Food for Thought: Queer Design Examples (Adrian A) Chapters 4-5 of Eaklor's Queer America

 



The Daughters of Bilitis, Lesbian Support, and opposition between gay men and lesbians 

Many postwar organizations for queer people created aid and assistance for them, a community space, and pioneered legislations, legal actions, and publications to protect and support them. However, as we can observe within chapters 4 and 5 of Queer America, there is a rather significant difference in groups faceted towards gay men and then groups faceted towards lesbians.  In addition, within these chapters, we can examine the ways in which lesbians and gay men disputed amongst one another, and why lesbians felt the overarching need to create their own organizations. 

    The Daughters of Bilitis was America's first national lesbian group created in 1955. Their purpose was to create a group for strictly lesbians that was not only pro homosexuality but also pro feminism. 

"That is, maintaining DOB as strictly a lesbian organization reflected the conviction that the experiences and status of lesbians, though similar to those of gay men, also differed from those of any men. While homophobia united gay men and lesbians in a common oppression, and enforced gender roles stigmatized effeminate men as well as butch women, sexism uniquely affects females." (pg. 98) 

    The experience of homosexuality was often generalized to equate the experiences of gay men and lesbians. However, while gay men and lesbians had to fight for equality and justice side by side, there was  an overarching issue of sexism perpetuated by gay men against lesbians. The Daughters of Bilitis wished to combat this issue, and create a space where lesbians could be seen and heard. The DOB promoted research and education, and worked tirelessly alongside professionals in medicine, religion, and law in order to support legal change and society's acceptance of homosexuality. They wished to educate the public, as they believed that they were misinformed when it came to homosexuality. With education, institutions could be better fit to serve lesbians and their struggles. 

    The Daughters of Bilitis created a publication called The Ladder, that became an educational tool for their cause. Not only was this newsletter a means of education, but also a means of creating a lesbian community. Even after the Daughters of Bilitis dissolved during 1970, The Ladder still remained successful for two more years. Chapters for the DOB opened up around the country all throughout the 60's, and the first national lesbian conference was an event that was sponsored by the DOB. It was held in San Francisco during 1960. 

    The Daughters of Bilitis may have dissolved eventually as the lesbian feminist and gay liberation movement was just ramping up, but their efforts were crucial in the efforts for justice and the organizations to come after the DOB. The DOB challenged straight society's design of acceptable sexual practices, and the gay male dominated scene of homosexual activism. If not for lesbian organizations like DOB, it is hard to say whether or not lesbians would be able to have an equal voice as gay men.   

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