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Lesbian Avengers




The Lesbian Avengers are an LGBT advocacy group that aims to identify and promote lesbian issues and perspectives, and to empower lesbians to become experienced and effective organizers for the purposes of Political rebellion. Since its founding in New York City by a group of Lesbian activists from the ACT-UP in June 1992, the group has worked mostly through Direct Action and Street Theater acts like Fire Eating .

Although the Avengers claim to be inclusive (they work with and for Women of all Race s and Classes ; Bisexual , Heterosexual , and Queer women; and Transgendered and Intersex individuals), they exclude men. The organization claims to emphasize the conversion of energy into constructive action against Heterosexist , Homophobic , Heteronormative , Classist , Racist , Sexist , and generally oppressive forces and institutions in society, particularly in the lesbian community.

There are approximately fifty-five Lesbian Avenger chapters, five of which are international. No national organization or structure connects the chapters, which are locally controlled and operated. Each chapter of the Lesbian Avengers collaborates on major events like the annual Dyke March and larger, national protests. They also work in conjunction with other Progressive groups in their respective communities.

They famously intervened when Sandi Toksvig was dumped by the Save The Children charity after coming out. Following protests organised by the Lesbian Avengers, Toksvig was re-instated.

The Lesbian Avengers use the following Slogans :
  • "''The fire will not consume us — we take it and make it our own''", (chanted while other Avengers are fire-eating)

  • "''Be the bomb you throw''", and

  • "''We recruit''" (referring to the societal fear that homosexuals 'recruit' children).



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