Letters to the Editor...

I have just completed the October/ November issue and was surprised by the omission of one of the workshops in your report of the Lesbian of Color Conference. That workshop addressed some of the issues around which you have expressed interest in starting discussion groups, particularly self-hatred and Black women. It also addressed the barriers to trust we experience in our relationships with each other. That workshop was the reading and discussion of an essay written by Audre Lorde, EYE TO EYE: Black Women Hatred and Anger. It was one of the most well attended at the conference, even though scheduled on less than an hour's notice when we learned Michelle Cliff's workshop was cancelled. Of the fifty or so women who attended, at least 43 were Black. The workshop was not closed to other women of color, but the discussion that took place after the reading was just among Black woman. Our request that discussion take place within racial/ethnic lines was respected by all the women. There were

many concerns, feelings and issues put out by the Black women and some strides, however tentative, were made. We agreed that we needed to go further with the discussion than four hours in Section A on Friday, Sept. 9 at Cottontail Ranch could allow. Copies of "EYE TO EYE" were requested by and sent to women to continue the dialogue with other Black women and to continue to look within ourselves in the safety of home.

My assessment of the conference is that it provided a place for lesbians of color to be together socially, many for the first time. For 200-300 women of color (much less lesbians of color) to be together in the same place at the time is in itself a political act.

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I think it is imperative that we be clear about our expectations of any conference and that we be prepared to make that conference into what we want and need if our expectations are not being met. There were definitely mistakes made at the LOC conference, and I think each of us has a responsibility to point those mistakes out and to offer viable suggestions to the organizers for improvement. If organizing is to begin Afrikan Lesbian Conference or another LOC conference, we must look at the first LOC and try not to make the same mistakes.

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I am glad to see ONYX taking on the task of getting some discussion on the issues started. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in this effort.

Virginia Harris, SF, CA

When I subscribed for the first time to the Black Lesbian Newsletter in June of 1982, I was eager to pay double the subscription rate--from my own hunger, to support, in appreciation of the monumental undertaking, this means of survival!

I have watched your/our effort with growing pride and affirmation, rifled by moments of violent reaction--usually upon encountering myself in some truthful and repulsive light. Before one can change or create change one must perceive the need--in solitary moments of inspirational clarity and conviction, or some times, in print through the dedicated efforts and intelligence of

those devoted to keeping the best consciousness alive.

In October, 1983, I am eager to contribute better than triple the new subscription rate as I realize money is to the continuing operation of ONYX as bread is to a starving child.

Thank you for your will to excellence!

Gale Golden, SF, CA

We reserve the right to edit for length, space, clarity potentially libelous remarks.

FEMINARY

The FEMINARY collective is looking for lesbians to take over the magazine. We are particularly interested in a multi-cultural/racial/ class group. We have grant money, a subscription list and other materials that we can pass on to help make the next issue possibie.

FEMINARY has existed as a publication since 1969. It has gone through many changes and has been able to survive them and grow. If you are interested in con- tinuing the magazine, contact us at:

FEMINARY

P.O. Box 11648

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If we don't hear from you by January 21, 1984. FEMINARY will end. We hope to hear from you soon.