Documents from the Women's Liberation Movement
An On-line Archival Collection
Special Collections Library, Duke University

DAR II (Dyke for the Second American Revolution)

PRESENT -- Mickey, Peachy, Linda Regnier, Carola Biss., Lorraine, Martha, C.C., Marcia Still, Jeanna Alvens, Sarah, Sandy, Sally, Carolyn Bell, Mariana, Diana.

Intro and why folks came:

Sandy -- feels she has personal politics -- wants to understand how larger social issues affect her.

C.C. -- been into non-violent revolution -- individualistic in nature (tax-resistance) been aware of other half of the movement.  Needs to understand the other sector of the revolution.

Carola Bissell -- doesn't want to veg out -- politics becoming a reality in my life.  Living what I believe in politically -- a lot that I believe in is changing.

Marianna -- been a long time since I've dealt on a verbal political level -- separated from body and mind -- came to listen a lot.

Diana -- attracted to "political" -- negative experience for me.  People are always talking.  I don't usually talk.  I've been isolating myself.  Anger at the society that I keep inside.

Jeanna -- interested in a specific -- politics not developed.  Forces that oppress us all as lesbians -- not general theories.

Marcia -- been in radical groups before -- don't feel active -- Talk about what we can do as lesbians and as women.  Deal with current theories of political org.

Sarah -- interested in evolving feminist phil.  Politics central to that.  Discuss political philosophy of women in general.  Want to move.  Deal with radical political action like Alfa.

Sally -- further an understanding of socialism that is necessary in society.  My existence as a woman and as a lesbian.  Social issues and actions are vital to me.

Linda -- discussing lesbian philosophy in the Y. S. -- develop an outlet for that. -- Be a part of a group to develop that.  Make changes.

Martha -- haven't had a long serious political discussion in 2 years.  The left function is totally irrevelant -- out of touch with the real world.  Have serious political discussion to see if it gets me out of touch.  Wouldn't want to lose touch with reality.

Lorraine -- haven't been that involved in action since Alfa.  The way I could be most useful.  I'm a lesbian and a woman.  My enemy is racism, cap., sexism in relation to each other -- we can't be separate.  Lesbian separatism is not the answer.  Disconnected from other opressed groups.  We must have anti-cap., anti-racist attitudes.  Relating to the issues.

Mickey -- for 3 years -- been involved in the left.  A particular kind of feminism -- out of touch.

Peachy -- coming from same background as Mickey.  Needs to have political/ radical discussions that will work towards action and revolutionary social change.  Don't think women or all opressed people can be free under capitalism.

More Discussion on what course to take:

Lorraine -- talk before we can take action or have programs.

Sally -- work out an understanding first.

Mickey -- shouldn't (pullerize?) -- we're not together yet.

Discussion on whether common readings could bring about a focus for common understanding.

Feminist perspective? Could we pick specific questions to discuss?  

Things to read: Quest, Marx, C.W.L.Y. (Socialist Feminist Paper), Juliett Mitchell (Women, the Longest Revolution)

How can we function as a cohesive unit?  White, middle-class women -- how do we affect our sisters?  Educate ourselves on race + class -- or do we need tokens?   Would action groups be less alienating?  How to reach women?  We need common agreement on what we should do?  Do folks feel that we should read [euz] we want to or because we think we ought to.  

Readings: What do we do with reading and how do we apply it?

Suggestion for next meeting: Write down a list of things that we feel oppress us as women.  

Are we part of Alfa? -- (what is this groups relationship to Alfa?)

After the meeting: some points by 7 lesbians after the meeting ended.  More discussion of a political/open group of lesbians ("COMRADES") specifically action-oriented.  Pointed out how we feel more relaxed (nonverbal-behavior): we're all sitting closer, meeting structure somewhat ended -- enthusiasm and conversation spontaneous.)

Lesbian commandos' ideas expressed:

• leaving our mark lesbians -- NIGHT-GLOW PAINT, STENCILS
• lots of lesbians going to sexist movie.
• sticker campaign

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