Gay Women's Alternative, GWA-DC (Series III)
Title
Gay Women's Alternative, GWA-DC (Series III)
Description
Documents relating to the Gay Women's Alternative of DC from 1980 to 1993. includes committee reports, ephemera, newspaper clippings and program announcements.
From 1981 to 1993, the Gay Women's Alternative of D.C. served as an essential educational and social focus for the metropolitan area's lesbian community. The organization dedicated itself to presenting an alternative to the closet and to the bars for the area's women, by providing lectures, social events, and discussions, often at the Washington Ethical Society. GWCDC became known for its dances for women, particularly its signature Spring Cotillion, and for its involvement with other women's events in the area including the summer Sisterfire musical extravaganzas and the Passages conferences. In 1985, GWA-DC presented its first conference. The initial organizers included Ina Alterman, Trish Bangert, Bonnie Becker, Susan Geiger, Maryl Kerley, Ann Meltzer, Lil Russo, and Joyce Sideman. By 1993, facing competition from a growing array of competing lesbian organizations, the demands of running a major social organization, and the group's inability to meet speakers' and performers' growing requests for payment (GWA had from the outset determined not to pay such fees), the board of Gay Women's Alternative decided to close down the organization following its final Spring Cotillion in May 1993.
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From 1981 to 1993, the Gay Women's Alternative of D.C. served as an essential educational and social focus for the metropolitan area's lesbian community. The organization dedicated itself to presenting an alternative to the closet and to the bars for the area's women, by providing lectures, social events, and discussions, often at the Washington Ethical Society. GWCDC became known for its dances for women, particularly its signature Spring Cotillion, and for its involvement with other women's events in the area including the summer Sisterfire musical extravaganzas and the Passages conferences. In 1985, GWA-DC presented its first conference. The initial organizers included Ina Alterman, Trish Bangert, Bonnie Becker, Susan Geiger, Maryl Kerley, Ann Meltzer, Lil Russo, and Joyce Sideman. By 1993, facing competition from a growing array of competing lesbian organizations, the demands of running a major social organization, and the group's inability to meet speakers' and performers' growing requests for payment (GWA had from the outset determined not to pay such fees), the board of Gay Women's Alternative decided to close down the organization following its final Spring Cotillion in May 1993.
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Access Rights
Available to all people, by appointment, at the DC History Center. Collection is available for “fair use.” Material may be protected by copyright.
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Collection Items
What Happened to DC’s Lesbian Spaces?
In this interview-style article, Rainbow History board member Dr. Bonnie Morris discusses the disappearance of lesbian spaces such as bars and bookstores in the DC area.
1985-03-13 GWA-DC Volunteer Application
GWA-DC application for potential volunteers and board members, dated March 13, 1985
GWA-DC Volunteers Needed Flyer
Hand-drawn flyer on GWA-DC stationary advertising need for volunteers
1986-12-08 GWA-DC Board of Directors
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of 1986 board of directors of GWA-DC
1985-12-08 GWA-DC Board of Directors
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of 1985 board of directors of GWA-DC
GWA-DC Copa Dance 1984
Flyer advertising the GWA-DC dance themed "Night at the Copa" on March 10, 1984.
GWA-DC Night on the QE 3
Flyer advertising GWA-DC "Night on the QE 3" dance on March 23, 1985. Flyer includes details about the dance including price and location.
GWA-DC Valentines Dance 1982
Flyer for the GWA-DC Valentines dance in 1982. Flyer contains event details, including location and price.