Posted by Wendy C. Butler on January 12, 2001 at 23:20:21:
In Reply to: it's wonderful posted by nichell robinson on January 03, 2001 at 22:37:25:
: I REALL THINK IT'S WONDERFUL TO HAVE HAD A BLACK WOMAN CARRY ON FOR SOMETHING SHE TRULY BELIEVED IN. I JUST WISH WE HAD MORE BLACK WOMEN LIKE THAT. WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER. THERE ARE SO MANY GAY MEN THAT RISK IT ALL AND COME OUT, I WISH THE WOMAN WOULD DO THE SAME, AND HAVE SUPPORT FROM ONE ANOTHER. MAY THE LEGEND OF RUTH ELLIS LIVE ON. I LOVE THE FACT THAT I WAS BORN ON THE SAME DAY, JUST DIFFERENT YEARS AND MONTHS.
As a 'late bloomer'lesbian who just came out within the past 2 years and I am in my early 30's. I am not African-American however, I believe, as I always have, in no color lines, no race lines. Even as a little girl I never understood the derrogatory comments I heard. I remember slurs coming from family members and being angered by it and protesting such behavior at a very early age. My heartfelt convictions and moral fiber lie in my belief that we are all equal I know no other way to be.
I happened upon thsi sight researching information about the African-American community, primarily about African-AMerican Lesbians and their herstory. I am an editor of a Lesbian magazine in Las Vegas and I would not dream of publishing an issue without the variety and diversity that make up the lesbian community. Old, young, butch, femme, African-American, indian, asian, white, hispanic, etc. I would not be doing the community or myself justice if I did not report on the variety and diversity that make up who we are as a society and as a part of the greater society as a whole. We are a people, a culture, rich in herstory and beauty.
Ruth Ellis is proof of this. A woman, whom many woudl say had started life with 3 strikes against her...being, one, a woman, second, African-American and third, lesbian. Yet, she persevered and lived a long, beautiful life. I know that I am honored a to know that this woman was an OUT and PROUD woman all of her life at a time that was such a great risk for her. She left behind a legacy, one which we can all look back to for reference and inspiration. Thank you Ruth for braving the so-called 'elements' and making your voice heard. Peace to you and those whom you have inspired past present and future....