In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the second wave of the feminist movement began to gain traction, although it faced significant societal resistance. A notable event occurred in 1968, when feminists protested the Miss America pageant, leading many to question the motives behind such actions. The term ‘women’s liberation’ often drew ridicule, and mainstream media frequently depicted feminists negatively. Within this climate, some feminist leaders expressed concern that the inclusion of lesbians might tarnish the movement’s image.
One of the prominent voices of caution was Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963. This influential work highlighted the dissatisfaction many women felt with traditional roles, acting as a catalyst for the second wave of feminism. However, it faced criticism for its limited perspective, focusing primarily on the experiences of affluent white heterosexual women. Friedan’s influence extended to the founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which became a key player in the feminist movement.
Friedan’s lavender menace
During a NOW meeting in 1969, Friedan famously introduced the term lavender menace, referring to the perceived threat that lesbians posed within the feminist movement. As highlighted by Victoria A. Brownworth in a article for The Advocate, mainstream media had already dismissed feminists as ‘a bunch of bra-burning lesbians’. This stigma heightened the sensitivity among Friedan and fellow heterosexual leaders regarding their image. They opted to promote ‘feminine feminists’ who adhered to traditional gender norms.
To distance the organization from its lesbian members, Friedan initiated a purge, expelling notable figures such as Rita Mae Brown, an editor for NOW’s newsletter, and future author, and Ivy Bottini, who designed the organization’s logo. Bottini recalled that Friedan believed lesbians would jeopardize the progress of the women’s movement.
Lesbian resistance
However, those affected by this exclusion were not silent. In 1970, during the Second Congress to Unite Women in New York City, members of Radicalesbians and other feminist groups advocating for lesbian rights made a bold statement. They disrupted a meeting by turning off the lights and asserting their presence, many donning T-shirts emblazoned with ‘Lavender Menace’.
Activist Karla Jay recounted her experience, stating, ‘I was dressed in a nice blouse. I stood up and I said, ‘Sisters, I’m so tired of being in the closet in the women’s movement. This is too much already.’ And I ripped my blouse off, revealing a ‘Lavender Menace’ T-shirt underneath.’ The demonstrators displayed signs proclaiming messages like ‘We are all lesbians’ and ‘Lesbianism is a women’s liberation plot’, demanding that the movement address their unique issues.
While NOW leaders attempted to regain control of the session, the audience was captivated by the humor and theatricality of the protest. The Lavender Menace group held the floor for over two hours, engaging attendees in discussions about lesbianism. Many heterosexual women expressed gratitude to the activists for encouraging them to confront their own feelings about lesbian identity. This moment of solidarity facilitated a resolution acknowledging the oppression of lesbians as a legitimate feminist concern.
Progress at the National Women’s Conference
The National Women’s Conference in Houston in 1977 marked a significant advance for lesbian inclusion within feminism. Funded by Congress, this landmark event sought to address women’s needs and garnered bipartisan support. Despite opposition from far-right leaders, the conference covered a wide array of issues, including the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive rights, workplace equality, and lesbian rights.
The most contentious topic among delegates was a plank advocating for equal legal protection regardless of sexual preference, a term now considered outdated but prevalent at the time. The plank’s adoption responded to anti-gay campaigns, particularly Anita Bryant’s efforts that led to the repeal of a gay rights ordinance in Miami. This surge of homophobia galvanized many heterosexual feminists to support their lesbian counterparts.
When the plank was approved, cheers erupted from lesbians in the audience, expressing their gratitude to their allies. A reporter noted the pride among feminist delegates, recognizing they had moved beyond traditional male attitudes to unite in support of their lesbian sisters.
Reflections on the journey
One of the prominent voices of caution was Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963. This influential work highlighted the dissatisfaction many women felt with traditional roles, acting as a catalyst for the second wave of feminism. However, it faced criticism for its limited perspective, focusing primarily on the experiences of affluent white heterosexual women. Friedan’s influence extended to the founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which became a key player in the feminist movement.0
One of the prominent voices of caution was Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963. This influential work highlighted the dissatisfaction many women felt with traditional roles, acting as a catalyst for the second wave of feminism. However, it faced criticism for its limited perspective, focusing primarily on the experiences of affluent white heterosexual women. Friedan’s influence extended to the founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which became a key player in the feminist movement.1