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I'm a woman who lives in Washington state. This past Spring I lived in A2 [Ann Arbor] to go to school. I was at the gay women's conference in Cleveland and then at the one in A2. I was impressed by the strength exhibited among the beautiful Dykes of the Midwest. Sure, there is a lot of disagreement, but folks are willing (most of the time) to talk and discuss and explore and support one another. It was the first place I've ever lived where I've found support and a place to grow. I love the Midwest for that reason-that in in the midst of severe oppression, women are working together! In Berkeley, Seattle, Gay men and women are a common, everyday occurence. There are struggles, but not the same as in the Midwestern cities and towns.

Blair

FOR ONE OF THE HUNDREDS

I found this poem in the

January issue of The Furies, taken from Edward the Dyke and Other Poems written by Judy Grann. I wanted to include it because it describes my feeling about the women we, as a group, are working and writing for. But now this poem has a more personal meaning for me because one of the women described in the poem just died and I would like to offer this poem in her memory.

Pat was the first woman I ever poured my guts out to about being gay, way back when in New York City. She took the time to listen and gave me more support than I ever dreamed possible. I think what I, and those who knew her, will always remember Pat for was her ability to give love to others and her gentle strength. Her friends are left richer for having experienced her love which can now be transformed and given to others. To a gentle, loving woman then...

A History of Lesbianism

How they came into the world, the women-loving-women came in three by three and four by four the women-loving-women came in ten by ten and ten by ten again until there were more than you could count

they took care of each other the best they knew how and of each other's children if they had any.

How they lived in the world, the women-loving-women

learned as much as they were allowed and walked and wore their clothes the way they liked

whenever they could. They did whatever they knew to be happy or free and worked and worked and worked. The women-loving-women

in America were called dykes and some liked it

and some did not.

they made love to eachother the best they knew how and for the best reasons.

How they went out of the world, the women-loving-women went out one by one

having withstood greater and lesser trials, and much hatred

from other people, they went out one by one, each having tried in her own way to overthrow the rule of men over women. they tried it one by one and hundred by hundred, until each came in her own way totthe end of her life

and died.

The subject of lesbianism is very ordinary, it is the question

of male domination that makes everybody

angry.

by Diane