Adrienne Rich

Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence

Influential essay arguing compulsory heterosexuality is a political system, not personal choice

About the author

Adrienne Rich
Adrienne Rich

American poet and feminist theorist whose 'Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence' and 'Of Woman Born' are foundational texts of lesbian feminism. Her poetry collections, especially Diving into the Wreck, chart her political and personal transformation. She is one of the most important American poets and feminists of the 20th century.

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