Lesbian Revolution: Lesbian Feminism in the UK 1970-1990

This book argues that lesbian feminists were a vital force in the Women’s Liberation Movement (WLM). They did not just play a fundamental role in the important changes wrought by second wave feminism, but created a powerful revolution in lesbian theory, culture and practice. Yet this lesbian revolution is undocumented.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Lesbian Revolution, a groundbreaking work, asserts that lesbian feminists played a pivotal role in the Women's Liberation Movement (WLM). Their impact extended far beyond their fundamental contributions to the significant changes brought about by second-wave feminism. They sparked a revolutionary transformation in lesbian theory, culture, and practices, yet this remarkable lesbian revolution remains largely undocumented.

The book unveils that lesbian feminists were instrumental in establishing feminist institutions that provided vital support to women survivors of male violence, including refuges and rape crisis centers. They played a central role in advocating against this violence and initiated a feminist squatting movement, theater groups, bands, art, and poetry. Furthermore, they launched campaigns for lesbian rights and conducted a profound and thought-provoking analysis of sexuality that has been overlooked in historical records. They delved into heterosexuality as a political institution, arguing that lesbianism was a political choice for feminists and, indeed, a form of resistance in itself.

Through interviews with prominent lesbian feminists from the era of the WLM, coupled with the author's personal experiences, this book endeavors to challenge the erasure of lesbian feminists' work and ideas. It aims to document the lesbian revolution, shedding light on a significant chapter in women's history and feminism.

This book holds immense value for scholars and students specializing in women's history, feminism, sexuality politics, women's studies, gender studies, lesbian and gay studies, queer studies, and cultural studies. It is also appealing to a broader audience, including lay readers with an interest in the WLM and feminism in general.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 155 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138096578