Jeanne Córdova was an influential figure in lesbian feminist activism, born on July 18, 1948 in Bremerhaven, Germany. Her education in social work from UCLA marked the beginning of her tireless commitment to lesbian rights, serving as president of the Los Angeles chapter of Daughters of Bilitis and a key organizer of the first lesbian conference on the West Coast of the United States. in 1971.
Her influence spread through various publications such as The Lesbian Tide, an influential media outlet for the lesbian feminist generation. Later, in 1981, she founded the Community Yellow Pages, an LGBTQ+ directory that would become the largest in the United States. Additionally, she co-founded Square Peg Magazine, focused on queer culture and literature.
Córdova also excelled in community organizing and activism, participating in important conferences and campaigns, such as the National Lesbian Feminist Organization conference in 1978 and the fight against California’s Proposition 64 in 1986, which sought to quarantine HIV-positive people. .
After moving to Mexico in 1999 with her partner Lynn Harris Ballen, Jeanne continued her work in children’s education and literacy, and later, upon returning to Los Angeles, founded The Lesbian Exploratorium, a space dedicated to queer art and history projects. .
Jeanne Córdova’s career demonstrates an enduring legacy of fighting for the dignity and freedom of the LGBTQ+ community, leaving a profound impact that is especially celebrated during Pride Month. Her life and work continue to be a beacon of inspiration in the fight for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.
This is how Google announced today’s tribute:
Celebrating Jeanne Córdova
Jeanne Córdova was born on July 18, 1948 in Bremerhaven, Germany. During her college days, she began advocating for lesbian rights. While earning her master’s degree in social work from UCLA, she became president of the Los Angeles chapter of the lesbian rights organization Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) and was a key organizer of the first West Coast Lesbian Conference in 1971. The newsletter of DOB that she edited evolved into The Lesbian Tide, a national registry for the lesbian feminist generation.
She brought passion and inclusivity to each of the publications she founded. In 1981, Córdova started the Community Yellow Pages, which became the largest LGBTQ+ directory in the US. She also co-founded Square Peg magazine, dedicated to queer culture and literature.
Córdova dedicated much of her time to activism and community organizing, participating in the 1978 National Lesbian Feminist Organization Conference and the campaign to defeat California’s 1986 Proposition 64, which would have forced HIV-positive people to be in quarantine. She also served on the board of several organizations, including the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Press Association.
In 1999, Córdova and his partner Lynn Harris Ballen moved to Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico. In his new home, Córdova worked on “When We Were Outlaws: A Memoir of Love and Revolution.” She and Ballen also co-founded the first nonprofit organization in their city dedicated to children’s education and literacy.
Córdova returned to his first loves, journalism and writing, when he moved back to Los Angeles. Together with her partner, she created The Lesbian Exploratorium, dedicated to queer art and history projects.
Thank you to Jeanne Córdova for your steadfast commitment to the freedom and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community — the difference you made is felt. Happy pride everyone!
