I was attending the College of the Redwoods in N. California in the early 70's. For those who do not know or recall, it was a time of sexual liberation and exploration.I was raised in a Catholic family and had no education or introduction to gay sex.
The bible of my generation at the time was "Our Bodies, Our selves".Far from my home and roots, I was young and open to new ideas and concepts. With an open mind I saw a poster on a telephone pole about a women's group, meeting on Friday night.With no prior commitments I decided to attend. My bible expounded on exploring the feminine body, and getting as much information as possible about the female physique. As a sophomore student, my hunger for knowledge was aroused.
The meeting took place in a large Victorian home and the group coalesced in a large master bedroom. Everyone took a seat on the bed or around on the floor.
This was an era when long full hair was the norm and short hair was counterrevolutionary.
I was a bit uncomfortable when the meeting began because the subject matter seemed to revolve around female to female sex or lesbianism. As the night wore on, I was too shy to up and leave, so I stayed and decided to hear them out. My inner self was so nervous that I thought I would go running and screaming form the building any minute.
In an effort to calm myself, I looked around for support or comfort. Leaning on two pillows against the beds headrest was a woman my age with natural blonde hair and a very short haircut. I received several warm smiles from her throughout the night. She rapidly became my focus to relax. since everyone was a stranger, I somehow bonded with the woman in my mind. Each smile we exchanged lingered longer and longer as the night grew on.
The general discussion covered the female anatomy and the pleasures denied by men in relationships.The brutality men had imposed on women throughout the years and blah blah blah. I am still young but have had several sexual encounters with men and discounted out of hand some of the pablum being dished out.
Each exchange of looks with my blonde friend became more and more relaxed, I decided that after the meeting if I had the nerve I would try and befriend her.Frankly so far I found N. Cali to be a bit unfriendly and would certainly welcome a girlfriend..
There were some discussion on female birth control. also preventative measures with free sex and so on.At one point there was a demonstration of lesbian kissing and attraction. My guts turned inside out as this proceeded. Still my compatriot gave me comforting glances.
As the meeting broke up. I found myself pretty much ignored by the bulk of the group.Still I lingered in anticipation of thanking the blonde for her solace. She never gave way from her comfortable perch on the bed, while all the others mostly ignored her. I felt like we were two outcast in a tribe of lesbians. We continued to exchange glances as the room slowly dissipated.
When there was a gap in the crowd, I approached my new friend and introduced myself. "Megan MacTavich I announced offering my hand. She took my hand in both of hers and answered, "Not Scottish by any chance? Letting a delightful peel of laughter slip out. "I indeed I am lassie." was my unexpected response. She had me in a relaxed state already. Her eyes looked deep in mine searching for something before she responded. "Gabby Buckland." I am from the east coast, and there Gabby is a common name, before you start laughing.
I had no intention of laughing in fact I had never encountered the name Gabby before. I was caught off guard, "does Gabby mean you talk a lot?" I immediately blushed knowing how silly the statement was.
She threw her head back in laughter and replied, "You are quick Megan."