Julie Penelope Stanley papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-2013-03

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of typescripts and reproductions of scholarly articles and presentations by Julia Penelope (Stanley) and other queer feminist scholars. Some documents include handwritten annotations.

Dates

1975 - 1979

Biographical / Historical

Julia Penelope Stanley (often credited as Julia Penelope) was an American linguist who wrote widely on lesbian and feminist identities and movements. Due to her identity as a lesbian, Penelope was dismissed from Florida State University in 1959 as part of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee’s persecution of the queer community. Penelope went on to earn a B.A. in English and linguistics at New York’s City College and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Texas. Penelope’s academic career included tenure at the University of Georgia and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Penelope is recognized as a crucial theorist and activist in queer studies, particularly in relation to lesbian issues. Penelope’s organizing encompassed representation at events such as the National Women’s Conference and the Gay Academic Union. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Lesbian Herstory Archives and the Lincoln Legion of Lesbians. Penelope was self-described as a “lesbian separatist” and “white, working-class, fat butch dyke who never passed.” She passed away in January 2013.

Extent

1 boxes

0.21 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of typescripts and reproductions of scholarly work by Julia Penelope Stanley and supporting research materials by other authors. Authorship is credited as both Julia Penelope Stanley and Julia Penelope. A series of documents includes collaborations with Susan J. Wolfe (Robbins) of the Department of English, University of South Dakota. Topics of writings include lesbian identities and culture, queer theory, linguistics, feminism, sexism, and literature.