To Believe in Women: What Lesbians Have Done for America -- A History

A groundbreaking reappraisal of women who are known by history but whose histories are incomplete. Examines how their lesbianism may in fact have facilitated their accomplishments. Persuasively argues that even before a lesbian identity was defined, many female leaders had lesbian relationships, free from the constraints of traditional heterosexual arrangements, which might have impeded their pursuits in education, politics, culture, & professional life. The book has received many awards, including the Lambda Literary Editors Choice Award; Best Lesbian/Gay Book of the Year, ALA s Social Responsibilities Task Force; & a New York Times Notable Book & Editor s Choice.