Boots of leather, slippers of gold

the history of a lesbian community

434 pages

English language

Published July 14, 1993 by Routledge.

ISBN:
978-0-415-90293-9
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Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold traces the evolution of the lesbian community in Buffalo, New York from the mid-1930s up to the early 1960s. Drawing upon the oral histories of 45 women, it is the first comprehensive history of a working-class lesbian community. These poignant and complex stories show how black and white working-class lesbians, although living under oppressive circumstances, nevertheless became powerful agents of historical change.

Based on 13 years of research, Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold ranges over such topics as sex, relationships, coming out, butch-fem roles, motherhood, aging, racism, work, oppression and pride. Kennedy and Davis provide a unique insider's perspective on butch-fem culture and argue that the roots of gay and lesbian liberation are found specifically in the determined resistance of working-class lesbians.

3 editions

Subjects

  • Lesbians -- New York (State) -- Buffalo -- History -- 20th century.
  • Lesbians -- New York (State) -- Buffalo -- Social conditions.
  • Working class -- New York (State) -- Buffalo -- History -- 20th century.
  • Women's studies -- New York (State) -- Buffalo.
  • Buffalo (N.Y.) -- History -- 20th century.