Note: This was recorded on 9/1/23.
Welcome to The Lesbian Love Podcast special series, Lesbian Luminaries, where we dive deep into the stories, struggles, and triumphs of lesbians who are making a real impact—locally and globally. I’m Pamela Gort, also known as The Lesbian Love Coach, and I’m thrilled to bring you this special episode, kicking off our brand-new series celebrating the pioneers, activists, and trailblazers who have shaped our community.
And who better to start with than Dr. Bonnie Morris!
If you’re a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone who loves hearing about badass women breaking barriers, you’re in for a treat. Dr. Bonnie Morris is a powerhouse—an award-winning author, historian, and professor who has spent decades documenting and preserving lesbian culture and women’s history. She’s written over a dozen books, but today, we’re focusing on her latest: What’s the Score?—a deep dive into the hidden history of women’s sports and the lesbian athletes who’ve paved the way.
Women’s sports have always been a battleground for equality, but did you know just how deeply intertwined they are with lesbian history? In this episode, Dr. Morris shares fascinating, little-known stories of resilience, activism, and triumph—from the locker rooms to the Olympic podiums. She paints a vivid picture of what it was like for lesbian athletes who had to navigate homophobia, sexism, and the ever-present pressure to stay closeted while fighting for their place in the game.
But this isn’t just about the past. Dr. Morris also discusses the current state of women’s sports, the ongoing struggles for inclusion, and the pushback against LGBTQ+ athletes today. With the increasing politicization of sports and identity, these conversations have never been more relevant.
Beyond sports, we get personal. Dr. Morris opens up about her own journey—her early days as a student-athlete, the mentors who inspired her, and the moments that solidified her passion for preserving our history. We talk about why representation in sports matters, how lesbian visibility has evolved over the decades, and what we can do to continue advocating for change.