MODULE TWELVE DISCUSSION

During World War 2 when the majority of American men were overseas, women and LGBTQ+ individuals had the opportunties to work, and began to play a different role in society, where it had traditionally not been acceptable. Women joined the workforce in greater numbers than ever seen before in America, and many enjoyed it. “By the time the war was coming to a close, 80 percent of women wanted to stay at their jobs.” (Chris Gatt) Queer people were also more excepted into the work force, and found increasing even if incomplete freedom in public life. However at the end of the war with the increasing number of men returning home there was a push for the U.S to return to life before the war, and go back to traditional gender roles. “When the returning GI’s came home, within two days of victory in the pacific 800,000 women were fired from the air craft industry, and other companies began to follow suit.” (Chris Gatt) Women were expected to all quietly return home, and the queer community again faced immense discrimination. This however did not silence people instead it encouraged them to fight back and make changes. Public space became an important asset in coming together as communities to find unity and create a voice for their cause. This also helped people not to feel alone in their fight for equality and justice. “In 1950, Harry Hay founded the Mattachine Foundation, one of the nation’s first gay rights group…Though it started off small, the foundation, which sought to improve the lives of gay men through discussion groups and related activities” (History) Women were beginning to also come together and desired not only political equality early feminists had fought for but for social quality as well. “It had a unifying goal, too: not just political equality, which the first-wavers had fought for, but social equality.” (Vox) In the 1950’s for queer communities and women to have a voice and opinion in society was extremely controversial. Many however stood up to the system that tired to suppress them and bravely and publicly fought. Public spaces helped them to unify and not feel alone. It also upheld the message that they deserve space and a voice in society as well, and they would continue to fight until they were heard.


Chris Gatt: Miss Representation-After WW2, April 21, 2012

History: Gay Rights, June 28, 2017
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-gay-rights
Vox, Grady, Constance:The Waves of Feminism, and why people keep fighting over them, explained, July 20, 2018
https://www.vox.com/2018/3/20/16955588/feminism-waves-explained-first-second-third-fourth