The Need for a Black Lesbian Front

(an alternative to the Feminist movement)

There are many definitions for the term Feminism, the idealistic one being a struggle for equality by empowering "all" women politically, educationally, socially and economi- cally. Ironically given this defini- tion, I find that a struggle for power exists within the Feminst movement itself, making the ideological defini- tion incongrous.

Incidents that have taken place during the inception of the Feminist movement clearly indicate a definite lack of willingness, by our white counterparts, to share and develop a power structure with Black women equally.

When the movement first started, there seemed to be total denial that there were any Black women active in this struggle for equal rights, which perpetuated this "savior syndrome" on the parts of white women. The resistance to working equally and intelligently with Black women inten- sified when our white sisters found out that Black women didn't need to be "saved." There seemed to have been this stereotipic mentality that Black women needed saving-from what? Or is it the white women's fear of how strong Black women really are.

When they discovered that we refused to be "saved" they decided to "use" us. They had us fill their quotas, do their outreach (of course to show how liberal they were) with the end result being a knife in the back compounded with lies.

We see through their racism and continue to be strong. This fact not only threatens the status-quo, but also challenges the racist attitudes of white women.

The reality is that the Feminist movement, as it stands now, is just another racist and oppressive mechanism of this racist society. The thought

POWER

of empowering a Black woman is frightening to most whites because once she gains knowledge she can't be controled and that is the real issue. CONTROL !!! We as Black lesbians need to take control of our lives by creating a strong political front that directly addresses our needs as Black lesbians. We cannot afford to be shadowed or blocked out, we must stand and be heard. As soon as we solidify our home base, the rest will be easy.

We must change the face of the Feminist movement. By using our know- ledge and strength, the movement can be a strong force again. Make the true I will. meaning of Feminism a reality Especially since the white contingent will not look out for my needs and that has been proven already.

1982 Eileen Gaines

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