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is less severe and our struggle only secondary to that of our gay brothers.
Lesbian Line originated this summer largely as a result of the dissatisfaction felt by some of its members who have previously been active in other gay organisations, some of which exist to help and inform isolated individuals. Both women using these services and the women working for them found that homosexual men can often be no more free from misconceptions about lesbians than the general public. So the first national phone service was set up, run entirely by women for women.
This is the first time a woman has been able to ring up and be sure of speaking to another woman, whether she just wants information regarding women-only events and places, or the opportunity to talk at length to a woman who will have had experiences similar to her own.
After three months organisation. supported by the Movement, our phone service started operating on 19 September 1977. We provide the opportunity for sharing information, making links between different groups already in existence, helping isolated lesbians and bisexual women, and encouraging the formation of a wider network. Those of us at Lesbian Line do not see ourselves as experts, but as a group of women with, between us, a wide range of ages and backgrounds and considerable experience we would like to share with other women. We respect every Photo: CHRIS DAVIES (Report)
woman's need to make her own individual decisions about her life and sexuality. However, as well as the more open forms of prejudice against lesbians, we also recognise the total lack of support available to most women considering a lesbian experience. Invariably they are told to work at their relationships with men and the possibility of relating to women is not really taken seriously. For this reason we are not prepared to hide behind a 'neutrality' towards lesbianism which traditionally masks the fear of 'encouraging lesbianism'. We hope therefore to offer a positive image of lesbianism to all women who contact us and communicate to them a sense of confidence and self-worth.
All of us work voluntarily for Lesbian Line. We are a non-profit making organisation, financially dependent on donations and our own fund raising, so financial help is extremely welcome to cover running costs. The phone service is run collectively. Both administration and phone duties are rotated and shared equally. Decisions are taken at regular meetings. At present we are open for any woman who wants to ring us between 2-10pm on Mondays and Fridays. Letters may be sent to us c/o BM 1514, London WC1V 6XX. We also hold small social gatherings to enable women to talk and to get to know other lesbians.
Lesbian Line's telephone number is 01-794 2942.