In the mid-20th century, a young woman named Edythe Eyde embarked on a journey that would leave a lasting mark on LGBTQ+ history. Born in northern California, Edythe, like many young people of her time, sought to escape the constraints of her upbringing. In 1945, she moved to Los Angeles, a city that promised more freedom and opportunities. It was in this vibrant city that Edythe began to explore her identity and connect with others who shared her experiences.
Los Angeles in the 1940s was a city of contrasts—glamour and grit, freedom and repression. For Edythe, it became a place where she could finally meet other women who, like her, were attracted to the same sex. However, in an era when homosexuality was not only stigmatized but also illegal, the need for discretion was paramount. Despite these challenges, Edythe found a way to express herself and connect with others through an innovative and daring project.
In 1947, Edythe Eyde—using her office typewriter and carbon paper—created what would become known as the first LGBTQ+ magazine in the United States. She named it “Vice Versa,” a title that subtly hinted at the content without revealing too much to those who might stumble upon it. Edythe’s goal was simple yet revolutionary: to provide a voice and a sense of community for lesbians, who at the time had little to no representation in the media.
“Vice Versa” was not a conventional magazine by any means. It was a labor of love, produced in secret during her lunch breaks at work. Edythe typed out each issue by hand, creating just ten copies of each edition. Despite the small print run, the magazine had a significant impact. Copies of “Vice Versa” were passed from hand to hand, read by dozens, if not hundreds, of women who were hungry for a connection to others like them. The magazine featured short stories, essays, and poems that spoke to the unique experiences of lesbians, offering both entertainment and validation at a time when such content was scarce.
Interestingly, the name “Lisa Ben”—an anagram of “lesbian”—was not used in the creation of “Vice Versa.” Edythe only adopted this pseudonym later when she began contributing articles to “The Ladder,” another pioneering lesbian publication. The anonymity of “Vice Versa” was crucial; no names appeared in its pages, reflecting the need for caution in a society that was not yet ready to accept homosexuality.
“Vice Versa” ran for just nine editions, from June 1947 to February 1948, before fading into obscurity. However, its legacy lives on as a pioneering effort in the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights. Edythe Eyde’s project was a bold statement of existence and resilience, paving the way for future generations to express themselves more openly and freely.
In the decades that followed, the LGBTQ+ movement gained momentum, with publications like “The Ladder” and “One” magazine continuing the work that Edythe had started. Today, “Vice Versa” is remembered as a groundbreaking project that laid the foundation for the rich and diverse landscape of LGBTQ+ media that exists today.
Edythe Eyde’s story is a testament to the power of one individual’s courage and creativity. Through “Vice Versa,” she provided a lifeline to countless women who felt isolated and alone, creating a sense of community where there was none. Her work reminds us of the importance of visibility and the impact that even the smallest acts of defiance can have on the course of history.
