N I K Y E I I K M A Y I d T I « . f O - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR . • THE SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER OP THE. - SISTERS \ DAUGHTERS, OF BILITIS- ' ^ . a magazine for all gay women by the a woman's organization for the imrposes of aiding San Francisco Chapter of the lesbian to discover her place in society and The Daughters of Bilitis of educating society to understand and accept her, Vol. 2 - 5 MAY 1971 without prejudice, and . „ • OFFICERS PHONES 1. To encoxirage and support the lesbian in her President -. vacant search’ for her social, ecohomic, personal, inter Vice President - Jackie 756-6690 personal and vocational identity within society Secretary - Marcy Sinclaire S6I-S6S9 by maintaining a growing library on the themes of Treasurer - Diane ■ 771-9170 homosexuality and of women in general; by pro viding social functions where she can coagaunicate SISTERS STAFF with others and expan4 her social world outside- Editor - Karen Wells . the bar scene; by providing an organized structure Poetry - Terry Ryan • throu^ which she can work to change society's , Art - Jenny Inge limitations upon her life-style; by providing a Production: forum for the interchange of ideas and probl^s Jackie L., Robin, Jenny, Diane, Dorothy, within her own group. , - . Marley, Terry, Irene, Michelle, Carol
2. To educate the public to accept and Tinjderst^d TABLE OF CONTENTS the lesbian as an individual, eventually' to the breakdown of taboos, prejudices limi Problems of the Aging Lesbian, Dr. Ruth tations upon her life-style by sponsoring public McGuire...... p. 1 discussions; by providing individuals as speakers Graphology,. What's That? Marley...... p. 4 and participants in various forums. designed to Statements from the Presidential Candidates...... p. 6 educate the public; by disseininaticm of education al and rational literature on the lesbian.-- Calendar of May Events...... p. 7 NOW AVAILABLE...... p. 9 3. To encourage and.s\;q^rt and participate in responsible rese«crcll dealing with homosexuality. Brown's Bill (AB 437) IS Progress, Janet...... p.lO Letters, open and otherwise...... '. ...p.l2 k » To investigate the penal,çpde as it pertains to the homosexual and to p^jCHBOte chaugés» pro News from the Front Lines...... p.l5 viding equitable halËilipg-Of cases involving I homosexuals, through dué process of law, trithout prejudice. , SISTERS is a monthly magazine for all gay women. Any and all contributions of whatever form are welcome. The editor is in her office five mornings a week for your contributions, or criticisms. PROBI£MS OF IHE OLDER LESBIAN hy Dr. Ruth McGuire sufficiently to keep them at their work of pro We began our discussion of the problems of dging viding food and shelter (viiich was her link to her women and particularly of aging Lesbians in the survival chain) to learn the techniques of effect April issue of SISTERS, We suggested that the age ive behavior in groups with other women. We see of ’’aging”, for the purposes of this discussion, be undeniable evidence of this instinctual lack in the considered generally to be those years when a woman non-effective attempts of women grouping today. Some is in or through the menopause cycle, and on up into day this lack will be reversed. One day, in some dis the most advanced years. That the Lesbian of any age tant millennium, the female of the species will have has problems different from her heterosexual sister was learned effective behavior in groups, but as of now, mod discussed briefly and now, in this issue, we will dis ern woman is seriously disadvcintaged with this basic cuss in more detail some of the significantly different handicap. Furthermore, throughout the world, the folk problems aging Lesbains encounter, ways and mores of every cultural and ethnic group are in Man, the species of, is generally conceded to be herently committed to perpetuating this disability. the most highly ’’developed” in the animal kingdom, at We acept, then, that women begin their human exist least as far as we know— though his violence and unpro'- ence cycle with a devastating generic handicap. That they voked cruelty to his own kind in unparalled in any low survive at all is due to their remarkable adaptability, er animal, Man is by his very nature gregarious. His resilience, and ingenuity. Or, as Dr, Al Montague has Instinct is to live in groups, not alone. Most men feel so correctly affirmed, to their "natural superiority”. better and function most efficiently in groups because IVomen can adapt, compromise, and endure; their "staying they feel safer and more powerful. The hermit or ’’lon power” is phenomenal! Heterosexual women survive with er” is the unusual personality. bits and pieces of "reward” from the support of families, The male of the species has learned through evol mates and children— ^woven into a fabric of a kind of ego utionary history the values of functioning in groups of strength that makes existence tolerable. From these sources men. The instinct to do so is now deeply implanted the heterosexual woman receives abundant opportunity for in his archaic unconscious. Men learned this pattern close, intimate interpersonal contact that provides her with early, first from the necessity of hunting in groups companionship, assistance in many practical ways* and, per for food, and then for physical security, n group of haps most important of all— her group (society’s) okay be men could slay a large animal where one man could not. cause she appears to be saluting the flag and following the Later, groups of men could collect more of other food party-line of acceptable behavior psattems as stipulated by items than a single man could do. And, a group of men her group codes. could better ward off danger in the form of attack, One of the most comforting "rewards” the heterosexual whereas one man could not. woman receives is society’s treatment of her when she be These vitally necessary activities in which groups gins to age. If at this time, she becomes widowed, divor took part gave men a common bond— shared experience. ced, or is for other reasons "alone" she still has her From this grew the patterns of men grouping together for group’s approval for she has obviously Done Right and will pleasure of all varieties, from the comforting reassur be accorded the respect and attention she deserves and the ance of talking in tribal councils to the exhilirating comforting-reassurances due her will continue. She still has challenge of sporting competitions. easy access to companionship, assistance, and consideration The female of the species has had a different ex from her family, if any be left, and friends. perience down through our evolutionary history. The in The homosexual woman, and especially the aging Lesbian, stinct for grouping and cooperative effort did not get has few if any of the expectancies that are the support and imbedded deeply into her archaic unconscious. Women were defenses of her heterosexual sister. The Lesbian has ex too busy nurturing human infancy and caring for the men perienced, usually, rupture of basic familial ties, often early in her life cycle and thus is without that initial source of strength. She usually has not married nor boi*n children or if she has, her access to easy, readily GRAPHOLOGY? WHAT'S THAT? available persttial ind intimate contacts are damaged. Sheer comfortable companionship or practical assist£ince by Marley is often totally impossible for the aging Lesbian. She faces her advancing years with not only the universal preoccupation that people have today female handicaps previously described, but without the bits with discovering themselves, their "true identity " and pieces of ’’reward" that provide the acceptable compro their inner self, their purpose in life? There are mise available to the aging heterosexual woman. It is this many explanations for this, but whatever the reason woman who knows and lives with aloneness. as well as with I have been swept along in the tide. I can remember the loneliness that often devastates the heterosexual wo using the word psychology when I was 8 years old, man as well, but with compounded stress and constriction. inferiority complex when I was 9, and I knew what it The aging and aged of both sexes are victims of the ^ remember I have been searching most \aiique and devastating psychological prejudice, which for MY "true identity" and the answers, reasons we often do not realize. There is an apalling prejudice causes for behavior in myself and others. Along about against the aged simply for being old. They are the re 15 years of age, I discovered graphology and have been minders to others of every man’s mortality. Women fare into It ever since. worse than men as recipients to this prejudice— they live longer than men and in doing so are hated for outliving What is graphology? it is the analysis of one's men and for being around longer to emphasize the future handwriting to determine intelligence, imagination, condition awaiting the young. emotional stability, social adjustment, drives and We have taken this time and space to describe, in creative potential. over-brief admittedly, the debits and credits with >diich the homosexual woman is equipped to manage her life cycle. There is also a study in medical graphology in Any discussion of particulars or "spelling it out" like it which illness the writer may have or is prone to get is today cannot be undertaken without this frame of refer can be detected. For example, one medical grapho ence fully understood. logist in New York has been able to determine cancer In the next issue we shall consider the very specific, in individuals five years before it shows up on a immediate reality problems that the Lesbian of auiy age medical examination. should be aware of and begin to do something about. No one, however hadicapped or not, can effectively help (love) Mental disorders, too, can be detected. Suicide another until she has first constructively helped (loved) nervous breakdown, criminal tendencies - people who herself. have these signs in their writing should always be treated inmediately. Graphology in these cases, is +-H-+-H-H-+ ++-H-H-+-I-H- a tool, a measuring device with quick answers to doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists. Dr, McGuire specializes in the older woman. Individual or group services are available. On the lighter side, the use of graphology can help To make an appointment, call 626-2420 or 921-8131 between us direct our course in life, determine job potential, the hours of 10:00 a M and 5:00 PM, any day of the week. advise on mate compatibility, and so on.
»1 1 -H-l M + You can also have a lot of fun with it at parties I once told a man at a party that he was very "careful" DOB would like to take this space to offer to Dr. McGuire with his money and that he had a violent temper. His our continuing thanks for her warm and open willingness to color rose instantly and he belligerently stamped his conduct discussion groups on problems of gay relationships, foot down, adamantly DENYING that he was any of those being honest, getting older. April 25th’s discussion was AWFUL things I mentioned, then did a military turnabout
TRACY is the secretary to the editor of the l i LADDER. A policy statement from her is not yet available. She has done the work of three women getting the LADDER edited and typed each issue.
I T TIME FOR YOU TO To re — Horo^c# p t s — COME OUT I I r
7 o ^ ) e _ : For further information on the candidates, call Karen in the morning at the office - B6I-B6B9 - and rap with her about them. Due to time commitments, Tracy has declined the nomination for president. She doesn’t feel she has the time to do the job justice. A\ a y m i - Evci^ts
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May 8 - Dance and free food - all kinds of mxislc, good vibes: Place: 375 Crescent Ave*, S.F., off Mission near St. Mary*s Park. Call 282-2756 if lost. Time: 9 PM mtil ??? BTOB $1.00 to non-members,$.50 members. May 9 & 16 - Baseball games: donations 'will be accepted for us to buy eqxiipment. Since we and 30 - don’t ha've any, bring yovir own!!! Places: 9th - Margaret Hayward Field, Turk & Gk>\agh, field #2, 2 PM, I6th - Rolph Field, Army & Potrero, 2 PM, 30th - See below***** May 15 - BUSINESS MEETINO, DOB office, 1005 Market St., Rm. 208, 8:00 PM. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. Come vote...... or forever keep yo\u* peace!
May 22 - Mental Health Assn, of S.F. is holding a Fair at the First Unitarian Church, Franklin and Geary Streets, from noon to 6PM. DOB will have a booth £und a rap session: ”Life- stylo of the Lesbian," at 1:30 PM in the Fireside Room, FREE
May 23 - POETRY READING a ND ARTISTS* RAP SESSIOTi: How do you get published? What makes a poem good? Share your words with others, bring ideas and look at the "view from Terry and Irene’s living room. 601A Corbett, S.F, Call 826-5513 if yo'i ga't lost. Coffee and tea pro-vided, bring small change for us panhandlers.
May 30th - Baseball game at Julius Kahn Park, one block north of Jackson near Spruce, in the Presidio, 2 PM, BE SURE TO BRING EQUIPMENT OR $$$ FOR US TO BUI SOME WITH. (Willie Brovm's Assembly Bill legalizing sexual acts between OW nvAit_A8LeA i consenting adults has created a furor in the gay canmunity. Nick Benton of the Gay Seminarians in Berkeley has come out strongly against the bill. Janet Wilson here rebuts his Vuvioul QftC.iP f lb +■£»».V i oP BROWNES BILL IS PROGRESS T€_r^v RvAo — fhoo Brown's bill is an important step in homosexual legal re form, and it needs support from the entire gay population. AloocA^ 4*^ Ero^ Now this bill is meeting apathy from the gay ghetto, disorg anization from the gay ’community' ;ind outright opposition E.txo^ (r I fb ® ^ ® from same members of the GLF, Kick Benton, lAo v.Tots n -rt- icle 'Brov.in’s Bill -.s Pig Bill', seems to h ^ (Apparently, our Memphis sisters have been a little put cut by Mary's yoTinger than his partner, 3) anal intercourse and h) oral letter In SISTERS last month. Here's more fuel, you beautiful copulation. In 3 of these A areas penalties would either be Southern '«elles..... ) liberalized or unchanged m d e r AB A37» In the one case where 0PE^’ lETTER TO MEMPHIS by Mary Stuber, Denver DOB penalties would increase (anal intercourse with the under 14) I have heard a great deal of angry response to the letter (April the greater penalty is not likely to have much effect, be SISTERS) I Sent SPDOB upon my return from Memphis in February. B e cause in this age group this is not a common activity, accor cause of that, I wish to write again, malclng open apologies where they are due and trying to explain any misunderstandings. First may I say ding to Kinsey’s Institute studies, Nick's objection to this tiiat the letter was written for people In San Francisco, not for Mem area of the bill is not completely true or of consequence. phis. We had been discussing plans for a chapter there, and wondered Benton further objects that the bill reinforces sexual re what problems Inherent to a Southern culture would face such an effort. Evidently, there are many. pression by perpetuating the idea that "sex should be legal The preblems of prejudice are a threat to AN7 group of people who only if it is set within definite limitations", a careful find themselves In a minority. Prejudice stems from misunderstanding. reading of thé law would show that the bill does just the It Is a learned thing, perpetuated always by myth and folly, and passed from parents to their children, from friend to friend, and so on. It opposite. Rather than limiting when sex would be legal, the must be overcome before any slgilfloant moves can be made toward free bill would specifically limit when sex would be illegal. It dom for an oppressed groig>. would take punishments and limits out of the penal code; it Pei^aps prejudice Is easiest to see In the South because of Its self would only restrict activities with those under 18. chosen Isolation from progresslvlsm and liberality. One could hardly say that a vast nimibar of new people and Ideas are gathering there, Benton’s final objection, that legal reform is not the way since that would be something on the order of trying to grow Jonquils to free ourselves from sexual repression, is very interesting In Little America, The climate Is simply not the most suitable. And though rather impractical. He would have us simply "refuse I have seen repeatedly. In my years of growing and living In Memphis, New Orleans and Mississippi, that when anyone dares to criticize the to accept the idea that any society has the right to impose a present status, she lays herself a p » n for a barrage of anything but morality about sexuality that would limit its expression ' the proverbial hospitality we hear about. among consenting parties in any way". The fact remains that Homosexuals are a minority groi4>. within that n wber Lesbians a n an even smaller minority. The world seems more ready to accept g»y- no matter what I personally refuse to accept, unless I act to ness In men than In women, due to the role Into which we, as females, take away the state’s power in this area, I may find myself are expected to fall. And so the string of Insults which we are sub refusing to "accept ideas" in prison for a long, long time. ject to seem more vile In a way than off-handed remarks about a swish or a lisp. As victims of a more extreme prejudice, we should learn The bill is certainly a part-way measure— I cannot pretend from It then, rather than carry It on. to be satisfied with the 18-year consent age— but all the As gay people we ask for only one thing — for toleration. We do same, it is a measure, a beginning. To complain, as Benton not require that the world condone what we do, or approve of It. He only ask that we be tolerated — allowed to exist In the open. A does, that the bill would give us nothing and is sexually straight man would fool highly affronted If h*.’ were not allowed to repressive is to completely ignore what the bill would do; kiss his wife goodbye at the airport. As homosexuals then, so are we. namely, grant legal rights and remove criminal sanctions in But we dare not because of public p £ | j 2i|jU,££ — misunderstanding. Everything from our Jobs to our self-respect Is at stake, and we are many cases. We must start somewhere, and after we get this black-mailed by fear Into submission and repression. bill through, we can work for more legal reform: lowering . - There Is only one way to overcome the vlslous circle In which we the age of consent, legalizing gay marriages, etc, are tr^pped. He must take a lessen from reoent history, from other sUnorlty groxys such as the blacks, and eq>loy the method of "to a B 437 is responsible legislation and desperately needs getherness* In order to achieve our goal, which Is only the right to support if it is to pass the Assembly, At least write your live In spite of the fact that we are different. He must form our congressman, especially if he is Republican, and remember selves Into groi4>s of concerned citizens of a gay co«iunlty, a nat ional community of people with this common bond, so that we have that writing does not label you as gay— the bill affects strength. He must talk and work together to overcome our own pe heterosexuals too. Urge authorities in medicine, law, social culiar psychological problems which a life of covertness has foTced work, clergy to write or at least come out with a public lyon us. He must have organisation through groiq>s like Day Lib and DOB, to act as central receiving areas for funds. Ideas, activities, statement. Om* time has come and we are so, so immobilized! centers for gay cultural exchanges — all of these things and more. He must bind ourselves Into a unity, a oneness and be proud of the fact that HE ARE qOBBR, so that In this coming together we have strength e nou^ to change laws, to challenge public Splnlon, to L e x X E S f x WORD PROM OUR ATLANTA DOB SISTERS: (Take Heed, Memphis'.) help one another put down the cllsorlinlnatlon ve have Icnoan as a set of Isolated an^ silent Individuals. There Is FfWER Dear 3P, IH SISTCRHOOD, Power .'or political and social change. We cannot bring It about as long as "e are scattered. The world Atlanta DOB hopes to establish Itself as a true arm of the must know that we exist, that -.’e are teachers, iootors, law "gay" movement here In the south. Of all the places In the yers or factory woikers. Until they see us as a group, we world to tackle the problem of the gay woman, the south certainly will remain so muo.!. dust under the rug. has to be one of the worst. Por years the south has tried to Prejudice Is our problem. And It RAN destroy us. We hide under a cover the growing misber of gay people who live should, therefore, work to o’-erootne It whenever It raises Its here. It Is our hope that we will be able to raise this cover. head. Toleration means first, an effort at anderstandlng. Under It has been hard for straight people to accept the gay woman standing means educating the public with the facts to replace because all too often we have not fully explained ourselves. the myths. And understanding means LOVE — human love for one Here In Atlanta, as well as In other parts of the south, gay another. A desire to try to understand something foreign to women are secretive and closed off from the rest of society. us. As long as we hate any person for being different, ' e In ny duties as president of Atlanta DOB, I seek to counsel he black, or Chlcano, or even straight, how can we e,ype'’t tol gay women to accept themselves as a part of society and not as eration for ourselves? And how could we really deserve It? outcasts from society. Atlanta DOB is interested in all facets Our driving force should, and must, be love for all people, and problema of the lesbian, but we must first help and under regardless of what ^hey m.’eht be. stand ourselves before we can deal with the public. Once this The South, then, and All of those who make up the Southern is done, we can really DO something. portion of this national oneness, ^-as this very real prc'rlem I know DOB Is one of the finest organizations for the gay to deal with before It can ettaln freedom for the Lesbian. If woman in the world. It Is my hope that Atlanta DOB will boceme my article offended any of you on tills account, then you are a true and resourceful a m of the already great existing DOB staring the predicament right In the face. You are looking at the chapters. Ne need your faith and your prayers to accomplish very thing In yourself that Is defeating you. If I am a thorn this. Peace to you all. to prick you *nto awareness that a problem does In fact srlst, to tell you that you may not remain In your ccnçlacency, then ANN ASHBY, Pres. Atlanta DOB. I accept all hostility with Joy, First you must know there Is a problem. Only then car you ^egln to deal wit'' .it. T " I For all our southern sisters, Atlanta DOB's address: offended your sense of aesthetics with remarks about mud'- or 1620 Hollywood Rd. N.W., Apt, 3A, Atlanta Georgia. taste, that Is sln^)ly a matter of pers''nal opinion, and I Phone: (k04) 792-0915 apologize to each of you for my egotism. I know I offended the owner of the Pox '1th ny remarks o:- her 'cnr.'itlon, and fcr SISTERS In DENVER: Contact Mary Stuber, 7^8 Sherman, Denver, that I am truly sorry. Miss — has never teen anything but Colo. 80203. This 18 our newest chapter and they need a good to me. T never meant to have my observations of her tj’pewrlter, a mimeograph machine, typing help. Ideas for a personal life cast before anyofie who knows her. The enp asls, newsletter, postage, money and LOTS OP LOVE AMD SUPPORT. however, sh'^^id le placed upon her self-sacrifice and love for gay women In 'lençhis. What, she has done for them cannot be calculated. My slncerest apologies to her, really. IK SAN DIEGO: Are you Interested in helping to form a new And to all the rest, the night of the first talent show was DOB chs^tert?????? Contact Diane and Pat Love, 3391 Malison a tribute to YOU ATiL, You old have something very real to be Avenue, San Diego 92116, Or call 280-1473. There is a proud of, and still do. You are gay and you are together In great need for another DOB chapter. The El Cajon group dis that. Now, if you have the guts ‘■o show me and everyone else solved and we need to revive those women, NHEffi IS SAH DIEGO'S who reads 1T3TEFJ that I am wrong, and that you UA" overoome Gay Women's Moveaunt??? Let's help these two women get a DOB hatred wlt.h love, then DO ty vy 'ocnlng and working for a Chapter started again. MEMPHIS CHAPTER CP DOF, Otherwise, I am right and you have no gripe. Nov/, put ’jp j r ...... If you live In or near any large city, you can f o m a DOB groi4>. P.S. Atlanta DOB, "ost icecently forme«^, was begun bv ? year How about CHICAGO? St. LOUIS? CLEVELAND??? NEW ORLEANS?? old Black chick named Ann. I applaud her'. Now that's the kind If they can f o m a DOB In Atlanta and make a go of It, then YOU of guts It's g d n g to t'ike, y-empHls, can too, wherever you are. Write S.P, DOB for further Infoima- tlon. MAFY b'ELL OTUB.EP, Denver DOB ++-t-r+T+ . i-+*i ++I -i-t-r-r-f- i +TT+ •t-M M M M .DS { SPDOB apologizes to Miss — of the Pox for any unfortunate iieoded: a place for me, my cat, my sculptural cossnents we nay have included In SISTERS. Believe me, after having lived In Arkansas, I can fully see that K i s s ---'las cone enuipraent, my matress, I can pay up to $80/mo. nothing short of a mliMcle In i-eeplng tha^, ii-i. open. Kiss — , Scorpio, quiet, responsible job. C!all Karen at you have our warmest thanks and lo'>j. Beully. Ki.' DOB office mornings. Honolulu — Hawaii has penjlng In leElslature a free-wheeling sex law change, as cenplete as possible, allowing any and all activities between consenting adults In bed. Prostitution lE still Illegal. The law has every chance of passing. (What's wrong with Calif????) S.P. Chronicle -- The Ladder has seen fit to write a letter to Dear Ann Landers congratulating her on her open and .'onceivied attitude about homosexuals. Perhaps someone could write a letter to Miss Landers' erstwhile sister Abby and h«lp her out, and not necessarily In con gratulatory fashion.... L.A. Times — Biochemical studies of straight and gay males have ypllAad some Interesting results: results so far (tentative) Indicate there is a biochemical difference between strongly n.ctlvated homo sexuals and heterosexuals....Their study suggests that male homo sexuals can b? distinguished from normal heterosexuals by an analysis of two of the breakdown products of the nale sex hormone, testosterone. In the homosexual, the amount of one of these hormones Is much greater than In the heterosexual, at least In the 75 subjects so far examined. The article concludes: "According to the researchers, there Is at present no effective treatment of homosexuality. Their woidt. If It proves valid, may lead to a deeper understanding of homosexuality, as well as normal sexuality, and perhaps to new forms of treatment and prevention." (I wonder Just how much "understanding" of the homosexual can result with their preconceived attitudes about cure and prevention? Same old stuff— study It to discover ways to pre ven tit...) ANNOONCEMBNTS Oay rap groig) starting in San Hateo, Calif. Call Marcia - 347-84-02. Gay women's rap In SACRAMENTO — call (9I 6) 482-7892. A Women's Songbook Is out, 23 songs, drawings, choird chart. Order from Judy Busch, Oral Herstory Library, 2325 Osk St., Berkeley 94708. $ 1 . 0 0 . MORE NEWS DOB New York pickets St. Patrick's Cathedral, In support of Women's Lib leader T1-Grace Atkinson who delivered a scalding criticism of the church's attitude toward women at Catholic University In Washington. Ruth Simpson, DOB President, said the picketing was Intended "to make the statement that the Catholic church has been one of the major op- presaors of homosexuals" an-d has fought all efforts by homosexuals to obtain social an^ legal acoeptan-e. . . . a? €»aiiiiWiUy of Sf* Jo h n tbo B o 1o V€MI a Catholic Ministry Within the Homophile Community P.O. BOX 386 ROBERT J. RICHARDS 501 i G R O V E S T R E E T PRIEST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 (415) 431-IS41