lesbian pulp and the lavender universe: July 2012

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Another Alice and Gertrude?



Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein


Legendary writer Gertrude Stein who penned "a rose is a rose is a rose" partnered with Alice B. Toklas for 40 years during which time they hosted their famous literary and artistic Parisian salon.

Did you know there's another Gertrude and Alice?
Alice Austen, born 1866 in Staten Island NY, is one of the most overlooked American photographers. Her work is considered the first in which lesbian women were openly photographed.
Photograph by Alice Austen


Photograph by Alice Austen

Photograph by Alice Austen

Photograph by Alice Austen

Photograph by Alice Austen

In 1899 Alice met Gertrude Amelia Tate from Brooklyn, NY who became Alice's lifelong companion. As you can imagine, photos of Alice in men's clothing with female companions was very controversial in the late 1800s.

"Alice Austen: Into the Light" is a documentary on her life and her visionary work. Her home and photographs are now the Alice Austen Museum, Staten Island, NY www.aliceausten.org


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Alice Austen and Gertrude Tate 
Alice Austen and Gertrude Tate