Daughters of Bilitis

The Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) were formed in 1955 in San Francisco by a group of women who wished to offer Lesbians an alternative social experience than the traditional Gay bar. The group also realized there was a need for education in both the general and Lesbian community about Gay rights and social inequality. In 1958, a chapter was established in New York City, followed by other chapters across the country. The goal of DOB was to help Lesbians accept themselves and lead a productive life. DOB published The Ladder beginning in 1956. The publication was an instant sucess and helped increase membership in DOB. During the early 1970s, the members of DOB began to split their focus between Gay rights and general women's issues, The Ladder ceased publication in 1972, and the organization began to disappear from both the Gay rights and feminist movements.

The Daughters of Bilitis were formed in 1955 in San Francisco by a group of women who wished to offer Lesbians an alternative social experience to the traditional Gay bar. The group also realized there was a need for education in both the general and the Lesbian community about Gay rights and social inequality. In 1958, a chapter was established in New York City, followed by other chapters across the country.