DYKE: A Quarterly (Magazine)

DYKE: A Quarterly was a lesbian feminist magazine published in New York City from 1975 to 1979. It was founded and edited by Penny House and Liza Cowan. The magazine's name was a deliberate reclamation of the pejorative term "dyke," embracing it as a symbol of lesbian identity and empowerment.

DYKE: A Quarterly distinguished itself through its commitment to lesbian separatism and radical feminism. It featured articles, essays, photography, and graphics exploring various aspects of lesbian life, culture, and politics. The magazine provided a platform for lesbian voices that were often marginalized or excluded from mainstream media and even some feminist publications.

Key themes explored in the magazine included lesbian identity formation, butch-femme dynamics, lesbian sexuality, the importance of lesbian community, and critiques of patriarchy and compulsory heterosexuality. DYKE: A Quarterly also addressed issues related to class, race, and disability within the lesbian community, though these topics were not always central to its focus.

The magazine's aesthetics were consciously DIY and reflected the feminist movement's emphasis on self-sufficiency and accessibility. It was visually distinctive, employing bold graphics and unconventional layouts.

Although its run was relatively short, DYKE: A Quarterly is considered a significant publication in the history of lesbian feminism and lesbian periodical literature. Its impact continues to be felt through its influence on subsequent lesbian publications and its role in shaping lesbian identity and political consciousness. Back issues are held in various archives and continue to be studied by scholars and activists.