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From the days of
silent films through the present,
lesbian
film actresses have played a significant role in
Hollywood--both in the movies themselves and outside of them--but their
contributions have rarely been recognized or spoken of openly.
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Greta Garbo in 1925
 Mercedes
de Acosta
(1893-1968) was a poet, playwright, screenwriter, costume designer, and
memoirist remembered today for her love affairs with some of the most
glamorous women of her time.
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Dorothy Arzner
(1900-1979) was a lesbian filmmaker and the only woman director in
1930s and 1940s Hollywood. She made films that convey the varieties of
women's experiences and desires and the tenacity of women's
relationships with other women. |
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 Tallulah
Bankhead (1902-1968) was one of the most significant actresses
of her time, though she is remembered mostly as an irreverent wit and
volcanic life force. |
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Sandra Bernhard
(b. 1955) is a sharp-tongued comedienne, writer, singer, and actor
known almost as well for her
amorphous sexuality as for her cynical wit. |
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 Marlene Dietrich
(1901-1992) was an actress and cabaret performer who scandalized
society almost as much by wearing trousers in public as by her numerous
love affairs with both men and women.
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Greta Garbo
(1905-1990) was a mysterious, aloof, occasionally androgynous actress
once dubbed the "Swedish sphinx" who ignited the passions of men and
women alike.
Rosie O'Donnell
(b. 1962) is a comedian, actress, television talk show host, and openly
gay mom who has achieved
remarkable success in her relatively short career.
Lily Tomlin
(b. 1939) is less well-known for being herself than for the many
memorable personages she "becomes" during her comedic performances.
Tomlin has long been a supporter of gay and lesbian rights, but only
recently came out herself. |
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Ethel
Waters (1896-1977) may be best remembered for her award-winning
performances as an actress, but was also a renowned Blues singer, known
to have sexual relationships with other women.
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Photo Credits:
Greta Garbo photographed by Arnold Genthe, courtesy Library of Congress
Prints and Photographs Division.
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