Women’s music scene
1980
Belinda was also involved in the alternative
women's music scene, establishing a reputation as a lesbian feminist
musician. Before she came to Birmingham “I had a brief moment of fame
in London with two other women, each performing their own material,
largely at lesbian/gay/feminist venues such as the Drill Hall, even
touring Sweden in 1980.”
Belinda’s reputation as a musician
preceded her move to Birmingham, where “I was called upon to join with
people and do things which was very satisfying for me. I was involved
in a feminist initiative to have a Women’s Music Day in 1981. I was
also in a band called Strumpet; I was the only lesbian although they
performed at women's events which were predominantly lesbian. This was
the early days of punk and new wave, attracting audiences of a new
group of lesbians coming out for the first time, particularly some
younger women who became quite prominent in the Birmingham alternative
arts establishment. They wrote a lot about music and established
‘Fanzines’, exploring music and culture and had links with the Centre
for Contemporary Cultural Studies at Birmingham University”.
Contributed by: Belinda, 60