Lenora's Hangout

OLOC Herstory

While checking my older posts I made here, I ran across info I posted on Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC) way back in 2009. i decided to recheck the site and discovered some new information. These women have made great progress and I applaude them in their efforts...what a neat thing to see for us "oldies but goodies who are gay and gray" and are often forgotten about as the years pass us by.

They have an oral herstory (not history) project they created at OLOHP.  (Neat...I used this tag in my printed book WAC Major: Herstory). They state that "there is an urgency inherent in the nature of the OLOHP. Each year, women whose stories the project wanted to gather slip away. Some Old Lesbians die before we are able to interview them; others become unable to do the interview. The herstories of the women who lived through a unique period in time need to be preserved. The women deserve to be recognized for their experiences and contributions. And, just as importantly, there are thousands of other Old Lesbians who need to know they are not alone". 

They continue to state that: "The word "Herstory" is used intentionally as a way to help make these personal stories immediately identifiable as stories about women. It also helps emphasize that this project has been created and nurtured by women. It is not a political statement about men's role in writing history or in history itself. We are aware that the etymology of the word history does not imply gender". 

I love their article about "Ageism and Lesbophobia" which you can read in PDF form. These gals have it going on!

Then I lucked up and lo and behold I found them on Facebook.

Whether you are gay or not, the infomation and projects these ladies are sharing should be of interest to all.

Check them out.  So glad I found them.  Keep up the good work...not bad for 70 year olds.   

 

 

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

During my time in the service, there was no way anyone would expose themselves as being gay in the military. Constant witch hunts were conducted trying to sniff out gays and lesbians in order to get them out of the Army. The objective was to "stay in the closet" and try to perform our duties without getting exposed.  

Wow, how times have changed!  This year the Don't Ask, Don't Tell saga became a headline. For an update on this issue check out the following:

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell  on Sep 20, 2011

President Obama signed the law that repealed "don't ask, don't tell" and officially certified this summer that it would not diminish readiness. But plenty of opposition still remains."It's a tragic day for America," said Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council. While gays and lesbians can now serve openly, there are still limits: All servicemen and women -- regardless of sexual orientation -- must continue to abide by strict standards of personal conduct, such as those pertaining to public displays of affection.

Marines Opposition Update on Dec 5, 2011

Marine Gen. James F. Amos, the face of opposition in the military to lifting the ban on gays serving openly, now acknowledges his concern has proven unfounded that repeal would undermine the war effort. In fact, he says, Marines have embraced the change. A Defense Department spokeswoman, Cynthia O. Smith, said implementation of the repeal of the gay ban is proceeding smoothly across the military.

What a surprise. Isn't it nice to know that gays are not a threat to military readiness? Whippee do-do!

 

 

Lesbians over age 60 network

 

WHO WE ARE: We are a national network of Old Lesbians over age 60 working to make life better for Old Lesbians and to confront ageism in our communities and our country using education and public discourse as primary tools. During biennial National Gatherings hundreds of us come together to share experiences and ideas and recharge our energies for the tasks at hand.

Mission Statement For OLOC: Old Lesbians Organizing for Change is a national organization for Old Lesbians age 60 and over, and will:

• Promote Old Lesbian Pride.
• Educate, support and empower Old Lesbians.
• Challenge ageism in our society and educate the general public about the effects of ageism and oppression.
• Celebrate our strengths, our talents, our experiences, and document our lives.
• Convene national gatherings of Old Lesbians.
• Encourage, establish, and support local chapters and regional  events.