History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Media - Print

 
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First Issue:
Last Issue:

May, 1972
February/March, 1984
Target:

News and features for feminists and lesbians

Format:

Multiple formats during its 12-year history.

  • First issue was 2-page 8.5"x11" mimeographed handout.
  • In the late-1970's large newspaper size (11.5"x17.5" with fold, 23x17 sheet size).
  • Final issues were up to 64 pages on 8.5"x11" stapled newsprint (11"x17" sheets folded, stapled and finished).

  • Frequency:

    Monthly from 1972-75,
    bi-monthly from 1976-84

     

           
     

    Cover Gallery

    AMAZON, published from 1972 to 1984, included news, interviews, photos, reviews and other features of interest to the new wave of feminists and lesbian-feminists who became active in Milwaukee in the 1970s. It was run by women, for women. The articles and calendar of events profiled many of the exciting organizations and activities, from political protests to women's concerts, taking place at that time.

    AMAZON was an important communications tool for the Milwaukee women's community and served as a forum for the many new ideas and issues (like coming out of the closet, woman-run health care, the Equal Rights Amendment, and self-defense) that women, including many lesbians, were working on. Throughout its history, lesbians played important roles on AMAZON's staff and as contributing writers. The paper published such noted lesbian poets as Sue Silvermarie and Karen Snider.

    During its 12-year run, AMAZON carried three different subtitles. The first, from 1973-75, was "A Feminist Journal." The second, from 1976-78 was "A Midwest Journal for Women." The final subtitle, from 1979-84, was "Milwaukee's Feminist Press." Archived copies of AMAZON, available at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Library and at the Wisconsin Historical Society, are excellent sources of information on the activities and accomplishments of Milwaukee's lesbian-feminist community.

     


    Volume 2- Number 10 issue
    April, 1974
    (front page image only)


    Volume 10- Number 2 issue
    April/May, 1982
    (front page image only)

    Credits: information provided by Jamakaya, Publisher/Editor of AMAZON from 1979-82.
    Last updated: July-2007.