Lesbianism At The Of Turn 20th Century

The word "lesbian" to describe women who shared a sexual desire for another female was first introduced into the public consciousness at the beginning of the 20th Century .

Lesbian activity flourished in Greenwich Village and Harlem in the 1920s .

They they were the major centres in New York that had inexpensive furnished-room housing for single women.

Many speakeasies were managed by lesbians .

Harlem and Greenwich Village clubs were famous for performances by lesbian artists .

Many of the more visible lesbians women were entertainers and actresses.

Ma Rainey

Bessie Smith

Early in the 20th century "Boston marriages" was the term describes romantic friendship between two women living together and without any financial support by men. The term was originally coined in Henry James' novel The Bostonians which told the tale of an intimate companionship between two wealthy, Boston women.

At the beginning of the 20th century there was increase in lesbian visibility , both in the public sphere and in representations of lesbians in art and literature.

Lesbian salons, cafes and restaurants were included in tourist guides during this era.