The Name
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Why Diffuse 5 – The Name?
First, let’s start with the number. The number 5 is meant to honor the courageous women in the 1940’s and 50’s who were looking for a way to express their sexuality at night during a time when homophobia was rampant and living an alternative lifestyle was risky. Unable to disclose their true identities in public, it was difficult to meet other women, so lesbians tattooed a 5-pointed nautical star on their wrists. This star was used to identify one another and the placement on the wrist allowed for easy concealment by a watch or bracelet and easy exposure when desired.
Diffuse, as many of you may already know, means to spread or cause to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people. Here, we apply the word both to what we’re trying to accomplish as we spread interesting information to a wider audience, but also to the movement that the courageous women started with their tattoos and that we want to continue.
So, just as the 5-pointed star assembled the alternative lifestyles in the 40’s and 50’s, Diffuse 5 wants to build a more cohesive community by giving instant access to resources that make it a little easier to live life and rock the world as queer females, friends and allies.
So Diffuse 5 is for all of those who were oppressed before us but had the courage to build a community in the face of adversity. We thank you for all of your hard work and courageous determination to be free. You have opened doors and changed perceptions.