vintage lesbian photos | wlw history | disclaimer: some tags are for reach and do not necessarily describe the identities of people depicted within the post.
Just wanted to let everyone know I added a little disclaimer in the blog's description that not all tags on each post are accurate descriptions of the people's identities in the post! I typically use the first few tags to describe the post, add context, and give credit to the original creators and owners, then after that the tags I use are generalized to my blog. While my blog is, of course, welcome to everyone, my main audience are queer women/AFAB people- aka "sapphics." So while the photo in a post may feature individuals who identify specifically as lesbian or specifically as bisexual, the tags will typically include both identities to reach that audience (I say typically because I am definitely not 100% consistent, which I am working on!). That is my main reason for including multiple identities/labels as tags. Another reason, which I think many people may not consider, is that many people (though definitely not all!) change labels throughout their life. My blog covers a very big span of time during which labels' popularity and appropriateness have really shifted! People also discover themselves more as life progresses and may change labels based on their experiences. These reasons are why my blogs are the way they are, I never aim to offend anyone and seek to be as inclusive as possible. I hope this makes sense to everyone and that this will be less of an issue moving forward!
JoAnn Semones and Dorothy Allen each holding a beer bottle for the other to drink from, 1982
"This photograph depicts JoAnn Semones and Dorothy Allen sitting side by side in a bar, each one holding a beer bottle for the other to drink from. The photograph is from Semones Album, 1981-1992 (Dorothy), which was donated to the Mazer Lesbian Archives as part of the JoAnn Semones and Julie Barrow Collection. The album encompasses JoAnn Semones' life with her previous partner Dorothy Allen and spans from 1981-1992. JoAnn and Dorothy were only together until roughly 1986" [Description from the June Mazer Lesbian Archives].
Remembering queer activism and resistance during Pride month
Happy pride month, everyone! Pride is a beautiful time to celebrate our successes as a community, queer love, and the joy of being able to be yourself. It's also a time of protest and remembrance for the people we have lost, the decades of activism it took to get us here, and the brave queer thinkers, advocates, and activists that brought us forward. Here I'd like to share photos from protests throughout history from around the world. We have made so many great strides forward, we must continue to advocate for change and acceptance, not just for ourselves but for our queer neighbors around the world. To my LGBTQIA friends in less accepting places, families, and communities: you are not forgotten. You are part of the global queer community, and as we remember our past victories, we also keep in mind our current battles. Queer liberation is ongoing!
Protests outside the Black Cat bar, Feb. 11, 1967. The Black Cat was a gay bar that was raided by undercover LAPD officers during a New Years celebration on January 1, 1967. Patrons were dragged into the street, beaten, and arrested. Six men were convicted of lewd conduct for the act of kissing during the celebration. Some were forced to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. The community held protests on the patrons behalf.
Gay Liberation Front marching on Times Square, New York, 1969. This photo was likely taken during the Stonewall Riots: a series of protests and demonstrations that took place in New York City after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar on Christopher Street. These protests are often considered the beginning of the public fight for LGBT rights in the U.S.
Double exposed photo of Charles Hill and George Hislop, and a spokesperson from Quebec gay liberation at an Ottawa demonstration for gay rights in 1971. Photographed by Jearld Moldenhauer.
Speeches underneath Nelson's column after a Gay Pride Rally in Trafalgar Square in London (1972)
First demonstration of homosexual emancipation groups in the Federal Republic, Münster [Germany], 1972. "The banner “Lieber ein warmer Bruder als ein kalter Krieger” (“Rather a warm brother than a cold warrior”) cheekily turned a line with which the conservative politician Franz-Joseph Strauß (1915-1988) had captured the opinion of his beer hall voters on its head." (quote from source linked)
A demonstration in support of gay rights bill Intro 475 at City Hall, NYC (Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, Jane Vercaine, Barbara Deming, Kady Vandeurs, Carol Grosberg (1973). The bill would have extended NYC's fair employment laws to prohibit discrimination (in employment) against individuals based on sexual orientation. It was eventually based under a different name in 1986.
Three gay men of the group "¡Zas, pirulín, chin chin!"* pose "coquettishly" for reporters after a gay rights protest in the Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chilé. The 1973 protest was the first of its kind in Chilé, and one of the first gay rights demonstrations in all of Latin America.
"No somos enfermos, ni criminales." (1980). This sign is held up by a member of the Frente Homosexual de Acción Revolucionaria (FHAR) during a march commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Tlatelolco massacre.
Post-Mardi Gras protests in Sydney, Australia (1978). 1978 saw Sydney's first Mardi Gras celebration- a big parade through city streets that featured several gay and lesbian floats. The celebrants were confronted by police, who arrested 53 gays and lesbians, many of whom were beaten in jail. The next morning, the Sydney Morning Herald published their names and addresses, effectively outing them. Protest were held in defense of the community and the day became a defining moment for Australian LGBT history.
The first Marche National Pour Les Droits et Libertés des Homosexuels et Lesbiennes (National March for the Rights and Freedom of Gays and Lesbians) on April 4, 1981 in Paris. The March was organized by the Emergency Committee Against the Oppression of Homosexuals (CUARH).
Lesbianas de Latino America at the Los Angeles Christopher Street West pride parade, 1981. Queer Latina activists in the US began organizing and demonstrating in the 1970s following (and in conjunction with) the Chicano movement (El Movimiento).
People protesting for gay rights on what became known as "Pink Saturday" in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands (1982). Thousands of lesbian and gay people came from all over the Netherlands to protest together. 350 counter-protesters gathered and harassed the LGBT demonstrators, shouting and throwing stones and eggs. Two gay demonstrators had to be taken to the hospital. In the aftermath of the riots, a new dutch gay rights group formed and created a policy to include gay individuals in government that went into effect in 1984. The sign on the right translates to "love is... doing what you have never done before". Photo: Bernard de Wolff
Photo from Oct 13, 1990 at South Africa's first Gay Pride parade. The parade was organized by GLOW (the Gay and Lesbian Organization of Witwatersrand) and had over 1,000 marchers. Photo: IDAF
PRO-GAY & MCC (the Metropolitan Community Church) in 1994 at the first Pride March in the Philippines. This event, made up of about 50–60 people, is the first known Pride March in Asia. It commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and brought visibility to the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines.
First of all, I love your username so much. Maybe Pride & Prejudice (2005) or Scott Pilgrim vs the World? They're both great comfort movies. My favorite wlw movie is Fried Green Tomatoes. I sobbed the first time I watched it though, so proceed with caution I guess. Second favorite wlw is the Hayley Kiyoko's Girls Like Girls official music video. Watching that was definitely a turning point in my life. Hayley, if you're out there, hit me up.
Thank you all for your questions, this was the last one! Every interaction I have with you guys is so nice, I really love running this blog and seeing all of your little insights in the reblogs and replies, it's kind of the best part <3
15 (favorite song) is tough! I change what I listen to a lot, lately it’s been 90s/00s singer-songwriter. I’d say my favorite song this week is probably Erase/Rewind by the Cardigans or Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos. Also everyone needs to listen to Everything Is Embarassing by Sky Ferreira at least once in their life. For 69, I’d say I tend towards introvert, but it’s all about balance. I’m very chatty but also very private about my personal life, which is kind of a weird combo. Love people, love being on my own. Can’t have too much of either.
I keep an eye out for new queer nonfiction on Libro.fm, and there are so many cool ones coming out soon, so I wanted to share them here. I haven't read any of them, I'm just hyped for their release and want to encourage pre-orders. Some of the links below are affiliate links and the profits go to Making Queer History research.
The Queer Thing About Sin
by Harry Tanner
September 25, 2025
Queer Enlightenments
Hidden History of Lovers, Lawbreakers, and Homemakers
by Anthony Delaney
October 14, 2025
Sick and Dirty
Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness
by Michael Koresky
June 3, 2025
Before Gender
Lost Stories from Trans History, 1850-1950
by Eli Erlick
May 27, 2025
Hick
The trailblazing journalist who captured Eleanor Roosevelt's heart
by Sarah Miller
May 27, 2025
In Theory, Darling
Searching for José Esteban Muñoz and the Queer Imagination
by Marcos Gonsalez
May 20, 2025
Gay Berlin
Birthplace of a Modern Identity
by Robert Beachy
May 13, 2025
Trans History
From Ancient Times to Present Day
by Alex L. Combs & Andrew Eakett
May 13, 2025
So Many Stars
An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color
(i like the question list you put together btw i love being nosey but in such broad ways)
96. my parents just thought it was cute
97. probably, I have some English ancestry so odds are in my favor with that one I think. those 16th century royals were popping out babies like it was a full time job. most of my family are fishermen though, probably starting at the dawn of time and ending (in my line) with my grandfather. most of my extended family are still fishermen, which is kind of a cooler tradition than royalty imo (wish I had that royal $$ tho)
100. a beautiful deep green-ish blue, I just painted it! I recently inherited a mahogany bedroom set with a beautiful four poster bed, so I felt like it was finally time to take decorating seriously. I'm pretty sure I'm now the youngest ever subscriber to Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
(glad you like the question list! I am so nosey I love learning about other people, thought it'd be fun!)
1. Grace. Classic white girl middle name, they kept it sweet and simple lol
12. Not sure, I haven’t been remembering my dreams lately. I think I was having lunch with my middle/high school friend group and it didn’t go well
16. Well my favorite wlw movie is probably Fried Green Tomatoes, it’s kind of life changing but be prepared to cry your heart out (disclaimer: haven’t watched Portrait yet, I know that’s a crowd favorite). I didn’t really watch movies for a long time, but now I’m taking a film class and watching a ton, so the movie taste is still developing. Fave serious movie might be Pride and Prejudice (2005), the cinematography is beautiful. Fave fun movie is Scott Pilgrim vs the World. Feel free to give movie recommendations!
and also, where's your favorite place to source from or find sources? tyyyy!
47. What’s your most expensive piece of clothing?
Honestly, I have no idea. I don’t shop much. The last thing I bought was a Ralph Lauren polo bear sweatshirt that was $180, it’s definitely one of the nicer things I own.
57. How does it take you to get ready?
Today? Five minutes. Most days, like 40 minutes without showering. I love doing my makeup, I use like a dozen products for my everyday makeup.
96. How did you get your name?
For my real name, my parents just thought it was cute. It’s super popular, probably top ten for my birth year. I have a long Italian last name that everyone mispells (I’m not even Italian, long story) so my parents wanted an easy to spell and pronounce common American first name.
I recently hit another milestone on this blog and have been trying to be more active, and it's come to my attention that you guys really don't know anything about me! Which is fine, this blog isn't meant to be about me, it's about Vintage Sapphics, but I thought I would do a little Q and A for anyone who wants to learn more about me (you can comment a question or number and I will answer). The last time I did one was five years ago while I was still trying really hard to be as anonymous as possible (not the case anymore), so it's a bit overdue anyways. Feel free to ignore this post if it's not for you, this is not changing to be a personal blog anytime soon, after this will be back to your regularly scheduled vintage sapphic content! (I'll actually probably delete this in a week or so at most)
I'll include a random list of get to know you questions I found on tumblr (mostly from @uwuthority) below the cut, but feel free to ask a more specific question about the blog/running it/queer-specific questions, etc.
1. What is you middle name?
2. How old are you?
3. When is your birthday?
4. What is your zodiac sign?
5. What is your favorite color?
6. What’s your lucky number?
7. Do you have any pets?
8. Where are you from?
9. How tall are you?
10. What shoe size are you?
11. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
12. What was your last dream about?
13. What talents do you have?
14. Are you psychic in any way?
15. Favorite song?
16. Favorite movie?
17. Who would be your ideal partner?
18. Do you want children?
19. Do you want a church wedding?
20. Are you religious?
21. Have you ever been to the hospital?
22. Have you ever got in trouble with the law?
23. Have you ever met any celebrities?
24. Baths or showers?
25. What color socks are you wearing?
26. Have you ever been famous?
27. Would you like to be a big celebrity?
28. What type of music do you like?
29. Have you ever been skinny dipping?
30. How many pillows do you sleep with?
31. What position do you usually sleep in?
32. How big is your house?
33. What do you typically have for breakfast?
34. Have you ever fired a gun?
35. Have you ever tried archery?
36. Favorite clean word?
37. Favorite swear word?
38. What’s the longest you’ve ever gone without sleep?
39. Do you have any scars?
40. Have you ever had a secret admirer?
41. Are you a good liar?
42. Are you a good judge of character?
43. Can you do any other accents other than your own? 44. Do you have a strong accent?
45. What is your favorite accent?
46. What is your personality type?
47. What is your most expensive piece of clothing?
48. Can you curl your tongue?
49. Are you an innie or an outie?
50. Left or right handed?
51. Are you scared of spiders?
52. Favorite food?
53. Favorite foreign food?
54. Are you a clean or messy person?
55. Most used phrased?
56. Most used word?
57. How long does it take for you to get ready?
58. Do you have much of an ego?
59. What's your favorite social media platform/website?
60. Do you talk to yourself?
61. Do you sing to yourself?
62. Are you a good singer?
63. Biggest Fear?
64. Are you a gossip?
65. Best dramatic movie you’ve seen?
66. Do you like long or short hair?
67. Can you name all 50 states of America?
68. Favorite school subject?
69. Extrovert or Introvert?
70. Have you ever been scuba diving?
71. What makes you nervous?
72. Are you scared of the dark?
73. Do you correct people when they make mistakes?
74. Are you ticklish?
75. Have you ever started a rumor?
76. Have you ever been in a position of authority?
77. Have you ever drank underage?
78. Have you ever done drugs?
79. Who was your first real crush?
80. How many piercings do you have?
81. Can you roll your Rs?“
82. How fast can you type?
83. How fast can you run?
84. What color is your hair and what colors have you dyed it?
looks like a couple of my posts have been flagged, which is super frustrating because 1) they're perfectly suitable for tumblr and 2) I didn't get any kind of notification or way to appeal. I'm not sure if there's a way to do that, when I go to view flagged posts, there’s nothing there. I can't even see that they're flagged on desktop, only on mobile. Hopefully I can get it figured out, sorry if this inconveniences anyone
