The Liberation of Ivy Bottini

Overview

A key thinker during second wave feminism and early LGBTQ activism

Colorful, charismatic, magnetic, and brilliant are just a few of the words used to describe Ivy Bottini, a woman who was at the forefront of the National Organization of Women (NOW) movement and the second wave of feminism. She helped found the New York chapter of NOW and in 1969 designed the organization's logo, which is still used today. She then moved to Los Angeles and became an LGBT activist.  This is Ivy's story, in her own words—an inspirational and educational story of personal transformation, courage, activism, love, and sacrifice. It's also an insider's view and a model for activism from a leader in two of the most important liberation movements of the past half century—women's liberation, and gay and lesbian liberation.

Reviews

"My friend Ivy Bottini dared to come out as her true self when that was far more difficult than it is today. Her story will inspire each reader to be honest and authentic—and what could be more important than that?" —Gloria Steinem "Ivy Bottini, colorful, charismatic and a brilliant organizer, was there from the beginning of the second wave of feminism. [...] The Liberation of Ivy Bottini brings to life an important story of two crucial movements of the twentieth century and the huge, complex personality of a woman at the  forefront of both movements." —Lillian Faderman

Author Biography

Judith V. Branzburg, Ph.D.,  is an emeritus professor of writing, women's studies, gay and lesbian studies, and American literature at Pasadena City College. Her essays have appeared in such publications as Lesbian Review of Books, Radical Teacher, and Callaloo: A Black Southern Journal for Arts and Letters. She has also published a novel, The Paris Adventures of Judith and Amy.