That's What I Am: Oral Histories of Older Lesbians

by Lois Cox

That’s What I Am, I’m a Lesbian draws on oral history interviews conducted in the late 1990s with sixteen New Zealand lesbians over the age of 50. It tells the women’s stories through the decades, capturing memories of childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, falling in love and establishing relationships. The storytellers talk of navigating identity and social stigma and forging connections in Wellington’s evolving lesbian community. Together, their lives paint a vivid portrait of resilience and solidarity.
This book, based on the Older Lesbians Oral History Project, is now published for the first time. A vital document for the history of lesbian communities in twentieth century New Zealand, it is a must-read for anyone interested in lesbian lives over time, feminist studies or queer history.

Genres: Nonfiction, Queer

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2025

Reviews

[Grace Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! I cannot recommend it enough - specifically to any lesbians or queer women based in Pōneke. These stories offer such a unique perspective of queer history in New Zealand, and demonstrate how universal queer experiences are. Community, understanding and love have always been the foundation of queer joy and acceptance.

I hope that we can continue to document the stories of queer people before us.

[Donna Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Must Read for the oral herstories of 16 lesbian Wellington ,New Zealanders. From teenagers in the fifties and finding crushes, lovers, marriages, during a very Queer time of political change. Thankyou Lois Cox for this book 20 years later. A special thanks to the storytellers

[Sophie Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

first book of 2026 (and what a good one!!!) grateful x 1000 for the life I lead, but also, bring back the clubs, phones and softball teams