Lesbian Mothers' Defence Fund

Identity area

Type of entity

Corporate body

Authorized form of name

Lesbian Mothers' Defence Fund

Parallel form(s) of name

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      Other form(s) of name

      • LMDF

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      Description area

      Dates of existence

      1978-1987

      History

      "In 1978, members from Wages Due Lesbians created a new organization called Lesbian Mothers’ Defence Fund (LMDF). Modelled on the Seattle organization Lesbian Mothers’ National Defense Fund, this new group was formed in Toronto in 1978 and was primarily concerned with helping lesbian mothers in child custody cases. As such, it collected a large amount of documents on trials held in Canada and the United States, which it distributed to lesbian mothers or/and their lawyers. It also provided some financial assistance and emotional support to lesbian mothers.
      To reach as many women as possible it also began to publish a newsletter, Grapevine: the newsletter of the Lesbian Mothers' Defence Fund. Not only did it inform women but the money helped to support the running of the organization. The Lesbian Mothers’ Defence Fund also raised money by holding dances and accepting donations. However, the revenues were slim and they had to rely heavily on grants given by several companies. By 1987 the organization ceased operations.
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      En 1978, des membres de Wages Due Lesbians ont créé une nouvelle organisation appelée Lesbian Mothers' Defence Fund (LMDF). Inspiré de l'organisation Lesbian Mothers' National Defense Fund de Seattle, ce nouveau groupe est créé à Toronto en 1978 et a pour objectif principal d'aider les mères lesbiennes dans les affaires de garde d'enfants. A ce titre, il recueille une grande quantité de documents sur les procès tenus au Canada et aux Etats-Unis, qu'il distribue aux mères lesbiennes ou/et à leurs avocats. Elle a également apporté une aide financière et un soutien émotionnel aux mères lesbiennes.
      Afin de toucher le plus grand nombre de femmes possible, elle a également commencé à publier un bulletin d'information, Grapevine : the newsletter of the Lesbian Mothers' Defence Fund. Non seulement ce bulletin informait les femmes, mais l'argent récolté permettait de financer le fonctionnement de l'organisation. Le Lesbian Mothers' Defence Fund a également collecté des fonds en organisant des soirées dansantes et en acceptant des dons. Cependant, les revenus étaient faibles et l'organisation devait compter fortement sur les subventions accordées par plusieurs entreprises. En 1987, l'organisation a cessé ses activités."

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