The absence of any consideration of lesbian consciousness or the consciousness of third world women leaves a serious gap within this conference. . . .

The fear that we cannot grow beyond whatever distortions we may find within ourselves keeps us docile and loyal and obedient, externally defined, and leads us to accept many facets of our own oppression as women.

... it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence.

Black writers, of whatever quality, who step outside the pale of what black writers are supposed to write about, or who black writers are supposed to be, are condemned to silences in black literary circles that are as total and as destructive as any imposed by racism.

If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.

There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt.

What I leave behind has a life of its own.