A Brief Analysis of American Lesbian Liberation Movement in the Late 20th Century
Shanghai International Studies University
A Brief Analysis of American Lesbian Liberation Movement in the Late 20th Century
A Thesis
Presented to College of English Language and Literature
In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for
The Degree of Bachelor of Arts
By
Liang Boning
Under the Supervision of Professor Wang Enming
April 2014
Acknowledgements
In writing this thesis, I have had the support and encouragement of many people, and it is my great honor to acknowledge the many kindness they have shown. This thesis could not have been completed without their help.
First and foremost, to my supervisor, Prof. Wang Enming, whose criticism and insights constantly enlarge my perspectives and free my ideas. He encourages me to undertake the study of lesbian liberation movement, supports me in data collection, and carefully guides me during the whole writing process. I will always remember his benevolent and professional attitude as a sincere scholar.
I also convey my genius gratitude to Dr. Cheng Xin, for her thought-provoking lectures and generous assistant in the course of American Women Writers. It is her who first inspires me to do more in-depth research on lesbians, and continuously supports me in pursuing my interest. I significantly benefit from comments and suggestions she has provided of my papers.
Prof. Qiao Guoqiang, Dr. Zhao Guanfang, Dr. Chen Qi, and Dr. Ma Ledong, and my friends Jasmine Hu, Yvonne Cao, Wu Yujie, who have always been the biggest source of support, encouragement and also happiness. I would also like to thank all the authors whose works I have cited and quoted in my thesis.
My thanks will forever go to College of English Language and Literature, and all the faculty and staff and classmates in this college. Four years spending in this remarkable place and with these intelligent people spurs me to become a better person in many ways.
At last, I wish to express many many heartfelt gratitude to my lovely parents, whose love, support and wisdom have guided and will guide me in my whole life. I can never thank adequately enough people who contribute to this thesis.
Abstract
The late twentieth century has witnessed a tremendous transformation of American society. Lesbian Liberation Movement, as an important part contributing to this change, requires more in-depth insights from the light of its role in societal reconstruction.
From lesbian feminism to queer theory, the transition inside of the lesbian community is also a reflection of a dynamic and progressive social environment. Legislation, political activities, and even literatures and media tend to be more tolerant to different possibilities and preferences. Based on many historians of gay and lesbian studies and many social phenomenon, this thesis will mainly analysis the social, cultural and economic factors that contribute to the formation, development and success of the lesbian liberation.
The awakening of women and gays builds a solid ideological foundation and raise the consciousness of right of lesbians. Many white middle-class, especially educated heterosexual women and lesbians then stand out to fight for their equal rights, and fight against discrimination by organizing groups, demonstrations and publishing journals. Certain obstacles, such as sexism and homophobia, push them to struggle ever harder to find a way out of such dilemma. Their fruits are also shared with other sexual minority groups, and create a profound influence on the mainstream ethics of American society.
To pick out exact ways in which this movement functions is not an easy task. Since the history of a minority group might be altered, obscured or even distorted by mainstream recorders. The thesis can only briefly and roughly present the movement’s glamour and gloom back in the late twentieth century, and will not be added personal explanations or comments to these historical events.
Keywords: Women’s Liberation, Lesbian Feminism, Sexology, Queer Theory
摘要
二十世纪后半叶的美国社会见证了一次巨大的变革。女同性恋解放运动，作为这一变革的重要组成部分，却并未得到充分的重视。其在社会架构重建中的作用亟需更加深入的探究。