1980-1981

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Common Lives/Lesbian Lives Records, Iowa Women’s Archives

1980

A group of lesbians interested in promoting writings about their culture creates Common Lives/Lesbian Lives. The nationally-distributed publication runs from 1981 to 1996, its circulation peaking at about 2,500.

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Common Lives/Lesbian Lives Records, Iowa Women’s Archives

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Michael Blake Personal Collection

1981

A rally to protest the screening of the movie “Cruising” – and the rise in anti-gay violence – is held in January at an Iowa City movie theater.

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Michael Blake Personal Collection

“A Call to Arms” flyer in September promotes action to protect Washington, D.C.’s anti-discrimination ordinance.

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Michael Blake Personal Collection

A September rally on the Pentacrest, the University of Iowa’s central campus, protests the proposed federal Family Protection Act.

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Iowa Women’s Archives

Women’s Halloween Dance poster.

 
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Michael Blake Personal Collection

A screening of the film, “Greetings from Washington, D.C.,” is scheduled in December. It is described by its producers as “a kaleidoscope of music, dance, stories and laughter shared at the first gay and lesbian rights march on Washington,” held in 1979.