Sappho Was a Right-on Woman: A Liberated View of Lesbianism

by Barbara J. Love

Lesbian sociology and history

Genres: Lesbian, Nonfiction, Feminism, Queer, LGBT, History, Theory

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved reading about the major role lesbians played in the feminist movement. It was funny to read in the introduction that they thought the second part of the book might be too optimistic and lighthearted compared to the first describing the history, because I think they would be amazed by the strides feminism and gay rights have taken! (I wrote that sentence before the Nov 8 election, but I still think the general statement holds true.)

My only complaint was that I hated reading so many stupid references to Freud. I get that it was published in the 80's, but I'm really amazed any women who felt so strongly about feminism were willing to get behind a man who thought "penis envy" was a plausible affliction.

I tore through Part One in one night and Part Two in another. I wanted to give a copy to every woman and man in my life. I felt like so many aspects of my own life were contextualized and brought into focus through learning about history, which is not something I often get to feel as a woman! I wish these things were taught in schools and that girls everywhere could grow up knowing how much of what they have, had to be fought for and how much there is still to gain. It was a truly awesome read and I recommend it to all feminists and allies!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly, parts of the book were outdated and, at times, offensive, but overall this was still a really interesting, and really hopeful look at Lesbian life and liberation in the early 70s. However, it’s sad to see that many of the issues that the women were struggling with in the book (both intra-community and with the world at large) are still issues today.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why I have this weird obsession with reading second wave feminist texts, I guess I just find them kind of funny. But anyway, this wasn't as atrociously outdated as I was expecting! I really enjoyed the first few chapters but it did get a bit old. It does get bonus points for some really YIKES moments (e.g. the insinuation that women are incapable of rape) but hey, what did I expect.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

ihan läppä

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little volume by Abbott and Love is a great manifesto and history lesson -- the first half is devoted to the recent history of Lesbians (as the book capitalizes them) and their struggle, while the second looks more towards the future. Particularly interesting as an analysis of the intersection of Women's Lib and Gay Lib. Not a light, fun read, but if nothing else it can make you thank your lucky stars to be living now in these relatively more liberated times.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 3 out of 5]

From 1972! Interesting to compare this to more modern literature.

[sedge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so damn groovy. A must read.

[l · Rating 2 out of 5]

....white people in the 70s...

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sappho was a right-on woman; a liberated view of lesbianism is about liberated women and lesbians. Who could ask for anything more? To the younger generation this book may be dated. To me, it’s right on!

[Sam Skipper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super interesting snapshot of 1970s feminist and lesbian activism! That is exactly up my alley and I enjoyed reading this tremendously.

Obviously when reading things like this it’s important to exercise your historical empathy. That being said, be warned there are consistent snide remarks in regard to butch-femme dynamics that made me go ohhhhh BROTHER. I understand the point of view the writers are coming from given the time period, so I guess it kind of makes me laugh a bit. I have faith they’d have… um… better opinions today.

I detected virtually no transphobia which I enjoyed and frankly was not expecting. I found the writing to be a little… cyclical? At some points. I just struggled to feel direction in some of the chapters which made me feel burnt out reading this sometimes.

The final chapter was beautiful, poignant, and shockingly relevant. “She knows she only has two ways to go—forward with courage or back to fear.”

My life as a lesbian is very beautiful and I feel very lucky. I think it’s our duty as queer people to remember the work our ancestors put in and keep that energy going. Sounds like a basic point to put forward but it’s important nonetheless. I’m grateful I get to read things like this that remind me of the work they did!

[Whoof]

really cool as a historical document; things were rough for queers in the 70s. The parts on the battles within the Women's Liberation movement were especially enlightening.

Social and psychological descriptions make for interesting comparisons to today's sexual climate -- in so many ways an improvement but still with many of the same problems concerning identity/expectations/social pressure/stigma and how these complexities are reflected in both individual and collective experience

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reading, from a historical perspective.

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

interesting from a historical perspective but pretty dull

[grace ⧗ · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s so interesting to read how the lesbian rights movement has evolved in the past 50 or so years. so cool to read a book like this!