Jeanne Córdova Partner: Explore Google Doodle Honors Lgbtq+ Activist Jeanne Córdova

In celebration of Pride Month, Google has honored Jeanne Cordova with a special doodle. Jeanne Cordova (1948-2016) was a pioneer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. She was a lesbian activist, writer, and entrepreneur who made a significant impact on the movement in the second half of the 20th century. The doodle highlights her contributions and mentions her winning the prestigious Lambda Literary Award for her memoir, “When We Were Outlaws: A Memoir of Love and Revolution,” on this day in 2012.

Early life and activism

Jeanne Cordova was born in Germany in 1948. She moved to California for her college education, where her activism began. During her tenure at UCLA, she became a vocal advocate for lesbian rights. While earning her master’s degree in social work, she served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), a pioneering lesbian rights organization. In 1971, she played a key role in organizing the first West Coast Lesbian Conference.

Google’s doodle mentions: “While attending college, she began advocating for lesbian rights. While earning a master’s degree in social work from UCLA, she became president of the Los Angeles chapter of the lesbian rights organization Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) and was a key organizer of the first West Coast Lesbian Conference in 1971. The DOB newsletter she edited evolved into The Lesbian Tide, a national record for a generation of lesbian feminists.”

A proud gay woman and advocate

Córdova was not just an activist; she was a proud lesbian woman and a strong advocate for a deeper understanding of lesbian identity. She believed LGBTQ+ liberation meant challenging social norms and fighting for social justice, not just seeking acceptance. Her work with The Lesbian Tide, a revolutionary lesbian feminist newspaper she founded, provided a national platform for these ideas.

beyond the headlines

Jeanne Cordova’s activism wasn’t just limited to publishing. She was a prolific writer, with several books to her name, including her acclaimed memoir, “When We Were Outlaws: A Memoir of Love and Revolution.” The memoir details her experiences during the early days of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. In addition to writing, she was also a savvy businesswoman. She founded the Community Yellow Pages, a vital resource for the LGBTQ+ community at a time when visibility and access to information was limited.

Who was his partner?

Jeanne Córdova’s partner was Lynn Harris Ballen. The couple moved to Todos Santos, BCS Mexico in 1999. There, Córdova worked on her memoir, “When We Were Outlaws.” Together, they created the first non-profit organization dedicated to children’s education and literacy in their city. Upon returning to Los Angeles, they created The Lesbian Exploratorium, which focused on lesbian art and history projects. Lynn Harris Ballen was a constant support and collaborator in Córdova’s activism and creative endeavors.

Leadership and legacy

Córdova held leadership positions in several organizations, including the National Lesbian Feminist Organization and the Stonewall Democratic Club. Her activism extended to attending the 1978 National Lesbian Feminist Organization conference and the 1986 campaign to defeat California Proposition 64, which aimed to force HIV-positive people into quarantine. She also served on the board of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Press Association.

The Google Doodle further states: “Cordova devoted much of her time to activism and community organizing, attending the 1978 National Lesbian Feminist Organization conference and participating in the 1986 campaign to defeat California Proposition 64, which would have forced HIV-positive people to quarantine. She also served on the boards of several organizations, including the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Press Association.”

Continuing influence

Jeanne Cordova’s life and work were a testament to the power of activism and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. Her tireless push for equality and her unwavering commitment to her community continue to inspire generations of activists today. She believed in a more nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and dedicated her life to creating a more just and inclusive society.

Her legacy is remembered and celebrated, especially during Pride Month. Google’s special Doodle is a tribute to the woman who dedicated her life to the fight for equality and social justice.

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