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Minorities Research Group
The Minorities Research Group (MRG) (est. 1963) was the first organisation to openly advocate the interests of lesbians in the United Kingdom. It was founded by four women who got together in response to an article that was published in the magazine Twentieth Century. The group published the Minorities Research Group Newsletter, and went on to publish its own lesbian magazine called Arena Three that provided a lifeline to remote lesbians around the country.
The aims of the MRG were quoted as to "collaborate in research into the homosexual condition, especially as it concerns women; and to disseminate information to those genuinely in the quest of enlightenment". Esme Langley, one of the group's key founders, was insistent that it should focus on research and be inclusive of heterosexuals and supportive of lesbian individuals. As well as lesbians, its members included social workers, psychiatrists and writers such as Iris Murdoch.
MRG was founded by Esme Langley. She was the editor, and working with her on the magazine were Diana Chapman, Cynthia Reid, Julie Switsur and Patricia Dunkley. The group was prompted by the article "A quick look at lesbians" by the journalist Dilys Rowe in late 1962. Although it would appear condemning in the present day, it discussed serious issues with interviews and quotations, and it prompted an interest in research into lesbian (and bisexual) lives. This research concept continued throughout the existence of the Minorities Research Group, which also provided a central point for formerly disparate individuals and information. Ultimately, the MRG provided education, support and opportunities to socialise for lesbians nationwide.
Many MRG members were also members of the Gateways club in Chelsea, London, which featured in the film The Killing of Sister George. The Arena Three publication and the benefits of MRG membership were regularly promoted inside amongst its clientele and group meetings were sometimes held there.
Other group members were located through small classified advertisements placed in British newspapers such as The Daily Telegraph. At first, many newspapers thought that their content was too offensive and refused to publish their adverts. The first to accept their adverts was The Sunday Times in May 1964 after it ran an article on the MRG.
A further two articles were published in The Guardian and the News of the World later that year. This prompted a rush of enquiries and boosted membership from all over the country. Many of the members were married and had to get their husbands' written consent before they could join.
In 1964, Esme Langley was interviewed by a psychiatrist for a late night Welsh television program. Shortly afterwards a documentary was made for This Week, the first national British television program on lesbians. This was broadcast on 7 January 1965, which featured several MRG members.
Initially, the group had quite an impact on the press and on television which elevated the status of lesbians into something that could be discussed in ordinary society. Many women, including Esme Langley, volunteered to be interviewed and photographed for this purpose, risking loss of employment, abuse and loss of family connections.
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Minorities Research Group
The Minorities Research Group (MRG) (est. 1963) was the first organisation to openly advocate the interests of lesbians in the United Kingdom. It was founded by four women who got together in response to an article that was published in the magazine Twentieth Century. The group published the Minorities Research Group Newsletter, and went on to publish its own lesbian magazine called Arena Three that provided a lifeline to remote lesbians around the country.
The aims of the MRG were quoted as to "collaborate in research into the homosexual condition, especially as it concerns women; and to disseminate information to those genuinely in the quest of enlightenment". Esme Langley, one of the group's key founders, was insistent that it should focus on research and be inclusive of heterosexuals and supportive of lesbian individuals. As well as lesbians, its members included social workers, psychiatrists and writers such as Iris Murdoch.
MRG was founded by Esme Langley. She was the editor, and working with her on the magazine were Diana Chapman, Cynthia Reid, Julie Switsur and Patricia Dunkley. The group was prompted by the article "A quick look at lesbians" by the journalist Dilys Rowe in late 1962. Although it would appear condemning in the present day, it discussed serious issues with interviews and quotations, and it prompted an interest in research into lesbian (and bisexual) lives. This research concept continued throughout the existence of the Minorities Research Group, which also provided a central point for formerly disparate individuals and information. Ultimately, the MRG provided education, support and opportunities to socialise for lesbians nationwide.
Many MRG members were also members of the Gateways club in Chelsea, London, which featured in the film The Killing of Sister George. The Arena Three publication and the benefits of MRG membership were regularly promoted inside amongst its clientele and group meetings were sometimes held there.
Other group members were located through small classified advertisements placed in British newspapers such as The Daily Telegraph. At first, many newspapers thought that their content was too offensive and refused to publish their adverts. The first to accept their adverts was The Sunday Times in May 1964 after it ran an article on the MRG.
A further two articles were published in The Guardian and the News of the World later that year. This prompted a rush of enquiries and boosted membership from all over the country. Many of the members were married and had to get their husbands' written consent before they could join.
In 1964, Esme Langley was interviewed by a psychiatrist for a late night Welsh television program. Shortly afterwards a documentary was made for This Week, the first national British television program on lesbians. This was broadcast on 7 January 1965, which featured several MRG members.
Initially, the group had quite an impact on the press and on television which elevated the status of lesbians into something that could be discussed in ordinary society. Many women, including Esme Langley, volunteered to be interviewed and photographed for this purpose, risking loss of employment, abuse and loss of family connections.