So's Your Old Lady: A Lesbian Feminist Journal, 1974-1978

So's Your Old Lady

Ephemera and pamphlets

[LGBTQ] [Feminism] Archive of three issues of lesbian-feminist journal So's Your Old Lady: A Lesbian/Feminist Journal. Minneapolis: Lesbian Resource Center, 1974-1978. So’s Your Old Lady provided a space for radical feminist discourse, creative writing, and political commentary in the 1970s. The publications include poetry, essays, plays, and artwork contributed by women involved in the feminist and LGBTQ+ movements. The journal served as both a literary and political platform, advocating for lesbian visibility, gender equality, and cultural critique. Issues include:
[1] Issue #8 – November 1974. Cover depicts line drawings of women holding placards that collectively read the journal’s title. This issue contains over a dozen poems, including works by Astrid Bergie, Natasha, Evi Seidman, Jo Weirick, and Chocolate Waters. Notable pieces include “The Calorie Counter” by Esther Kaw, “Commitment Consciousness” by R. DesJardins, and a centerfold collaboration titled “Natural Woman” featuring a poem by Astrid Bergie and a drawing by Barbara Davis. Visual contributions include drawings by Lynette Wells, Barbara Davis, C. Mike, and others, alongside photography by Mary Cassavant and Mary Louise. A previous owner’s name, “Marilyn Hoffman,” is handwritten on the contents page.
[2] Issue #12 - October 1978. Cover features an abstract purple illustration titled Carla and the Spider Plant by Tee Corinne. Some contents include: "Opening: A Short Story" by Sue Gamblin, "Note on a Poem" by Evelyn Laughlin, "Book Review: No More Journal" by Toni McMahon, "The Repeal of the St. Paul Gay Rights Ordinance" by Ellen Hawley, and "Being a Dyke" by Kimi Reith.

[3] Issue #16 - March 1977. Cover features a black-and-white photograph of a pig looking over a wooden fence. Contents include: "Coyote" by Nancy Nazer-Lowe, "Take a Look" by Judith Niemi, "Madewonck Lesbian Culture Workshop" by Judith Niemi, a play: Women of Woman by Mia Albright. Various poems by Astrid Bergie, Linda McDonnell, Carolyn Light Bell, and others. One poem is written in Spanish.

These issues reflect the intersection of literature, activism, and artistic expression within the feminist and lesbian movements of the 1970s. They served a subculture that perceived itself as marginalized by sexism and homophobia, and constituted itself through cultural expression. They had to balance being inclusive and positive—to appeal to variously rural and urban, middle- and working-class lesbians—with setting the boundaries of what was acceptably lesbian feminist. Each issue features an extensive rendering of poems and their accompanying illustrations. Their ultimate goal was to present "...women's ideas in writing, drawings, and photographs, for an audience that is interested by fragmented by real space, and by diverse concerns". Some minor wear to covers, one issue is partially disbound at the bottom staple. Overall very good condition.

Item #21667

Price: $385.00