Born August 16, 1940, in New York City, musician and writer Alix Dobkin released the first openly lesbian album, 1973’s “Lavender Jane Loves Women.” She released “Living with Lesbians” in 1976, and was a regular performer at women’s music festivals for many years. She died May 13, 2021, at age 80.
The daughter of Jewish Communists, Dobkin did not shy from controversy during her life, releasing a memoir called “My Red Blood” in 2009. Her legacy is marred by her anti-transgender positions in recent years, including a column called “The Emperor’s New Gender.”
Legendary lesbian comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer mourned her passing. “The first time Alix saw me perform she said not only was I hilarious, but FINALLY there was someone who could call out and be obnoxious to straight boys and make them laugh &&133; and she was so happy I was a feminist and knew about/supported separatist lesbians,” Westenhoefer recalled. “Her place in lesbian feminist history is huge and her being gone is a vacancy I hope some young folk performer will fill.”
