Born: 1921 (San Francisco, California)
Biography:
Edythe D. Eyde, better known by her pen name Lisa Ben, was an American editor, author, active fantasy-fiction fan and fanzine contributor, and songwriter. She is recognized as a pioneer in the LGBT movement for creating the first known lesbian publication in North America, Vice Versa.
Eyde was born in San Francisco in 1921 and grew up on an apricot ranch in Fremont Township, California. Her parents were Oscar E. Eyde, a Norwegian-born insurance agent, and Olive Elizabeth Colegrove, a housewife. Eyde’s interest in music began at a young age when she studied the violin for eight years. During high school, she developed her first crush on another girl, but it wasn’t until later that she identified as a lesbian.
After attending college for two years, Eyde took a secretarial course in 1942 to satisfy her parents’ wishes. However, she had always dreamed of living a more independent and fulfilling life. In 1945, Eyde finally gathered the courage to defy her parents and moved to Los Angeles, following her passion for music and adventure.
Eyde became actively involved in science fiction fandom in the early 1940s. As a member of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society, she contributed cartoons and letters of comment to science fiction fanzines. Eyde’s declaration of interest in Satanism during this time made her notorious within fandom and garnered attention from prominent figures such as Henry Kuttner and Wilson Tucker.
In 1946, Eyde came to the realization that she was a lesbian. This revelation came after observing that many of the women in her apartment building did not engage in discussions about boyfriends or breakups. A fellow resident asked Eyde if she was gay, which led her to embrace her true identity. Encouraged by her newfound friends, Eyde started frequenting lesbian bars, where she discovered a vibrant community.
Inspired by her experiences and the lack of representation for lesbians, Eyde launched Vice Versa, the first-known lesbian publication in North America, in the late 1940s. She single-handedly produced and distributed the magazine in Los Angeles. Through Vice Versa, Eyde aimed to create a space for the lesbian community to connect, share stories, and find support. Despite financial constraints, she managed to publish Vice Versa for a year, leaving an indelible mark on LGBTQ+ history.
Following her involvement with Vice Versa, Eyde remained active in lesbian bars as a musician. Her love for music and her talent as a songwriter allowed her to entertain and connect with the community. Eyde used her music as a means of self-expression and to foster unity among lesbians during a time when their voices were often silenced or ignored.
Eyde’s remarkable contributions to the LGBTQ+ movement have been recognized, solidifying her status as a pioneer. Through Vice Versa, she paved the way for future lesbian publications, ensuring that the experiences and stories of queer women were acknowledged and shared. Her bravery and resilience continue to inspire individuals today, reminding us of the importance of representation and community.