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"The Mothers of the Gay Rights Movement" on Discovering Their Identity

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. For their work on public awareness of sexual issues, public advocacy, and legislation, the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality will present both Martin and Del with the Society's Public Service Award for 1996. (Originally aired 12/29/92)

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Other segments from the episode on October 11, 1996

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, October 11, 1996: Interview with Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon; Interview with Jane Rule; Interview with Martin Duberman; Interview with Lea Delaria.
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05:53

Jane Rule on Lesbians in Literature

Canadian author Jane Rule, one of the best known and most widely read lesbian writers. Rule is best known for her 1985 novel Desert of the Heart, which was later adapted into the movie "Desert Hearts." She also wrote Memory Board. (Originally aired 1/29/88)

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20:50

Martin Duberman on Growing Up Gay

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.

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22:40

Two Lesbian Activists on Discovering Their Identity

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.

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22:39

Gay Rights Activist Candace Gingrich.

Gay rights activist Candace Gingrich. She is the sister of Newt Gingrich, the Speaker of the House. Gingrich is the spokeswoman for the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the nation's largest gay and lesbian lobbying organization. She is presently on a 48 city tour as a part of the Human Rights Campaign Fund's National Coming Out Project.

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