Event Title
A Narrative Life Story of Activist Phyllis Lyon and Her Reflections on a Life with Del Martin
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Social Work
Mentor Information
Dorothea Epple, eppled@gvsu.edu
Department
School of Social Work
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 55
Start Date
13-4-2011 1:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 2:00 PM
Keywords
Gender, Historical Perspectives, U.S. Diversity
Abstract
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon's story begins during the 1950s and throughout the gay, lesbian, and women's equal rights issues and gay marriage controversy. The research describes the historical significance of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin as founders of the Daughters of Bilitis and mothers of the Lesbian Rights Movement. Despite fear aroused by the Cold War, the Red Scare or accidental outings of gays and lesbians; despite women's expected gender roles; and despite societal, medical and religious beliefs that considered homosexuality illegal, immoral, pathological and perverted; the 1950s is where the life story of Martin and Lyon took root. This thesis will frame their relationship within the history, culture and setting of their 55 years together. Personally and professionally, I want to understand the founding history of the Lesbian Rights Movement while learning about the NASW values of service, social justice, integrity, and the importance of human relationships.
A Narrative Life Story of Activist Phyllis Lyon and Her Reflections on a Life with Del Martin
Henry Hall Atrium 55
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon's story begins during the 1950s and throughout the gay, lesbian, and women's equal rights issues and gay marriage controversy. The research describes the historical significance of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin as founders of the Daughters of Bilitis and mothers of the Lesbian Rights Movement. Despite fear aroused by the Cold War, the Red Scare or accidental outings of gays and lesbians; despite women's expected gender roles; and despite societal, medical and religious beliefs that considered homosexuality illegal, immoral, pathological and perverted; the 1950s is where the life story of Martin and Lyon took root. This thesis will frame their relationship within the history, culture and setting of their 55 years together. Personally and professionally, I want to understand the founding history of the Lesbian Rights Movement while learning about the NASW values of service, social justice, integrity, and the importance of human relationships.