Ladder, The
Name/Title
Ladder, TheEntry/Object ID
2024.4.35Description
"The Ladder" focused on content pertinent to Lesbians, featuring news reports, book reviews, a running bibliography of Lesbian literature, poetry, short stories, features on historical figures, letters from readers, and updates from its parent organization, the Daughters of Bilitis. There were frequent contributions from attorneys, psychiatrists, and doctors and advice columns dealing with how to assimilate into and cope within society. One of its main aims was to combat isolation for Lesbians, showing them they were not alone. HOLDINGS: Vol. 8 #11, August 1964; Vol. 9 #1, October 1964; Vol. 9 #2, November 1964; Vol. 9 #4, January 1965; Vol. 9 #5-6, March 1965; Vol. 9 #7, April 1965; Vol. 9 #8, May 1965; Vol. 9 #9, June 1965; Vol. 9 #10-11, July/August 1965; Vol. 9 #12, September 1965; Vol. 10 #1, October 1965; Vol. 10 #4, January 1966; Vol. 10 #8, May 1966; Vol. 10 #9, June 1966; Vol. 10 #10, July 1966; Vol. 14 #1-2, October/November 1969; Vol. 13 #7-8, April/May 1969; Vol. 16 #7-8, April/May 1972.Context
"The Ladder" was the first nationally distributed Lesbian publication in the United States. Published from 1956 to 1972 (bimonthly in 1971 and 1972), "The Ladder" was the primary monthly publication and method of communication for the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), the first Lesbian organization in the U.S.. Originally edited by Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, editorial responsibilities were taken over by Barbara Gittings from 1963 through 1966, when the magazine took on a more overtly political tone and photographs of actual Lesbians were added to the cover. Helen Sandoz took over the editorial role from 1966 to 1968, returning it to a more apolitical stance. In 1968, Barbara Grier took the reins, professionalizing the magazine and removing the word "Lesbian" from the cover, giving the magazine a more general feminist focus. In 1970 D.O.B. disbanded and president Rita La Porte took control of the 3,800 member mailing list, continuing to publish the magazine with Barbara Grier until running out of funds in September 1972. This sparked some controversy with other past editors and D.O.B. members as it was done with no consultation of others.Collection
Women in PrintCategory
Periodical