Jane Rule on Lesbians in Literature

Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon are the founders of the Daughters of Bilitis, an early lesbian organization. They started the group in the 1950s before the rise of the gay liberation movement. Shortly after, they began publishing "The Ladder," the first Lesbian-themed magazine. Their landmark book, "Lesbian/Woman," published in 1972 has been updated. The two have also been a couple for 39 years.

Duberman's memoir "Cures" is about growing up gay in the 1950s before the gay liberation movement and at a time when homosexuality was considered deviant behavior by the psychiatrists. Since our 1991 interview with him, he's authored a number of books, including "Stonewall" and "Midlife Queer." After ten years, he has stepped down from the position of executive director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies.

Delaria says don't call her a lesbian: she's a dyke who does standup and jazz singing. A recording of her songs, "Bulldyke in a China Shop," was released in 1993. (Originally aired 4/29/93)