Looking to make your days a little more dykonic?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE FROM REBEL DYKES FILM/RIOT PRODUCTIONS
If you’ve been keeping up-to-date with all things DIVA, you’ll know that we’ve just launched the pre-order for our most dykonic issue yet: our first ever DYKE issue! We want to champion and amplify the incredible dykes who are striving to make this world a better place.
While you twiddle your thumbs waiting for your DYKE issue to arrive, why not check out these incredible pieces of dyke media that you can watch, listen to, or read?
TO WATCH
Rebel Dykes (2021)
This documentary by Siân A. Williams and Harri Shanahan dives into the lesbian scene in London during the 80s and 90s. Told with archive footage and first-hand accounts, this film celebrates the incredible power of the rebel dykes and what they stood for.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
BloodSisters: Leather, Dykes and Sadomasochism (1995)
Want to know more about the lesbian BDSM scene in the 90s? Look no further than this iconic documentary. Directed by Michelle Handelman, BloodSisters explores the leather subculture scene in San Francisco. Alongside providing an education about BDSM and leather identities, the film also shows its subjects attending protests and Pride marches.
Where to watch: Vimeo
TO LISTEN
TO READ
The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For – Alison Bechdel
If you haven’t heard of Alison Bechdel, have you been living under a rock? This is one of the staples of dyke literature. This comic strip collection gives insight into lesbian culture in the 80s, telling the stories of a group of friends. The characters tackle everything from postmodern theory to hot sex.
Moby Dyke – Krista Burton
Not only does this book have an incredible name, but it’s also focused on a very pressing topic: the decline of dyke bars. Krista Burton ventures on an epic pilgrimage to the last remaining dyke bars in the states to find out how these spaces are evolving and how we can protect them.
Stone Butch Blues – Leslie Feinberg
If you’re looking for a book that has impacted lesbian culture drastically, look no further than Leslie Feinberg. The book is largely based on Feinberg’s own experiences and touches on the beautiful tapestry of identities that make up the LGBTQIA+ community.
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name – Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde’s entire works should be essential reading for any dyke. But her biomythography Zami is one that certainly can’t be missed. This book is a powerful, iconic text by the self-proclaimed “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior poet” and has inspired sapphics for generations.
You can pre-order our DYKE issue here: divadirect.info
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com