Portraits in Lavender: Flash Biographies of Some Famous Lesbians for the Newly Out Lesbian [Paperback]

Connie Torrisi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2009

Discover the Inspiring Achievementsof the World's Most Famous Lesbians

They founded enduring institutions, wrote some of the most famous works in English literature, served in Congress and won the Nobel Prize. All of them were lesbians - and while their sexual orientation was often obscured from the public in their own time, today the full character of their lives can be celebrated.

Portraits in Lavender presents 15 of the world' most accomplished women who loved women (and one very notable ax murderer - just to show lesbians aren't perfect, either). With its predominantly positive message of role models and sense of history, its recommended reading for anyone coming out or thinking about doing so. This engaging book will introduce you to:

- First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, whose correspondence reveals a passionate romance with the journalist Lorena Hickok
- Iconic American author Willa Cather, who went by "William" for four years as she led a masculine double life
- Artist and sculptor Rosa Bonheur, whose decision to wear pants in the 19th century required police permission
- Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, one of the most articulate and powerful woman ever to serve in Washington
- Katharine Lee Bates, the woman who penned America the Beautiful - now one of America's favorite anthems

No matter whether you're newly out, questioning or a longtime out lesbian, Portraits in Lavender will change the way you see lesbian history - and your own place in it.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

One goal of my book is to introduce some famous lesbians to modern-day teen lesbians who not only need role models of achievement, but also the knowledge that they are not alone. The book is also for women beyond their teen years who are just coming out. The book is for any lesbian who wnat a glimpse into the lives of historical women who just happened to be lesbians. Such women as Susan B. Anthony, Jane Addams and others will comfort and inspire the reader.

Product Details

• Paperback: 94 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (July 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1432742272
• ISBN-13: 978-1432742270
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,641,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super! An elightening and entertaining read!, April 23, 2010

By 

Marcia S. Freespirit - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Portraits in Lavender: Flash Biographies of Some Famous Lesbians for the Newly Out Lesbian (Paperback)

Portraits in Lavender by Connie Torrisi

Portraits in Lavender is a wonderful and interesting compilation of short biographies of famous lesbians. Torrisi lays out for us many fascinating facts about these remarkable women. Although lesbian history may be an enigma for many, Torrisi enlightens and entertains us with tidbits from the lives of these women.

Portraits in Lavender is a quick read that will surprise many. Not many readers would have guessed that the women included in the book were lesbians. Portraits is delightful, easy to read, interesting, informative and broaches a subject all to feared by so many. Torrisi is to be applauded for her work and her commitment to the Gay and Lesbian community.
Marcia Freespirit, CEO
JimSam Inc. Publishing

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite Informative..., December 31, 2009

By 

Stacey Pierce - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portraits in Lavender: Flash Biographies of Some Famous Lesbians for the Newly Out Lesbian (Paperback)

I read Portraits of Lavender in one day. It is a quite informative piece of work focusing on the lives of famous lesbians and is a great book to add to your personal library or could be included on a social science or women's studies course reading list. What I liked most about the book is that the author allowed you a brief view into the lives of women that I assumed were heterosexual women as that is how society has portrayed them. The author made a significant point when she compared the study of black history to gay history--non-existent, unimportant, forgotten--as our society has chosen to stray from discussing issues related to homosexuality.

Sexuality is very important and teens need to be supported as they journey through the identity process. Connie Torrisi reaches her goal of introducing these famous women to young women who are in need of positive role models. Although some states have same-sex marriage laws there is still a long way to go. Books like this allow one to see homosexuality in a positive light thus promoting a better understanding. I highly recommend this book to young women looking for help along their journey and for those who are aiding them along the way.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for ALL Lesbians - newly out or not, December 6, 2009

By 

C. Mesick (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Portraits in Lavender: Flash Biographies of Some Famous Lesbians for the Newly Out Lesbian (Paperback)

The book was very well written. It contained a lot of pertinent information in an essay format which made the subjects seemed very real to the reader. It was fun learning these different aspects of Lesbian history. Buy this book!!! Tell your friends about the book or present them as gifts to all your friends!