- Lesbian Avengers
The Lesbian Avengers is an activist group for
queer women who want to promotelesbian issues and perspectives. The group aims to empower lesbians and all women to become experienced and effective organizers to take back their power and rights to live freely and unharmed. Since its founding inNew York City by 6 longtimelesbian activists who had worked in different groups --Maxine Wolfe, Anne D'Adesky, Ana Simo, Sarah Schulman, Marie Honan, and Anne Maguire-- in May 1992, the group has worked mostly throughdirect action andstreet theater acts likefire eating . The British wing of the group was formed in 1992 by members ofOutRage! The Avengers work with (and for) women of all races and classes; bisexual, heterosexual, and
queer women; andtransgender andintersex individuals. The group claims to emphasize constructive action against heterosexist, homophobic, heteronormative, classist, racist, sexist, and generally oppressive forces and institutions in society, in the lesbian community.There are approximately fifty-five Lesbian Avenger chapters, five of which are international. No national organization or structure connects the chapters, which are locally controlled and operated. Each chapter of the Lesbian Avengers collaborates on major events like the annual
Dyke March and larger, national protests. They also work in conjunction with other progressive groups in their respective communities.They famously intervened when
Sandi Toksvig was dumped by theSave the Children charity after coming out. Following protests organised by the Lesbian Avengers, Toksvig was re-instated.The Lesbian Avengers use the following
slogans :
* "The fire will not consume usndash we take it and make it our own", (chanted while other Avengers are fire-eating)
* "Be the bomb you throw", and
* "We recruit" (referring to the societal fear that homosexuals 'recruit' children).References
* [http://geocities.com/gainesvilleavengers/aboutavengers.htm this Lesbian Avengers website] .
External links
* [http://www.actupny.org/documents/Avengers.html The Lesbian Avengers Handbook]
Avengers Chapters Worldwide
* [http://www.lesbianavengers.org/ Boston Lesbian Avengers]
* [http://geocities.com/gainesvilleavengers/aboutavengers.htm Gainesville, FL Avengers]
* [http://www.geocities.com/cinci_avengers/ Cincinnati Avengers]
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