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The Gay Women's Alternative, DC (GWA) (1981–1993) was an incorporated social-educational non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural, intellectual, and social lives of lesbians of the Washington, D.C., area. The GWA was formed in 1980 to provide the DC lesbian community with an alternative and safe space to socialize and discuss feminist and educational topics concerning the lesbian and gay women population.[1][2] The group met every Wednesday evening from 8 pm to 11 pm at the Washington Ethical Society near Silver Spring, Maryland.[3] Weekly programs covered topics such as, "Organizing Your Finances for Success," "Lesbian Couples: How Different are we?" and "Women and Wellness: A Feminist Approach to Health Care".[4] Speakers included black poet Audre Lorde, artist Joan E. Biren, television journalist Maureen Bunyan, and comedian Kate Karsten.[5] The GWA held several dances, including the annual lesbian spring dance and the Spring Cotillion.
- ^ "GWA's 10th Birthday," (11 Jan. 1991) The Washington Blade, p. 32
- ^ Bonita Becker. (23 March 1984). "The Growing Lesbian Alternative," The Washington Blade, Vol 15 p. 12
- ^ Ina B. Alterman, "Letter to Donna, Sapphire Sapphos (Black Lesbian Group), asking them to speak at GWA" Dec. 10, 1980, Rainbow History Project Archives, Box 5, MA 764, Folder 66, Kiplinger Library: Historical Society of Washington, DC.
- ^ "Gay Women's Alternative Schedule of Events Jan-March 1986," Rainbow History Project Archived 2014-03-01 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lisa M. Keen (12 Jan. 1984) "Audre Lorde Speaks at GWA," Washington Blade