Open Letter To The Black Lesbian Community

Dear Sisters,

the

This is an urgent call for unity and mutual support from all positive and progressive Black lesbian-women-identified-women. I extend this call because I feel compelled. Over the last few years, I have noticed a definite reactionary shift in attitudes and in priorities of women's (i.e. white) political/cultural community in the Bay Area. Some say it's "just California" but despite the efforts of publications and organizations like ONYX, BAYBLAG (Bay Area Black Lesbians & Gays) and countless other progressive individuals and groups, the visibility and self-determination of Black lesbians (and all women of color) seem to be diminishing.

I constantly hear the following complaints that there are no places for us to go and really feel comfortable; that there are too few environments in synch with our style of partying and hanging out. Whenever we go to and white women's clubs, events, etc., gathered in numbers greater than five, white women become threatened by Our presence. They become disrespectful, rude condescending.

our

are

and

The extent of representation at events like the recent women's music festival in Barbara is Santa reflective of current trend where women of color are seen and heard from less and less. White women appear to be becoming more comfortable with this trend and not as concerned as they once were about the lack of real cultural diversity at these events and in their lives. One woman who attended the Santa Barbara festival reported that out of at least 2,000 women, there were not 20 of than more color. She women commented that whatever the reasons were for that small number, the environment wasn't very conducive to our participation. She said she than few confederate flags waving proudly on campsite tents!

saw

I'm sure it's obvious to most of us by now that the "gay world" is basically just a microcosm of the larger society (and more limited). And though lesbians tend to be a little more politically progressive conscious than the general population need to get our spiritual thing more together), we've still got a long way to go.

and

(we

A few racism workshops and readings of The Color Purple or This Bridge Called My Back, etc., have helped to enlighten some white (and white identified) lesbians about the problems and oppressions lesbians color face. But the reading of these books has also allowed many of these women to romanticize our lives and distance themselves from the struggles we fight in our Own lesbian community. Black lesbians (and all lesbians of color) must deal with each racism by working with other through our societally induced self- hatred until we get to a place of mutual self- love and recognition.

internalized

for

by Helen L. Keller 1984

We have all been immersed in the classic American melting-pot identity crisis (to be For or not to be an honorary white girl). the last decade we have vacillated and been in a perpetual state of conflict over who we will identify with. Should we attempt to meld (disappear) into the white lesbian community should we focus support developing our own cultural structures while maintaining alliances with them? It has been a painful and confusing time. As a result, few of our needs as Black lesbians have been addressed or met. In 1984, many of us find and ripped ourselves feeling disillusioned off. But we know nowW what must be done. We've got to really get together and deal from a wiser and more loving place.

dark

I am not advocating separation as a solution our problems but the bitter lesson has been learned by many of that though we still suffer from gay oppression, our skins as (guiet are it's kept) still fundamental issue that we must constantly deal with in the in the gay community. deal

world-- even

We have a lot of hard things to and with

work

responsibility that

overwhelmed by it all.

through

So much we sometimes feel As individuals and as

a group, we are faced with racism, internalized racism,

on.

homophobia, lack of

sexism, and drug abuse,

poverty, alcohol education and low self-esteem, the list goes And the really ironic part is that have even been subjected to resentment for being "privileged with all these really cool oppressions" from insane and ignorant people whom we mistook as our allies.

have

over

need control the to our production and marketing of energy and talents which are constantly being coopted and ripped off. This would mean taking the festivals, initiative to produce concerts, etc., which presents us with incredible challenge and opportunity for growth and productivity.

We have to be extremely creative and determined to get Our economic resources. together. (We do not have the same readily available economic resources that white lesbians have trust funds or affluent relatives to borrow from, etc.). We have to get and keep our goals and priorities clear. For example, making responsible and disciplined decisions about when, where and on what we spend our money. understanding and accepting that we can't work with everybody (i.e., every lesbian), but let's work with those that

can.

It means

Black

Although we do not have the past experiences of success in various enterprises, we do have the abilities and talents of true survivors/winners! There is nothing we can't do if we put our minds to it.

(Continued on p. 5)