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Evelyn Irons (1900-2000) was a Scottish lesbian journalist. Known for her reporting on the frontlines throughout World War II, she became the first female war correspondent to be decorated with the French Croix de Guerre.

Tove Jansson (1914-2001) was a Swedish-speaking Finnish author who wrote novels, children’s books, comics, magazine covers, political cartoons, and even greeting cards. She is most known for creating The Moomins universe.

Qiu Miaojin (1969-1995) made waves in Taiwan when she published her groundbreaking novel “Notes of a Crocodile” — becoming the first ever “out” lesbian author in the country’s history. Though her career was cut short, her stories exploring queer identity and relationships have made a long-lasting impact around the world.

Silvina Ocampo (1903-1993) was an Argentinian short story writer, poet, and artist. She has published poetry books, novels, and short story collections. Never having found a wide readership, she is considered “the best-kept secret of Argentine letters.”

Anita Cornwell (1923-2023) made history as the first Black woman writer to openly identify as a lesbian in her published essays. From the 1950s to the 1980s, she wrote passionately about Black power and Black lesbian identity in magazines like Negro Digest, The Ladder, and Feminist Review.

Barbara May Cameron (1954-2002) was an indigenous Two-Spirit activist who spent her life organizing and advocating for LGBTQIA+ Native Americans, both locally and internationally. She was the co-founder of Gay American Indians, and she wrote a number of searing essays, critiquing the racism and homophobia she saw and experienced.