In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a significant wave of feminism, known as the second wave, emerged to confront systemic inequalities faced by women. This burgeoning movement, however, did not receive universal acceptance. Many Americans were perplexed by events such as the protest against the Miss America pageant in 1968. The term “women’s lib” was frequently ridiculed in popular culture, with comedians often using it as material for jokes. Amid these challenges, some feminist leaders voiced concerns that the inclusion of lesbians might create an unfavorable image for the movement.
Betty Friedan, author of the influential book The Feminine Mystique, held particular apprehension regarding the visibility of the lesbian community. Her 1963 publication unveiled the frustrations many women felt with traditional roles, but critics noted its narrow focus on affluent, straight, white women. In 1966, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), which quickly emerged as a major force in the feminist movement.
The lavender menace and its significance
During a NOW meeting in 1969, Friedan articulated her fears about a so-called “lavender menace,” referring to the potential negative impact of lesbians on the feminist agenda. According to writer Victoria A. Brownworth, mainstream media had already stigmatized the feminist movement as being dominated by “bra-burning lesbians.” This labeling troubled Friedan and her fellow straight feminists, who preferred to cultivate an image of “feminine feminists” rather than be associated with the lesbian community.
To distance the organization from this stigma, Friedan and others systematically excluded lesbians from NOW. This exclusion included the removal of prominent lesbians like Rita Mae Brown, then the editor of NOW’s newsletter, and Ivy Bottini, the designer of the organization’s logo. Bottini later reflected on this period, noting that Friedan believed lesbians could undermine the progress of the women’s movement.
Resistance from the lesbian community
However, the lesbian community was determined not to fade into the background without a fight. In 1970, during the Second Congress to Unite Women convened by NOW in New York City, a group of activists from Radicalesbians and other lesbian-inclusive feminist organizations made a dramatic entrance. They turned off the lights and then turned them back on, making their presence known by lining the aisles wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Lavender Menace.”
Activist Karla Jay later recounted standing before the audience, expressing her frustration with being marginalized in the feminist movement. In a powerful act, she tore off her blouse to reveal her “Lavender Menace” shirt underneath, capturing the attention of many in the room.
Advancements in lesbian rights within feminism
The demonstrators effectively communicated their message by holding signs with slogans such as “We are all lesbians” and “Lesbianism is a women’s liberation plot.” They took control of the stage, urging the feminist movement to address specific issues affecting lesbians. Despite attempts by NOW leaders to redirect the discussion, the humor and theatricality of the demonstration resonated with the audience, prompting many to engage in conversations about lesbian identity.
As a result of this impactful event, NOW passed a resolution the following year acknowledging the oppression of lesbians as a legitimate concern within the feminist movement. This marked a significant shift in the feminist agenda, paving the way for greater inclusivity.
The National Women’s Conference and its implications
In 1977, the National Women’s Conference in Houston further solidified the integration of lesbian rights into the feminist dialogue. Funded by Congress with bipartisan support, the conference aimed to gather insights on women’s needs and desires from the government. Alongside discussions on the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive rights, delegates addressed issues pertinent to the lesbian community, resulting in a National Plan of Action that featured 26 points relevant to women’s lives.
One of the most contentious points called for equal protection under the law regardless of “sexual preference.” Although this term is now considered outdated, it represented a crucial step forward at the time, particularly against the backdrop of anti-gay sentiments propagated by figures like Anita Bryant. The adoption of this plank marked a turning point, as many straight feminists recognized the necessity of standing in solidarity with their lesbian counterparts.
A legacy of inclusion and support
Betty Friedan, author of the influential book The Feminine Mystique, held particular apprehension regarding the visibility of the lesbian community. Her 1963 publication unveiled the frustrations many women felt with traditional roles, but critics noted its narrow focus on affluent, straight, white women. In 1966, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), which quickly emerged as a major force in the feminist movement.0
Betty Friedan, author of the influential book The Feminine Mystique, held particular apprehension regarding the visibility of the lesbian community. Her 1963 publication unveiled the frustrations many women felt with traditional roles, but critics noted its narrow focus on affluent, straight, white women. In 1966, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), which quickly emerged as a major force in the feminist movement.1