Two things I'd like you to know before I wade into the shallow waters of lesbian folk music's past:

1.  I'm a dyke.
2.  I have attended my fair share of Indigo Girls concerts.

I say this because I don't think it would be appropriate for a heterosexual person to write about mock Dobkin. And, in case you were wondering if there were any lesbians left who haven't been to an Indigo Girls concert, I'm here to tell you that, no, there aren't.

Now, let's get on with our history lesson for today: ALIX DOBKIN, a.k.a. "the head lesbian".

Alix Dobkin is said to be the first musician ever to make music by, for and about lesbian women. She performed lesbian folk music, and wrote her music in such a way that her intentions were unmistakeable (i.e., no pronoun ambiguity). Dobkin can be credited with launching the entire lesbian follk music genre and touring circuit that includes the likes of Catie Curtis, Ellis, Dar Williams, Chris Pureka, and countless more. (Reigning at the top of that list: the Indigo Girls)

Dobkin released her first full length record, Lavender Jane Loves Women, shortly after coming out in 1972. The record sent ripples through the lesbian community, and made Dobkin an instant star in the community. In 1975, Dobkin released her follow-up LP, "Living With Lesbians."

1.  "Living with Lesbians" - Alix Dobkin featuring the Lesbian Power Authority
2.  "Amazon ABC" - Alix Dobkin featuring the Lesbian Power Authority
   

Now that I've given credit where credit is due, I've got to tell you, Dobkin's music hasn't aged well. In fact, it's effin' HILARIOUS. Sometimes the hilarity is intentional ("Amazon ABCs"), and sometimes....well, it's a train wreck.

...And yes, those handsome butches on the album cover are indeed weilding garden hoes.  Don't mess with a dyke and her gardening tools.

 --  Jess