Boots of Leather Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community

Boots of Leather Slippers of Gold traces the evolution of the lesbian community in Buffalo New York from the mid-1930s up to the early 1960s. Drawing upon the oral histories of 45 women it is the first comprehensive history of a working-class lesbian community. These poignant and complex stories show how black and white working-class lesbians although living under oppressive circumstances nevertheless became powerful agents of historical change. Based on 13 years of research Boots of Leather Slippers of Gold ranges over such topics as sex relationships coming out butch-fem roles motherhood aging racism work oppression and pride. Kennedy and Davis provide a unique insiders perspective on butch-fem culture and argue that the roots of gay and lesbian liberation are found specifically in the determined resistance of working-class lesbians.