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“Coming out is an affirmation of our creative ability, of our ability to change, of our ability to face up to fear. And fear is our greatest enemy.” – Alix Dobkin.
As some of you have probably heard, musician and feminist powerhouse Alix Dobkin sadly passed away late last month at the age of 80. While we, of course, mourn the passing of such an incredible trailblazer, her death means that it’s time to reflect and celebrate what a wonderful agent of change she was for the lesbian and queer community.
If you’re not familiar with Dobkin, she was a powerful force for the gay movement, and her relentless optimism for the lesbian community shows in her music and songs.
A folk-rocker, Dobkin broke into the music scene shortly after graduating from the Tyler School of Fine Arts, where she packed her bags and headed out to NYC. She landed in Greenwich Village and often played at the Gaslight Cafe.
After a brief marriage with a man, Dobkin came out as a lesbian in 1972, and that’s where her life truly began to change. She soon realized the purpose of her life: to radically accept herself as a lesbian and to help other gay women do the same.
She spent most of the 70s, 80s, and 90s touring the country with her lesbian music. Her music was aimed to inspire thought, spark ideas, and provoke new insight into different perspectives. At its core, her music was all about her life as a lesbian and her experiences as a gay woman, and how excited she was about the future for lesbians.
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In her biography, Dobkin wrote, “I then came out as a Lesbian in 1972 and turned to writing and singing for women in general and to building Lesbian culture in particular.”
And that she did. Most of her shows were all-woman shows (that also accepted straight women allies) to create community and bring people together. Her concerts were fun and upbeat, and she played funny, smart songs like Lesbian Code or The Woman In Your Life Is You.
Not only did her music emphasize loving each other, but it also promoted inner love, peace, and acceptance.
Beyond her music, Dobkin also was a passionate speaker and educator. Check out this cool interview from the ’90s where she had an exciting conversation on the evolution of women’s music, spirituality, and how lesbians exist beyond those who try to control us.
Above all else, Dobkin was hopeful for the future: for women, for lesbians, and for America. We at Lesbian Pride are so thankful to have been blessed with such a remarkable role model as Dobkin, and we hope that lesbians around the world continue to celebrate not only Dobkin but each other and themselves: just as Dobkin would have wanted.
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