Difference between revisions of "Consciousness-raising"
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| − | First introduced to the Gay Liberation Front by women who had been active in the women’s liberation movement, consciousness-raising (C-R) became a central activity for many gay liberationists and radical lesbians. Structured as small groups, C-R sessions centered on single topic, with every participant “giv[ing] testimony” from her personal experiences. C-R served as a tool for activists to share their individual experiences in order to uncover their “common oppression”—to expose the ways that the personal was in fact political.<ref> “Notes, Wed. August 5, 1970.” Radicalesbians Organizational Folder. Lesbian Herstory Archives. </ref> The intimate setting of the groups encouraged equal participation and strong bonds among members, although individual differences sometimes made it difficult to come together.<ref>Gordon and Baxandall, eds., Dear Sisters, 67; Karla Jay, Tales of a Lavender Menace, 61</ref> And while C-R was criticized by some as merely “a therapy session,” it was an important way for gay men and women to understand their oppression, create new forms of theory, and develop a basis for political action.<ref> “Notes, Wed. August 5, 1970.” Radicalesbians Organizational Folder. Lesbian Herstory Archives. </ref> | + | First introduced to the Gay Liberation Front by women who had been active in the women’s liberation movement, consciousness-raising (C-R) became a central activity for many gay liberationists and radical lesbians. Structured as small groups, C-R sessions centered on single topic, with every participant “giv[ing] testimony” from her personal experiences. C-R served as a tool for activists to share their individual experiences in order to uncover their “common oppression”—to expose the ways that the personal was in fact political.<ref> “Notes, Wed. August 5, 1970.” Radicalesbians Organizational Folder. Lesbian Herstory Archives. </ref> The intimate setting of the groups encouraged equal participation and strong bonds among members, although individual differences sometimes made it difficult to come together.<ref>Gordon and Baxandall, eds., Dear Sisters, 67; Karla Jay, Tales of a Lavender Menace, 61</ref> And while C-R was criticized by some as merely “a therapy session,” it was an important way for gay men and women to understand their oppression, create new forms of theory, and develop a basis for political action.<ref> “Notes, Wed. August 5, 1970.” Radicalesbians Organizational Folder. Lesbian Herstory Archives. </ref> |
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Revision as of 20:44, 27 February 2010
First introduced to the Gay Liberation Front by women who had been active in the women’s liberation movement, consciousness-raising (C-R) became a central activity for many gay liberationists and radical lesbians. Structured as small groups, C-R sessions centered on single topic, with every participant “giv[ing] testimony” from her personal experiences. C-R served as a tool for activists to share their individual experiences in order to uncover their “common oppression”—to expose the ways that the personal was in fact political.[1] The intimate setting of the groups encouraged equal participation and strong bonds among members, although individual differences sometimes made it difficult to come together.[2] And while C-R was criticized by some as merely “a therapy session,” it was an important way for gay men and women to understand their oppression, create new forms of theory, and develop a basis for political action.[3]
Return to Gay Liberation in New York City
