Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2022

Abstract

Activism can take place in innumerable forms, from organized protests to online fundraising to raising awareness through educational measures like teach-ins, walk-outs, and circulated petitions. Historically, when marginalized groups do not have the space and/or power to speak up for themselves and the injustices they experience, whether that be out of lack of safety or lack of numbers or any other possible hindrance, they turn to more elusive forms of communication and unification to disseminate messages and calls to action. Thus, publications –– including but not limited to journals, magazines, or even zines–– have become major tools for facilitating communication and community building, especially in regards to vulnerable groups. Through the analyzation of the 1960s lesbian publication, Arena Three, that circulated in the United Kingdom prior to the worldwide AIDS crisis, this paper aims to show how the modern-day sapphic (of or relating to lesbians or lesbianism) community in the United Kingdom was initially created and maintained in the face of social and legislative homophobia. Additionally, this paper will discuss how historical publications such as Arena Three can become foundational texts for cultural identity and referenceable resources in the current day fight for equality and recognition.

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