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Lesbian Avengers |
The Lesbian Avengers are an LGBT advocacy group that aims to identify and promote lesbian issues and perspectives, and to empower lesbians to become experienced and effective organizers for the purposes of political rebellion. Since its founding in New York City by a group of lesbian activists from the ACT-UP in June 1992, the group has worked mostly through direct action and street theater acts like fire eating. The British wing of the group was formed in 1992 by members of Outrage!.
Although the Avengers claim to be inclusive (they work with and for women of all races and classes; bisexual, heterosexual, and queer women; and transgendered and intersex individuals), they exclude men. The organization claims to emphasize the conversion of energy into constructive action against heterosexist, homophobic, heteronormative, classist, racist, sexist, and generally oppressive forces and institutions in society, particularly in the lesbian community.
There are approximately fifty-five Lesbian Avenger chapters, five of which are international. No national organization or structure connects the chapters, which are locally controlled and operated. Each chapter of the Lesbian Avengers collaborates on major events like the annual Dyke March and larger, national protests. They also work in conjunction with other progressive groups in their respective communities. |
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