Kathy McGlone

Kathy McGlone moved to Gainesville, Florida, from New York City with her partner at the time, Rosalie Miller, who had been very active in feminist activities in Gainesville during the 1970s. Kathy had been playing softball in Brooklyn in an egalitarian women’s league. Kathy and Rosalie attempted to duplicate that league in Gainesville. The result was Lavender Menace, which during its eleven years of existence from 1990 to 2001, became a force of community for Gainesville women. It had up to eight softball teams, and it sponsored a bowling league, a volleyball league, a sewing circle – and numerous dances and picnics. All women, regardless of ability, were encouraged to join them and to have fun.

Kathy McGlone was very active with producing the local newsletter, Mama Raga, which came out monthly. She was writing articles and doing all the mailing. For 20 years, starting in the early 1990s, Kathy was on the organizing committee for the annual Lesbian Variety Show in Gainesville, Florida.  She performed in numerous skits during that time.

Kathy McGlone was one of the founding members of the local Gay Pride Committee. Up until that time there was no coherent pride organization. Certain events might be sponsored by the local Metropolitan Community Church and the student organization at the University of Florida. Kathy, along with others from these various groups, came together to start a committee that planned a week of events for pride, concluding in an annual pride march and rally.

See also:

Barbara Esrig, “Lavender Menace and Gainesville Dykes,” Sinister Wisdom 117 (Summer 2020): 77-81.