. For the basics, this book is stranger escapes with a “husband.” Point, if Roy Ward Baker. It is a male movie, for a mall- audii-ncr. okI is almost loo silly to terrified of the male organ, the man who will be very useful to libraries . . .-and if her friends) and Rebecca West as the coinmml on except for the fact that several uses his sexuality to brutalize, and so forth. you missed the MOTIVE issue you ought to women present when May Sinclair told tflis readers have bra^eiit if to my attention, Various previews of LOVERS ALL UN­ get this. Additional material bicludes much weird story. Recommended reading, how­ many of them tidying it is a “first.” Not TRUE, by Norah Lofts, Garden City, N.Y., good poetry, some of it Lesbian . . . with ever, for the biographical material about so, as I pointed m l in a reeent past column DoubIcday, 1970, all indicated some contributors familiar to you, Rita Mae May Sinclair herself. Most large public . . . tying vainpin and Lesbians together interest in terms of women’s liberation; so I Brown and Martha Shelley among others. libraries and most university and college is an old literary game, with possibly J. took a look at this and wa-s delighted to The bibliography is not adequate at all, libraries will have this periodical. Sheridan LeFanu* CARMILLA the oldest discover that, indeed, it is most interesting. having been drawn from a very old edition Will someone who has seen the Broad­ example. Also, it> not new in movies since It is a Victorian scene . . . with a father of Lucinda Cisler’s excellent bibliographies way play, AND MISS REARDON DRINKS it's been at least fiar or more years since the out of hard time indeed, about as much of a . . . but beyond that is a good book. This A LITTLE, let us know if it is, indeed, rotten Film BLOOU AND RUSES dealt heavy handed bastard as one could imagine. is the book with Del Martin and Phyllis Lesbian in part. . . for the reviews are very with this theme. The plot is simply too thick to go into Lyon’s THE REALITIES OF LESBIANISM suspicious. Monica Diclos’ newest novel, THE except to say that the heroine, Marion in i t . . . alone worth the cost of the book Remember, if we do not review a book END OF THE IWE, Garden City, N.Y., Draper, is one of the most underprivileged IF you have not previously seen it you think we should, you riiould let us Doubleday, 1970, is a slice of life type set of women and all because she is wanting to Lesbian poet Charlotte Mew, now know about it, because we do not see every in an itHhistrial city in England. The Samari­ be independent of daddy. Murder, plots and almost forgotten, is the subject of a rather book nor every review . . . your help is tans are a group ml volunteers who sit on counterplots, abound; and the novel ends scurrilous article in the September, 1970, needed. the phone with the various troubled of their with the leading lady very much out of it in issue of BULLETIN OF THE NEW YORK city, much like o io u s hot-line operations all ways. There is a very minor bit of variant PUBLIC LIBRARY. The article (by a male, (Please aluayt provide an addrea around the m aja cities of the U.S. The interest as well . . . but telling about it will of course) has poor Charlotte cornering when you write for information to plot, of course, is another of tlie endless spoil i t . . . so I leave it to you to find. author May Sinclair and chasing her around THE LADDER, We cannot always ways to use the anst “telling” novel plot Kingsley Amis’ TAKE A GIRL LIKE a bedroom . . . h i^ y unlikely in view of take space in the magazine to reply to . . . a aries of riuractrrs connected by a YOU has been made into a failure type play the personalities and temperaments of both inquiries, but we make an effort to , single thread. In t t s case the thread is the . . . with a brief run in N.Y.C. early this these ladies. FURTHERMORE, he has oiutver serioiu questions, serioudy misery of their hMS . . . and the Samari­ year. The Lesbian aspects are muted . . . En^ish novelist G.B. Stem (called Peter by stated.) tans are almost m miserable a lot as the oh, well . . . users of their señare. Of major interest here Free-lance writer Annie Gottlieb, known are Billie and Ma ra . . . an ill-matched to those of you who read VILLAGE Lesbian couple oamisting of bumbling but VOICE, did an excellent article on recent keadenA. keifm ul well meaning Bdfc and unappetizing and women's liberation titles available in paper­ Dear Gene: love lives. Here in Milwaukee, however, ill-meaning Mona, who, fortunately as it back for the “Paperback Books” .section of I've been an eager reader of THE vriicre I have access to the only Lesbian bar turns out, leaves H ie for a man. There is a the February 21, 1971, NEW YORK LADDER for some months now, finding in the state. I’ve made many gay acquain­ sudden twist ending in this one, involving TIMES BOOK REVIEW. It is such a co­ especially commendable and interesting the tances, but can’t seem to find more than a hesive and intelligent covering that we Billie and one of Ac Samaritans, Victoria, recent move to relate it to the more very few who seem aware of much beyond highly recommend it for groups to use in that leaves the reader hoping . . . which is inclusive women’s liberation movement. the gay milieu. Consequently, my dis­ building inexpensive local women’s liber­ more than one am say about the fates of The unplanned coincidence of my joining appointment and frustration have led me to ation libraries. All major city libraries and most of the charaders. Very well done, for NOW about the same time as I started my theorize about what I shall term the “sexual most small ones will have and keep NEW her wdl establishaifans. subscription to THE LADDER points to timidity” of the suppressed sex. YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, so you will TOUCHING, k Gwen Davis, Garden my dual interests. In addition, however, a Why is it that the number of Lesbian have easy access to this fine article. City, N.Y., Doidfcday, 1971, is an odd large reason for my getting involved in bars is everywhere far outnumbered by SOMEWHERE LIKE THIS, by Pat book to review. It is about encounter NOW is that I found the local group to be male gay bars? That all sex researchers Arrowsmitli, London, Allen, 1970, is a groups . . . and Ais is a popular theme the most interesting, alive group of females confirm this disproportion by concluding realistic prison novel. Ms. Arrowsmitli has (though already aid in novel terms). Why that I’d come across in Milwaukee. Thus I that Lesbians are far fewer than male been a political prisoner at various times people want to gaAer in rooms etc. with no find my social life to be highly segregated: homosexuals? We could, of course, simply and she cuts the walls open good and shows clothes and beat Aeir breasts and uncover intellectual excitement and a sense of agree to accept the pronouncements of the it like it must be . . . and it's pretty bad. their traumas we a t unsure, and this novel mission I find with my NOW' sisters (all of theorists who reason that, given the tradi­ The Lesbian elements are the major plot does little to clatA that tendency. But it is whom appear to be straight); and a species tional setup of the family in Western fascinating. The aarrator, enraptured at . . . but the overall vicious oppres-sion of of camaraderie and relaxation I find with civilization, the chances for alteration of least, in love to !w e extent possibly, with women gives the book its horror-laden tone. my other sisters at the local gay bar. sexual preference greatly favor the male. her heroine, SocAtc, doe.s a neat job of Major, but very sad . . . recommended. Naturally, I find this unnatural dis­ But, if like me, you've asked about family tracking down Saudef’s sad life . . . and At long last, THE NEW WOMEN: A junction in my life distinctly displeasing. It backgrounds of gay friends, you must find end . . . and tlir acader is more than willing MOTIVE ANTHOLOGY ON WOMEN’S is essential for me, as for aU women, that it hard to be wholly persuaded by the to go along for ride. The ending is LIBERATION, edited by Joanne Cooke, the person I’m involved with emotionaUy family-background theory of causation. hollow thougli «apreled. Ms. Davis is a very Charlotte Bunch-Weeks, with Robin Morgan also be someone I’m involved with intellec­ Those backgrounds are simply too variable. verv good writer. Aougli. and it will keep as poetry editor, is out. This is published by tually. While living for ten years in a nearby If, in addition, you work with a lot of single you reading. Lesttni elements are muted, Bobbs-Merrill; and the majority of the university town, I was lucky enough to and celibate females, whom age has with­ and all the more |Bwerfiil for that fact. In contents arc familiar to those of you who meet a number of gay people, mostly drawn from the rigorous rompetition of the terms of feminisnu it's hardly m-cc,ssary to saw the now famous March/April, 1969, graduate students like myself, who were marriage market, you’re led to a tentative mention the presmee of the girl who is issue of MOTIVE MAGAZINE. The book able to talk about something besides their hypothesis. For while thor male counterparts are LawfOld’s age surrounded by adoring young still raking aboiri (usually with women men.” In short, in our society, women, like FEMINIST BOOKSTOREn younger than Ihewelves), are indeed very the spring ephemerals, seem doomed to a much in demand, these women have simply brief and fragile flowering. resigned themsclsca to the female lifelong My point is that with reference to pattern of second^est. Just as the female is women with deviant proclivities similar not expected and encouraged to develop mechanisms operate. Because for woníén her vocational and personality potentials, so sexual experimentation is frowned upon, also is she discoursed from developing her and all sexual activity so severely strictured, w o n A W sexual potentialities. While it is expected true sexual identity has far less chance of that adolescence k for males a time of emerging in the female than in the male. Subscriptions: significant sexual exploration, comparable This is complicated by the Lesbian’s re- > regular—S6 per year Hours: 1:00—6:00, Mon. thru Sat activity for the feaale is much discouraged, quirement of love fust, sex second. Thus sustaining—»25 per year books, buttons, bumper strips, and virginity at Marriage is still deemed a the chances that the latent Lesbian will broke—6 olue chip books pamphlets, magatine reprints, desirable ideal. lAewise, it must be break out of her cocoon are, it seems to me, SEND 25 CENTS FOR A posters assumed that after Ae is no long marriage­ much less than that the male homosexual SEND FOR A FREE able (after 30?), the female conveniently will coHK to see himself as such. This, then, SAM PLE COPY! EVERYWOMAN CATALOG! loses whatever Mxual desire she ever probably accounts for some part of the 1043 B W. WASHINGTON BLVD. - VENICE. CA. 90291 possessed as witaessed by her meek em­ great numerical disparity between overt brace of the bleak joys of celibacy. (Indeed, male and female homosexuals. But I also when feeling despoadent about my own lot, have a strong feeling that there are probably THE LESBIAN 1 often recall these abandoned women, several million Lesbians, in the “closet”, many of them loady human beings; in a women in business and the professions who IN LITERATURE way it’s even sadder that age, which over­ again, because conditioned like a|l females takes us all, sfaaaid relegate them to a to soft pedal their sexuality, are far less a bibliography hermitic existence, than that deviance, in­ willing than their male counterparts to seek By Gene Damon and Lee Stuart comprehensible to tile majority as a human emotional/sexual satisfaction when it AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING BY AUTHOR OF ALL KNOWN BOOKS IN mode, should do sa.) entails some risk. THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. IN THE GENERAL FIELD OF Such quiet capihdation, however, is but For me personally, this generalized LITERATURE, CONCERNED WITH LESBIANISM, OR HAVING a minor manifesIMion of the painful fact process of suppressive female conditioning LESBIAN CHARACTERS. that whatever state women have derives has had the unhappy consequence of prim arily from their sexuality. The making me an unwilling celibate, since the THE LADDER ^ Nov./Dec. 1970 iate of “Transaction” has kind of women I find attractive and P.O. Box 5025, Washington Station, Reno, Nevada 89503 a fine article denastrating this fact as it interesting are intimidated into keeping $2 plus 25c handling charge. emerges in the difioing fates meted out to their distance from the bar scene. And if aging men and women. Because male someone has figured out some other way of identity is strongly fciked to a broad mosaic meeting members of the underground, few of personality, intdigence, and job status, of us know about it. I'm reminded of an physical deterioision does not define a account of population dynamics related by man as sexually uudrsirablc until he is in his an erudite naturalist. He said that given a THE LADDER late fifties. Indeed, because, as one shrewd certain number of bugs in flour, their P.O. Box 5025, Washington Station, Reno, Nevada 89503. observer has noted, power is a powerful number will increase in proportion to the aphrodisiac, the inneasing job pretige of his amount of flour. But after a certain volume maturity may actelly increase a man's of flour, the number will decrease. Why? Please send THE LADDER f o r ...... year(8) to the address below. desirability to the Knlglio of young secre­ Very simply, when the flour environment taries, receptionisk, etc. who hover about expands too much, the bugs just can't Subscription rates: U.S. and Canada, 1 year, $7.50; all other countries, in his working werid. But for the creature manage to find one another. Well, like all $9.00 payable in U.S. currency. whose worth is so lagCly a function of her analogies, this is hardly an exact one. Yet, it appearance, each ■rw^ wrinkle, each new points to a similar plight among some NAME gray hair is a fri^ening portent of un­ Lesbians. In addition to the multiple desirability, to be adiously attacked with a obstacles to happiness facing all Lesbians, ADDRESS panoply of cosradie paraphernalia. The there is the additional one of meeting that article dramatically ilustrates these social special somebody who shares your pleasure CTTY ------State Zip facts with an ad in which Peter Lawford — in the exercise of that faculty whi<¿ places clearly in his fiftis — is shown in various us somewlKre between the beasts and the situations with his Stetson hat, but always angels in the vast hierarchy of living crea­ surrounded by lovtia young ladies — clearly tures — namely, intelligence. ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE LADDER in their twenties. Tie caption reads. “Try Donna Martin to imagine a femde star about Peter Milwaukee, Wise. WOMAN FILMMAKER?

I am writing a book about The woman filmmakers. If you opiiressed write, produce, direct; do cam­ nugority era, editing, or sound; do animation, computer films, in mind one-woman projects, etc., in From Ihe politics of housowork to the 8mm, Super-8, 16mm, or politics of orgasm-overy aspect of the struggle lor equality between 35mm, whether or not your the sexes is covered in these impassioned articles by black women, films have been distributed, high school women, ex-New Leftists, housewives and seasoned feminists. please contact Sharon Smith at 3927’/^ Flower Drive, Los SISTERHOOD Angeles, California 90037. IS POWERFUL Writings from the Women's Liberation Movemeni Edited by ROBIN MORGAN. 8 pages of iliusustK>ns. . Cloth SS.9S. Vintage papertK>und S2.4S. Now ai your bodcstora. RANDOM HOUSE \ / / o m e n 9 *5 on0 Look A I N ^ T Compiled by Judy Busch and Laura X \

The first of a series, this has 23 songs, drawings, photos WOMAN and a chord chart. Send $1 plus 12c book rate postage or P.O.BOX 1169 50c first class postage to; IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 AIN’T I A WOMAN is published Judy Busch every three weeks by the Angry Independent Amazon Women. Oral Herstory Library Newspaper Subscription is $4.00. 2325 Oak Street $15.00 to Institutions. Berkeley, Calif. 94708