DYKE, A Quarterly was created by Liza Cowan and Penny House. We had been best friends since we were four years old and had both recently come out as Lesbians. In 1975 we were in our mid twenties. Liza had moved to a farm in upstsate New York and Penny was living in New York City, where we had both grown up.
All over The United States Lesbians were getting together to make culture: music, literature, theater, art exhibits, film, poetry, and all kinds of media. We were right in the thick of it, enjoying every minute, and decided that making a magazine would be our contribution.
Announcement Flier. 1976. Second from Left, LIza Cowan. Second from right, Penny House. Far right, Alix Dobkin. Photo by Michelle. Design by Liza Cowan
This is the annotated archive of the magazine we created. We hope you enjoy reading the issues and taking a peek at some of what went on behind the pages: the sketches, ideas, layout guides, fliers, reviews, and even some of the angry letters. And, of course, it's filled with commentary and backstory.
Liza and Penny, circa 1975. Photo Alix Dobkin
Using the categories on the left, you can locate articles and images by issue or topic. We've tried to make this archive easy to use, and please remember that it is a work in progress.
We invite you to add your comments and memories.
Liza and Penny
Liza Cowan and Penny House, DYKE A Quarterly, 1978
DYKE A Quarterly is now available for research at The Museum Library of The Museum Of Modern Art in New York City. The issues as well as ephemera, letters, and collateral material are available for research at The Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe College.
"the exciting news is that DYKE, A Quarterly ... is building an online archive. So far only a few issues are up, but it's like getting a breath of fresh air from the past. Put on your overalls and bandanna and beam yourself back to the past, Scottie." The Tenured Radical
