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- ⚢ What I learned from The Lesbian Avenger Handbook... ⚢
⚢ What I learned from The Lesbian Avenger Handbook... ⚢
A cornucopia of empowerment and strength....
K Anderson
September 14, 2022
QUEER WORD
⚢ What I learned from The Lesbian Avenger Handbook... ⚢
"Lesbians! Dykes! Gay Women! We Want Revenge and We Want It Now!"
I have some new heroes.
And, no, they might not wear spandex or be able to fly, but, by golly, they sure are kick-arse!
The Lesbian Avengers are a direct action group that uses humour and untraditional activism to raise awareness of lesbian issues.
They first emerged in the early 90s (with the name being a nod to Diana Rigg's character in the TV show The Avengers), and quickly gained traction with their outlandish and audacious actions - think public disruption with attention-grabbing tactics like marching bands, bright colours, fire-eating, chanting and singing.
With new chapters popping up across multiple cities in the US the original Avengers recognised the need to draw together their knowledge and experience of direct action in a nifty handbook so that these groups could hit the ground running.
And, what a wonderful manual they created!
Reinforcing lesbian stereotypes about being fastidious and well organised, the incredibly comprehensive Lesbian Avengers Handbook, which was first published in 1993, detailed the how (and how-not) to of direct action using their moniker.
Let's take a look at excerpts from the handbook and consider what lessons we can learn from their wisdom…
From the ‘Introduction’….
there is a wide spectrum of opinion in the lesbian community about what kinds of strategies to employ. Some people want to provide social services. Some people want to do theoretical development. Some people want to be in therapy groups. Some people want to work on electoral and legal reform. As a direct action, activist group, the Lesbian Avengers is not for everybody, nor should it be. It is for women who want to be involved in activism, work in community, be creative, do shit-work, take responsibility on a regular basis, have their minds blown, change their opinions and share organising skills. Other strategies are also valid but the Avengers' reason for existing is direct action.
Lesson - you can't be all things to all people. Knowing your lane and sticking to it can be incredibly powerful.
What I especially love here is that they don't denigrate or rubbish other approaches - merely state that they are not for them.
From the 'Meetings' section...
If you want revenge, call a meeting. A meeting is the first step toward a life of retribution and an essential element in organising Lesbian Avengers.
Lesson - I love a clip board. I love a to-do list. I love a meeting! This is a wonderful reminder that a meeting can help you get shit done!
People have to be able to offer their perspectives without being attacked and to have space to explore ideas
Lesson - wow, this seems positively revolutionary in today's climate, where we're more used to knee-jerk reactions than trying to understand each other.
From the 'Planning an action' section...
Avoid old, stale tactics at all costs. Chanting, picketing and the like, alone no longer make an impression; standing passively and listening to speakers is boring and disempowering. Look for daring, new participatory tactics depending on the nature of your action.
Lesson - Be bold. Be new. Give them something to talk about!
From the 'Graphics/Visuals' section...
If you've ever spray painted anti-hate slogans around town, you know how good it feels to vandalise for a good cause
Direct action is about getting attention, so don't be shy. The media loves photo ops so give them something to look at - dykes in deb gowns, slanderous slogans on banners and placards, sapphic serenades, flaming shrines.
Once you've decided on a target - an openly homophobic lawyer, a Cardinal, a way-ward pol - plan a dramatic action
it's important to have a clear message, so keep it simple
the more creative, imaginative and individual our actions look, the more inspiring and fun they will be
Lesson - there's so much goodness here, but what I'm taking is... don't mince your words, don't be afraid to attract attention, be clear about your target (and that maybe I should spray paint anti-hate slogans to get a zap or serotonin).
When we held our New Year's Eve party, the poster featured a picture of 70s Blaxploitation film star Pam Grier, in hot pants holding a rifle... Our Valentine's Day action honouring Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas celebrated 'POLITICALLY INCORRECT DOMESTIC BLISS'
No lesson here, just more proof of how cool these women are!
From the 'Phone Trees' section...
To create a phone tree, just divide up your phone list among a few strenuously seductive and reliable Avengers, who will become your lieutenants. You'll call them and they'll call their lists.
Lesson - whenever you think about moaning, remember that we've got it bloody easy! I can just send an e-mail or start a whatsapp group to reach hundreds of people with one message, but these Avengers had to PUT. IN. SOME. SERIOUS. WORK. (and talk to people on the phone! ick!)
From 'Conflict Resolution' section...
One outstanding revelation has been to stay away from abstract theoretical discussion. It is easy to create false polarities when there is nothing concrete on the table, but when our political discussion revolves around the creation and purpose of an action, it is much easier to come to agreement and share insights
Lesson - don't get stuck in the weeds navel-gazing. Focus on the action!
Because lesbians have been so excluded from power many of us have developed a negative stance where the only influence we have is to say 'no'. The Avengers is a place where lesbians can have their ideas realised, where we can each have an impact. A crucial part of that process is learning how to propose alternative solutions instead of just offering critiques. So, if you disagree with the proposal on the floor, instead of just tearing it apart, propose another way of realising the goal.
Lesson - this one really hit home hard... don't just say 'no'. Think about the alternatives, the enhancements, the ways in which things can be done differently. Embrace new things and see the positives.
So much goodness! So many relevant teachings! Are there any lessons you’ve taken from the extraordinary work of the Lesbian Avengers?
FAQs about the Lesbian Avengers
Who were the Lesbian Avengers?
The Lesbian Avengers were a direct action group formed in New York City in 1992. Their goal? To fight for lesbian visibility and rights through bold, unapologetic activism - with a sense of humour and a lot of fire (sometimes literally).
What made them different from other activist groups?
They centred lesbian issues at a time when mainstream LGBTQ+ activism often sidelined them. Their actions were punchy, media-savvy, and unafraid to disrupt the status quo. They also prioritised intersectionality, tackling racism, sexism, and classism head-on.
What are the Lesbian Avengers best known for?
They're probably most famous for organising the first Dyke March in 1993, held in Washington, D.C. They also staged headline-grabbing protests—like eating fire outside of schools that silenced queer students, or occupying the offices of anti-gay politicians.
What does “eating fire” mean, and why did they do it?
Literally eating fire. Members trained to perform this dangerous act as a symbol of power, fearlessness, and rage against oppression. It became their signature move - part performance, part protest, all badass.
Are the Lesbian Avengers still around?
Sort of. While the original New York group eventually disbanded, their legacy lives on. Dyke Marches now happen across the world, and some local Lesbian Avengers chapters have continued or re-emerged in new forms.
Why are they still important today?
Because visibility matters. The Lesbian Avengers were unapologetically queer, political, and creative in how they fought for change. They remind us that resistance can be joyful, angry, loud—and covered in glitter.