6

I

Spoken From the Heart

When I first came out as a Lesbian Separatist was unaware of the depth and richness of this self-definition. I only knew that I hated men and wanted to be rid of them in the most complete sense possible. I knew that other Separatists also wanted the same sought this goal despite community antagonism and social reproach.

us

and

The first thing I learned as a Lesbian Separatist was that it was not considered the acceptable politic within the feminist community. NOW this baffled me then and continues to baffle me now. Why do they hate I think it has something to do so much? with beating the messenger with the bad news. We point out what men do and the clear pattern of femicide, and women and Lesbians hate us for it, instead of hating the men. How can any Lesbian not be aware that all men involved in obvious plot for the destruction of women's bodies, souls, minds and hearts?

are

an

The next thing I learned was that Black Women were certainly not Lesbian Separatists because all Lesbian Separatists were the most racist of white Women in the movement. Unfortunately, I believed and trusted the sources of this propaganda and consequently stayed away from Lesbian Separatist groups, fearing untold horrors and insensitivities. I remained Lesbian Separatist among Lesbian Separatist haters, yet holding on to my politics defiantly. I did and do hate men and felt that directing my anger to its proper source was most healing. I didn't want to include men in my personal life and basically found their energy either draining or just plain boring.

isolated,

a

I knew other Lesbian Separatists, but only individually. All of the Black Lesbian Separatists (about four) I knew were just as isolated as myself. At one point, I tried organizing a group but it never got off of the ground. I think the fear of actually seeing ourselves all together and acclaiming our strength was too intense. Then I met an African-American Lesbian Separatist who dismissed all of the propaganda she had heard. She joined a group, was the only Black Lesbian in the group, which later organized a gathering. She invited me to it, and because I trusted her judgement, I came.

I was a little frightened but basically open and excited. After all, Jamila would be there so there would at least be one person for me to relate to. As it turned out, there were three Black Lesbian Separtists there and we did talk to each other quite a bit. I found the gathering not only fun and informative but also inspiring. It was one of the few times in my life I have been among true peers. Instead of teaching I was being taught by some of the most experienced, politically sophisticated Lesbians I have ever met. The discussion was electric and I felt safe and at home in the setting.

Well, after the gathering I

was

the

G

I

invited to Separatist joined

join (S. E. P.S. group Enraged, Proud and Strong). eagerly. It has become the most important group in my life and I cherish sincerely our meetings. There is not only support, but also much information sharing and many political raps. We share food, humor, tragedies, and personal accomplishments.

of

Right now we are creating a Lesbian Separtist journal. We will be examining present, past and future theories about Lesbian Separatism and how our reality is defined. We will be discussing healing that comes from the release of anger towards its source perpetuation. We will take current beliefs and actions and lay bare their hidden motives and agendas. In short, we are going to contribute to a redefinition of ourselves, Lesbian and Separatism, our community in general. We will show our diversity, beauty,

two

conflicts and connection through articles, poems, graphics and interviews. There are four of us in S.E.P.S: African-Americans and two European Americans. This was Vivienne's story of how she came into S.E.P.S. We are presntly looking to expand this core group with more Lesbian Separatists of Color who are deeply rooted in ethnic cultures their and who do not get white-skin privilege, So that Lesbian Separatists of Color will be a majority in

S.E.P.S.

We are: Jamila A., (415) 821-7809; Linda Strega and Bev JO, (415) 482-0635; and Vivienne Louise, (415) 548-6661 (answering service). We will send our biographical information to any interested Lesbian Separatist who sends a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: S.E.P.S., P.O. 11469, Oakland, CA 94611-1469.

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