Born on July 18, 1948 in Bremerhaven, Germany, Jeanne Cordova was a pioneer in the lesbian feminist movement of the 1970s. She grew up in a large Catholic family in Southern California and honed her leadership skills early on. Her Mexican-American father, Frederick, worked for the humanitarian organization CARE, while her mother, Joan McGinnis Cordova, managed self-storage facilities. Growing up, Jeanne learned how to navigate the complexities of a large family, often taking charge and strategizing about daily tasks.
Religious Tours
In 1966, Cordova joined the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, a decision that caused her to deeply question her sexuality and faith. This period of reflection led her to leave the convent and pursue a master’s degree in social work at UCLA. She later documented her experiences as a nun in the 1990 book, Breaking the Habit: The Story of a Lesbian Nun, a candid account of her journey of self-discovery.
Activism Begins
Cordova’s activism began in 1970, when she served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), a lesbian civil and political rights organization. During this time, lesbian activists became increasingly bold, leading to a generational divide within the DOB. Younger women like Cordova sought more radical change, while older members feared that being too disruptive would increase their vulnerability.
Lesbian Wave
The newsletter Cordova wrote for the DOB evolved into the independent Lesbian Currents newsmagazine in 1971. The publication was distributed nationally and became a gathering point for political gatherings, such as the National Lesbian Convention held at UCLA in 1973. Lesbian Currents played an important role in amplifying lesbian voices, promoting visibility for the feminist and gay rights movements, addressing critical issues, and promoting community involvement.
Community Yellow Pages
In 1981, Cordova founded the Community Yellow Pages, a directory of gay businesses in Southern California. The program provides consumers with the option to support businesses that serve them without prejudice. The directory has played an important role in helping local gays come out of the shadows and creating a safe and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
personal life
Cordova’s personal life is as vibrant as her public activities. She and her husband, Lynn Harris Barron, were married in a partnership ceremony in August 1995 and legally married in 2013 when California legalized same-sex marriage. Barron described Cordova as “brilliant, complex, and beautiful,” highlighting her ability to be both strong and compassionate.
old age
In 1999, after selling the community yellow pages, Cordova and Barron moved to Mexico. There, Cordova delved into her Latino heritage and began writing her memoir, When We Were Desperadoes, in 2011. The couple returned to Los Angeles in 2007. In 2008, Cordova was diagnosed with colon cancer, which later spread to her lungs and brain. Despite her illness, she continued to be active, describing her life as a “wild joy ride.”
Lasting Legacy
Jeanne Córdova has left an indelible mark on the lesbian feminist movement and the wider LGBTQ+ community. Her contributions through Lesbian Tide and Community Yellow Pages provided important platforms for advocacy and visibility. A self-described “masculine woman,” Córdova challenged stereotypes and fought for visibility within both the feminist and gay rights movements. Her dedication to social justice and equality remains a powerful testament to her life’s work.
Influence and recognition
In recognition of her significant contributions, Cordova’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists. She left a $2 million estate to the Astraea Lesbian Justice Fund to ensure that her fight for lesbian visibility and rights will continue. Cordova’s life and work highlight the importance of persistent advocacy and the impact one person can have on social progress.
in conclusion
Jeanne Córdova rose from a Catholic nun to a pioneering lesbian feminist activist, demonstrating her deep commitment to social justice and equality. Her work with Lesbian Wave and Community Pages helped countless people find their voices and safe spaces, challenging social norms and increasing visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Córdova’s legacy is a testament to the power of activism and the enduring fight for equality, leaving an inspiring path for future generations.
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