LETTERS

Dear ONYX (BLN),

to

I would like comment on the article in the April-May isue written by Cheryl Clarke on Lesbianism. I would like to address the word Lesbian.

When I arrived in San Francisco in August of '74, the word "Lesbian" was new to me. I have been a social/sexual Lesbian for 34 years and a political Lesbian for 27 years. The early part of my Lesbian years between the ages of 14 and 19, I was not conscious of any polit- ical ramifications around being a Lesbian in Boston in the fifties like it is today. When society made me conscious of sexuality my (in a negative way), we began to use codes words in our sub- culture to denote who we were. The terms used in the fifties and sixties and what used today among are still the older black men and womin were, "In the life"

and "Gay.

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We

We as black people (homosexuals) interacted socially with each other. did not have separate identities like today. We were all in the life and/or gay. I have nothing against the word Lesbian, because living in San Francisco, that seems to be the word some white womin came up with to identify each other politically and socially. But I must admit I did like the terms, "In the life" and "Gay. They had a nice ring to them.

"

Dear ONYX (BLN),

Midgett

I have a warm spot in my heart for the Newsletter. I am glad to see a publication of this kind during my life- time. It will give our younger sisters some history on Black Lesbians past and present.

For example, when I read the article written by Joyce Penalver about a bar called Tubbies in Harlem during the sixties, it brought back alot of old and wonderful memories for me. I can relate so well to Joyce's description around the good feeling one got while hanging out there.

I had my advertisement advertisement under per- sonals and through this ad connected with a sister, and we became Saturday morning walking partners.

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DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION July 7th for the August issue; Sept. 6th for the October issue.

Local News

We would like to extend our congratu- lations to ALICE WALKER for receiving the Pulitzer Prize for literature for her novel, The Color Purple. Look for a review of this book in an upcoming issue.

CASSIE LOPEZ, in a very close race, lost in her bid for a position on the Oakland City Council. She promises to continue to work for political changes for her grassroots constituency.

DARLENE LAWSON became the first black woman to ever win election to the Oakland School Board. We congratulate her!

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PAULA ROSS, a frequent contributor ONYX (BLN), has had her first piece of fiction published in the current issue of Conditions #9. Paula is the editor of forthcoming anthology, Ordinary Women/Extraordinary Lives.

the

HELP!

The staff of ONYX desperately needs a typewriter and a file cabinet. Please call us if you can donate one or both. Your donation will be tax deduc- tible. 540-0671.

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