In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the second-wave feminist movement, known as the women’s liberation movement, emerged with vigor. However, it faced significant challenges regarding public perception and internal dynamics. Many questioned the motivations behind feminist protests, such as the 1968 demonstration at the Miss America pageant. The term ‘women’s lib’ became fodder for comedians, while media portrayals of feminist figures were often negative. Within this context, some leaders expressed concerns that including lesbians could jeopardize their goals and public image.
One notable figure, Betty Friedan, a key voice in the feminist movement and author of The Feminine Mystique, was particularly apprehensive about lesbian visibility. Her 1963 book articulated the dissatisfaction of many women regarding traditional roles but faced criticism for focusing primarily on affluent, white, heterosexual women. In 1966, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), which became a leading force advocating for women’s rights across the United States.
The facts
During a NOW meeting in 1969, Friedan expressed her concerns about what she called a “lavender menace”, implying that the presence of lesbians could tarnish the movement’s image. Victoria A. Brownworth, in her article for The Advocate, noted that mainstream media had relegated the feminist movement to the status of ‘bra-burning lesbians.’ This stereotype heightened sensitivity among straight feminist leaders, prompting Friedan to advocate for a more conventional representation of femininity.
As a result, Friedan took measures to exclude lesbians from NOW, dismissing prominent activists such as Rita Mae Brown and Ivy Bottini, the designer of NOW’s logo. Bottini later recounted that Friedan believed lesbian visibility could undermine the women’s movement. Nonetheless, the excluded activists were determined to make their presence known.
The Radicalesbians’ intervention
In 1970, the Second Congress to Unite Women took place in New York City, marking a pivotal moment for feminist activism. During the conference, a group of women from the Radicalesbians and other feminist organizations asserted their right to inclusion. They disrupted a session by turning off the lights and displayed solidarity by wearing T-shirts that read “Lavender Menace.” Activist Karla Jay recalled her bold gesture of removing her blouse to reveal her shirt, declaring her exhaustion from hiding her identity.
These demonstrators made their demands clear, asserting that issues pertinent to lesbians deserved recognition within the feminist agenda. Their slogans, such as “We are all lesbians” and “Lesbianism is a women’s liberation plot,” challenged straight feminist leaders to confront their biases. The unexpected theatricality of this event captivated the audience, leading to an engaged dialogue about lesbian identity and rights.
Progress at the National Women’s Conference
The struggle for inclusion culminated in the National Women’s Conference in Houston in 1977, which aimed to commemorate International Women’s Year. This conference sought to address various issues affecting women, including the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive rights, while also considering the rights of lesbians, marking significant evolution in the feminist movement.
One debated resolution was the inclusion of protections based on “sexual preference,” a term now viewed as outdated and offensive. The adoption of this resolution was a direct response to anti-gay sentiments, notably those propagated by Anita Bryant’s campaign against gay rights in Miami. This moment reflected a growing awareness among straight feminists of the necessity to stand in solidarity with their lesbian counterparts.
Reflections and future directions
As the conference unfolded, the atmosphere was electric when the resolution passed, eliciting cheers from lesbian attendees who felt recognized. Friedan later acknowledged her previous missteps regarding the term “lavender menace,” indicating a shift in her perspective. While the women’s movement has faced ongoing challenges, the events of the 1970s established a clearer path for the inclusion of lesbians within feminism.
Today, the legacy of the Lavender Menace demonstration serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intersectionality in activism. Activists from that era emphasize the ongoing need for unity and courage in addressing societal challenges. As Flavia Rando noted, the struggle for equality continues, and it is essential for new generations to engage with these issues and carry the torch forward.