Minorities Research Group

Last updated

The Minorities Research Group (MRG) (est. 1963) [1] was the first organisation to openly advocate the interests of lesbians in the United Kingdom. It was founded by four women who got together in response to an article that was published in the magazine Twentieth Century. The group published the Minorities Research Group Newsletter, [2] and went on to publish its own lesbian magazine called Arena Three that provided a lifeline to remote lesbians around the country. [3]

Contents

The aims of the MRG were quoted as to "collaborate in research into the homosexual condition, especially as it concerns women; and to disseminate information to those genuinely in the quest of enlightenment". [4] Esme Langley, one of the group's key founders, was insistent that it should focus on research and be inclusive of heterosexuals and supportive of lesbian individuals. As well as lesbians, its members included social workers, psychiatrists and writers such as Iris Murdoch. [4]

The beginning

MRG was founded by Esme Langley. She was the editor, and working with her on the magazine were Diana Chapman, Cynthia Reid, Julie Switsur and Patricia Dunkley. [5] The group was prompted by the article "A quick look at lesbians" by the journalist Dilys Rowe in late 1962. [6] Although it would appear condemning in the present day, it discussed serious issues with interviews and quotations, and it prompted an interest in research into lesbian (and bisexual) lives. This research concept continued throughout the existence of the Minorities Research Group, which also provided a central point for formerly disparate individuals and information. Ultimately, the MRG provided education, support and opportunities to socialise for lesbians nationwide. [7]

In the media

Many MRG members were also members of the Gateways club [8] in Chelsea, London, which featured in the film The Killing of Sister George . The Arena Three publication and the benefits of MRG membership were regularly promoted inside amongst its clientele and group meetings were sometimes held there. [1] [9]

Other group members were located through small classified advertisements placed in British newspapers such as The Daily Telegraph . At first, many newspapers thought that their content was too offensive and refused to publish their adverts. The first to accept their adverts was The Sunday Times in May 1964 after it ran an article on the MRG. [10]

A further two articles were published in The Guardian and the News of the World later that year. This prompted a rush of enquiries and boosted membership from all over the country. Many of the members were married and had to get their husbands' written consent before they could join. [11]

In 1964, Esme Langley was interviewed by a psychiatrist for a late night Welsh television program. [12] Shortly afterwards a documentary was made for This Week, the first national British television program on lesbians. This was broadcast on 7 January 1965, which featured several MRG members. [12] [13]

Initially, the group had quite an impact on the press and on television which elevated the status of lesbians into something that could be discussed in ordinary society. Many women, including Esme Langley, volunteered to be interviewed and photographed for this purpose, risking loss of employment, abuse and loss of family connections. [14]

In 1971 a third television program about lesbians was made by Brigid Segrave called The important thing is love. [15] This program also featured eight women from the MRG and was considered important as it was the first time that the women faced the camera without their identities being hidden. [16]

Group politics

The Shakespeare's Head on Carnaby Street - March 2007 Shead.jpg
The Shakespeare's Head on Carnaby Street – March 2007

At one of the group debates in August 1964, a record 70 women turned up to discuss 'the freedom of dress'. This took place in a room above the Shakespeare's Head in Carnaby Street. Many of the women had been objecting to some women wearing the 'butch' attire of a suit and tie to meetings. This eventually led to long-term social divisions within the group where butch women became excluded. [17]

The Shakespeare's Head also had another function as the home of the MRG lending library and reading group. Much of the lesbian literature of the time was not available through book stores and public libraries, so the MRG library was an invaluable resource of largely donated books and publications. This library was eventually passed to lesbian social network Kenric in 1966. [9]

The Minorities Research group had an active relationship with the American equivalent of the time period, Daughters of Bilitis. [18]

Some of the MRG members wanted to steer away from research to improve the social aspects of the group. They went on to found the still running Kenric in 1965. [19]

Arena Three

The Minorities Research Group was responsible for producing the monthly journal Arena Three , which was Britain's first lesbian and bisexual women's publication. This publication was produced from 1963 to 1972 and at its peak, it was distributed by mail order to approximately 500-600 subscribers. Arena Three was not available in the shops and was entirely funded by Esme Langley, some advertising and its subscribers.

Arena Three was largely written by the same group of women and was often accused of being too middle class. [7] It graduated from a type-written newsletter to a full glossy magazine by 1971. Maureen Duffy [7] and Jackie Forster became regular contributors. A recent review of the magazine by Brighton Ourstory describes its contents as including letters from women around the country discussing local dances, events and the gay and lesbian politics of the day. [20]

Esme Langley

Esme Langley (1919–1992) [21] was the founder, secretary and driving force of the Minorities Research Group. She was responsible for editing and producing the Mainland and Arena Three magazines. [22] She also appeared in several early documentaries about lesbians, [12] including The important thing is love, released in 1971.

Esme worked as a secretary and was working in the field of magazine publishing at the time when she started MRG. She raised her eldest son on her own without ever being married, which was an unusual thing to do at the time. [1] In 1958 she wrote a semi-autobiographical book called Why Should I be Dismayed under the pseudonym of Ann Bruce, which describes her life from being in the A.T.S in occupied Germany to being a single parent and living in the conservative post Second World War era. [23]

The end

After the legalisation of male homosexuality in the UK with the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 other more political organisations had appeared, such as the Campaign for Homosexual Equality which focuses on equal rights for all homosexuals. These superseded the objectives of Minorities Research Group and helped bring about its demise and evolution.

The MRG ended with the final issue of Arena Three, which was published in March 1972. [20] Former group member Jackie Forster went on to start Sappho magazine in the same year. Jackie also went on to become an Executive member of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality and the Gay Liberation Front along with other former MRG members such as Maureen Duffy. [24]

Notable members

Reference articles

In summary, the article "A Quick Look at Lesbians by Dilys Rowe" (Winter 1962–1963) was based on an interview with three self-confessed "homosexual women" and a female doctor who specialised in marriage guidance. The article focused on the largely invisible lives of lesbians in society at the time and their relationships with their mother and father. It proposed that lesbians reported growing up in families where they had a weak father and a dominant mother and that they had failed to emotionally bond with their fathers during their formative years. [28]

Following on from this, a research article that was compiled with the help of the Minorities Research Group was "On the Genesis of Female Homosexuality by E. Bene" for the British Journal of Psychiatry , September 1965, pp. 815–21. This included further research into the parental relationship by sampling 37 lesbians from the group and 80 married women. The results also pointed towards lesbians having a poor relationship with their fathers. [29]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lesbian</span> Homosexual woman or girl

A lesbian is a homosexual woman or girl. The word is also used for women in relation to their sexual identity or sexual behavior, regardless of sexual orientation, or as an adjective to characterize or associate nouns with female homosexuality or same-sex attraction. The concept of "lesbian" to differentiate women with a shared sexual orientation evolved in the 20th century. Throughout history, women have not had the same freedom or independence as men to pursue homosexual relationships, but neither have they met the same harsh punishment as gay men in some societies. Instead, lesbian relationships have often been regarded as harmless, unless a participant attempts to assert privileges traditionally enjoyed by men. As a result, little in history was documented to give an accurate description of how female homosexuality was expressed. When early sexologists in the late 19th century began to categorize and describe homosexual behavior, hampered by a lack of knowledge about homosexuality or women's sexuality, they distinguished lesbians as women who did not adhere to female gender roles. They classified them as mentally ill—a designation which has been reversed since the late 20th century in the global scientific community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coming out</span> Process of revealing ones sexual orientation or other attributes

Coming out of the closet, often shortened to coming out, is a metaphor used to describe LGBT people's self-disclosure of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation or gender identity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kinsey scale</span> Scale for measuring sexual orientation

The Kinsey scale, also called the Heterosexual–Homosexual Rating Scale, is used in research to describe a person's sexual orientation based on one's experience or response at a given time. The scale typically ranges from 0, meaning exclusively heterosexual, to a 6, meaning exclusively homosexual. In both the male and female volumes of the Kinsey Reports, an additional grade, listed as "X", indicated "no socio-sexual contacts or reactions" (asexuality). The reports were first published in Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (1948) by Alfred Kinsey, Wardell Pomeroy, and others, and were also prominent in the complementary work Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Homosexuality and psychology</span> Homosexuality as viewed by the field of psychology

The field of psychology has extensively studied homosexuality as a human sexual orientation. The American Psychiatric Association listed homosexuality in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1952, but that classification came under scrutiny in research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. That research and subsequent studies consistently failed to produce any empirical or scientific basis for regarding homosexuality as anything other than a natural and normal sexual orientation that is a healthy and positive expression of human sexuality. As a result of this scientific research, the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973. Upon a thorough review of the scientific data, the American Psychological Association followed in 1975 and also called on all mental health professionals to take the lead in "removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated" with homosexuality. In 1993, the National Association of Social Workers adopted the same position as the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association, in recognition of scientific evidence. The World Health Organization, which listed homosexuality in the ICD-9 in 1977, removed homosexuality from the ICD-10 which was endorsed by the 43rd World Health Assembly on 17 May 1990.

Down-low is an African-American slang term specifically used within the African-American community that typically refers to a sexual subculture of Black men who usually identify as heterosexual but actively seek sexual encounters and relations with other men, practice gay cruising, and frequently don a specific hip-hop attire during these activities. They generally avoid disclosing their same-sex sexual activities, even if they have female sexual partner(s), they are married to a woman, or they are single. The term is also used to refer to a related sexual identity. Down-low has been viewed as "a type of impression management that some of the informants use to present themselves in a manner that is consistent with perceived norms about masculine attribute, attitudes, and behavior".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Non-heterosexual</span> Sexual orientation other than heterosexual

Non-heterosexual is a word for a sexual orientation or sexual identity that is not heterosexual. The term helps define the "concept of what is the norm and how a particular group is different from that norm". Non-heterosexual is used in feminist and gender studies fields as well as general academic literature to help differentiate between sexual identities chosen, prescribed and simply assumed, with varying understanding of implications of those sexual identities. The term is similar to queer, though less politically charged and more clinical; queer generally refers to being non-normative and non-heterosexual. Some view the term as being contentious and pejorative as it "labels people against the perceived norm of heterosexuality, thus reinforcing heteronormativity". Still, others say non-heterosexual is the only term useful to maintaining coherence in research and suggest it "highlights a shortcoming in our language around sexual identity"; for instance, its use can enable bisexual erasure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demographics of sexual orientation</span> Prevalence of different types of sexual orientation

Obtaining precise numbers on the demographics of sexual orientation is difficult for a variety of reasons, including the nature of the research questions. Most of the studies on sexual orientation rely on self-reported data, which may pose challenges to researchers because of the subject matter's sensitivity. The studies tend to pose two sets of questions. One set examines self-report data of same-sex sexual experiences and attractions, while the other set examines self-report data of personal identification as homosexual or bisexual. Overall, fewer research subjects identify as homosexual or bisexual than report having had sexual experiences or attraction to a person of the same sex. Survey type, questions and survey setting may affect the respondents' answers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jackie Forster</span>

Jackie Forster was an English news reporter, actress and lesbian rights activist.

<i>The Celluloid Closet</i> (film) 1995 American documentary film

The Celluloid Closet is a 1996 American documentary film directed and co-written by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, and executive produced by Howard Rosenman. The film is based on Vito Russo's 1981 book The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies, and on lecture and film clip presentations he gave from 1972 to 1982. Russo had researched the history of how motion pictures, especially Hollywood films, had portrayed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gateways club</span> Lesbian nightclub in London, 1936–1985

The Gateways club was a noted lesbian nightclub located at 239 King's Road on the corner of Bramerton Street, Chelsea, London, England. It was the longest-surviving such club in the world, open by 1931 and legally becoming a members club in 1936. In 1967 it became for women only. It closed on Saturday 21 September 1985 after a period of only opening for a few hours each weekend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT stereotypes</span> Stereotypes around LGBTQ people and communities

LGBT stereotypes are stereotypes about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are based on their sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions. Stereotypical perceptions may be acquired through interactions with parents, teachers, peers and mass media, or, more generally, through a lack of firsthand familiarity, resulting in an increased reliance on generalizations.

Nancy Brooker Spain was a prominent English broadcaster and journalist. She was a columnist for the Daily Express, She magazine, and the News of the World in the 1950s and 1960s. She also appeared on many radio broadcasts, particularly on Woman's Hour and My Word!, and later as a panelist on the television programmes What's My Line? and Juke Box Jury. Spain died in a plane crash near Aintree racecourse while travelling to the 1964 Grand National.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Homosexuality</span> Sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender

Homosexuality is a sexual attraction, romantic attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" exclusively to people of the same sex or gender. It "also refers to a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions."

Esme Ross-Langley, was a British writer, best known as the founder of the Minorities Research Group and Arena Three. She died on 20 August 1991 in St Albans City Hospital; of complications following a stroke.

<i>Arena Three</i> British monthly magazine, 1964–1971

Arena Three was a British monthly publication founded by Esme Langley and Diana Chapman in 1964. It was written by and for lesbians and published by the Minorities Research Group (MRG) from 1964 to 1971.

Sappho was an English lesbian social club founded in 1972 by Jackie Forster and others.

Closeted and in the closet are metaphors for LGBT people who have not disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity and aspects thereof, including sexual identity and sexual behavior. This metaphor is associated and sometimes combined with coming out, the act of revealing one's sexuality or gender to others, to create the phrase "coming out of the closet".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bisexuality</span> Sexual attraction to people of any gender

Bisexuality is a romantic or sexual attraction or behavior toward both males and females, to more than one gender, or to both people of the same gender and different genders. It may also be defined to include romantic or sexual attraction to people regardless of their sex or gender identity, which is also known as pansexuality.

The LGBT community in London is one of the largest within Europe. LGBT culture of London, England, is centred on Old Compton Street in Soho. There are also LGBT pubs and restaurants across London in Haggerston, Dalston and Vauxhall.

Domestic violence within lesbian relationships is the pattern of violent and coercive behavior in a female same-sex relationship wherein a lesbian or other non-heterosexual woman seeks to control the thoughts, beliefs, or conduct of her female intimate partner. In the case of multiple forms of domestic partner abuse, it is also referred to as lesbian battering.

References

  1. 1 2 3 p.96 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  2. Beckett, Elsa. Inventing Ourselves:Lesbian Life Stories, Eds: Hall–Carpenter Archives Lesbian Oral History Group, Routledge 1988, ISBN   0-415-02959-7, p68
  3. p.95 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  4. 1 2 Jill Gardiner (2003). From the closet to the screen: women at the Gateways Club, 1945–85. Pandora. p. 97. ISBN   978-0-86358-428-2.
  5. http://www.elisarolle.com/queerplaces/ch-d-e/Esme%20Langley.html
  6. Dilys Rowe (Winter 1962–63). "A quick look at lesbians". Twentieth Century: 67–72.
  7. 1 2 3 Jill Gardiner (2003). From the Closet to the Screen: Women at the Gateways Club, 1945–1985. London: Pandora. p. 102. ISBN   0-86358-427-6.
  8. p.122 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  9. 1 2 p.123 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  10. p.97-98 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  11. p.98 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  12. 1 2 3 p.99 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  13. British Film Institute. "This Week – Synopses from the British Film Institute". Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  14. p.99-101 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  15. Brighton Ourstory Winter Newsletter (Winter 2000). "Brighton Ourstory – The important thing is love" . Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  16. p.111-113 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  17. p.118-120 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  18. Marcia M. Gallo (2005). "'Daughters of Bilitis". Gerber/Hart Library. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  19. p.96-97 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  20. 1 2 Brighton Ourstory Winter Newsletter (Winter 1997). "Brighton Ourstory – Arena Three" . Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  21. p.256 From the Closet to the Screen – Jill Gardiner ISBN   0-86358-427-6
  22. MacDonald Helen (2005). "Arena Three at the Lesbian Archive and Information Centre, Glasgow Women's Library" . Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  23. Bruce, Ann (1958). Why should I be dismayed. Faber and Faber. ASIN   B0000CK2EU.
  24. knitting Circle (29 November 1999). "Knitting Circle – Jackie Forster". Archived from the original on 12 March 2007. Retrieved 8 April 2007.
  25. The Knitting Circle (29 November 1999). "Jackie Forster at the Knitting Circle". Archived from the original on 12 March 2007. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  26. Gardner, Jill (2003). From the Closet to the Screen: Women at the Gateways Club, 1945–1985. Rivers Oram Press/Pandora List. pp. 102–108. ISBN   0-86358-427-6.
  27. Linda Pointing (20 March 2005). "Barbara Bell – Guardian Obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  28. Oram, Alison; Tunbull, AnnMarie (2001). The Lesbian History Sourcebook. Routledge. p. 218. ISBN   0-415-11485-3.
  29. Oram, Alison; Tunbull, AnnMarie (2001). The Lesbian History Sourcebook. Routledge. p. 124. ISBN   0-415-11485-3.

Further reading