Sisters for Homophile Equality

Sisters for Homophile Equality (SHE) was the first national lesbian organisation in New Zealand. They published The Circle, the first national lesbian magazine. Through this they were able to circulate overseas magazines and introduce New Zealanders to international ideas on lesbian feminism.[1]

History

SHE was founded in 1973 in by six Christchurch women. The group was formed to include both women's liberation and gay politics, two groups which were felt to inadequately address the issues of lesbians. The Christchurch branch of SHE was jointly responsible for the establishment of the first Women's Refuge in New Zealand, along with the groups 'Radical Feminist' and 'University Feminists.'[2] A Wellington branch was soon formed who produced The Circle magazine, which allowed for the circulation of national and international news on lesbian activism.[3] The Wellington branch was also responsible for beginning Club 41, the first lesbian club in Wellington.

In 1974, the first National Lesbian Conference was held in Wellington.[3]

References
  1. Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "5. – Lesbian lives – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand". teara.govt.nz. Retrieved 2018-05-29.
  2. Else, Anne (1993). Women Together: A History of Women's Organisations in New Zealand. Daphne Brassels Associates Press. p. 143.
  3. Else, Anne (1993). Women Together: A History of Women's Organisations in New Zealand. Daphne Brassel Associates Press. p. 559.
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