# Rita Mae Brown

> novelist, poet, screenwriter, activist (born 1944)

**Wikidata**: [Q242956](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q242956)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Mae_Brown)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rita-mae-brown

## Summary
Rita Mae Brown is a novelist, poet, screenwriter, and activist born in 1944. She is best known for her groundbreaking work in lesbian feminism, particularly through her novel *Rubyfruit Jungle* (1973) and her activism with the Lavender Menace, a radical lesbian feminist advocacy group.

## Biography
- Born: 1944
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - New York University
  - University of Florida
  - School of Visual Arts
  - Union Institute & University
- Known for: Pioneering lesbian feminism through literature, activism, and screenwriting.
- Employer(s):
  - New York University
  - University of Florida
  - School of Visual Arts
  - Union Institute & University
- Field(s):
  - Literature (novelist, poet, prose writer, playwright)
  - Activism (LGBTQ rights, feminist, lesbian feminism)
  - Screenwriting

## Contributions
- *Rubyfruit Jungle* (1973): A novel that became a foundational text in lesbian feminist literature, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and community.
- Lavender Menace: Co-founded this influential lesbian radical feminist group in the 1970s, advocating for LGBTQ rights and visibility.
- Screenplays: Wrote for films, TV shows, comics, and games, contributing to diverse media projects.
- Poetry and Prose: Published works in poetry and prose, further cementing her role as a multifaceted writer.

## FAQs
- **What is Rita Mae Brown known for?**
  Rita Mae Brown is known for her pioneering work in lesbian feminism, including her novel *Rubyfruit Jungle* and her activism with the Lavender Menace.

- **Where did Rita Mae Brown study?**
  She attended New York University, the University of Florida, the School of Visual Arts, and Union Institute & University.

- **What are Rita Mae Brown's notable literary works?**
  Her most notable work is *Rubyfruit Jungle*, a novel that significantly influenced lesbian feminist literature.

- **What activism was Rita Mae Brown involved in?**
  She was a key figure in the Lavender Menace, a radical lesbian feminist advocacy group, and campaigned for LGBTQ rights and animal rights.

## Why They Matter
Rita Mae Brown's work laid the groundwork for modern lesbian feminism, challenging societal norms and advocating for LGBTQ rights. Her novel *Rubyfruit Jungle* remains a cornerstone of lesbian literature, and her activism with the Lavender Menace inspired future generations of queer activists. Without her contributions, the visibility and advocacy for lesbian and feminist causes would have been significantly less developed.

## Notable For
- Author of *Rubyfruit Jungle*, a landmark novel in lesbian feminist literature.
- Co-founder of the Lavender Menace, a pivotal lesbian radical feminist group.
- Multifaceted writer, active in poetry, prose, screenwriting, and activism.
- Advocate for LGBTQ rights and animal rights.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Rita Mae Brown was born in 1944. She pursued higher education at multiple institutions, including New York University, the University of Florida, the School of Visual Arts, and Union Institute & University. Her academic background provided a strong foundation for her literary and activist careers.

### Literary Career
Brown's literary contributions include *Rubyfruit Jungle*, published in 1973. This novel is celebrated for its exploration of lesbian identity, community, and sexuality, making it a foundational text in lesbian feminist literature. She also wrote poetry, prose, and screenplays, further establishing herself as a versatile writer.

### Activism and Advocacy
A key figure in the LGBTQ rights movement, Brown co-founded the Lavender Menace, a radical lesbian feminist advocacy group. The group played a significant role in early LGBTQ activism, advocating for visibility, rights, and animal rights. Her activism extended beyond lesbian issues, contributing to broader feminist and queer movements.

### Influence and Legacy
Rita Mae Brown's work has had a lasting impact on literature, activism, and LGBTQ rights. *Rubyfruit Jungle* remains a seminal work in lesbian feminist literature, and the Lavender Menace's legacy continues to inspire queer activists. Her multifaceted career as a writer and activist ensures her place as a pioneer in both fields.

## References

1. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](https://www.maglesrevista.es/lesbianas-que-cambiaron-la-historia/)
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. American Women Writers
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. [Source](http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/u3731176)
11. IMDb
12. SNAC
13. FemBio database
14. Munzinger Personen
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb118942184)
17. Autoritats UB