Ruthie Berman: An Old-Fashioned Lesbian Love Story | LGBTQ+ Elders Project

Ruthie Berman: An Old-Fashioned Lesbian Love Story | LGBTQ+ Elders Project

Author: Jeffrey Masters March 22, 2022 Duration: 32:26

Ruthie Berman shares her epic, decades-long love story with her wife, Connie Kurtz. She talks about how they fell in love in the 1970s, successfully sued the New York City Board of Education for domestic partner benefits in 1988, and reflects on how much has and hasn't changed for LGBTQ+ people since she came out 50 years ago.

"I deserve better in my golden years than what I have now. The world sucks. America is in the worst place in my history that it's ever been and I'm concerned about my community."

This is part of our new LGBTQ+ Elders Project. You can also listen to our recent interview with Harvey Fierstein here.

Ruthie Berman was born in 1934.

The full video of Ruthie and Connie's appearance on The Phil Donahue Show can be seen on our Instagram page here: @jeffmasters1

Ruthie And Conne: Every Room In The House is a fantastic documentary (streaming for free on Vudu) that you can watch.

LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters and produced by The Advocate magazine, in partnership with GLAAD. A condensed transcript of each week's interview is posted on The Advocate's website in the afternoon. Follow us on Twitter: @lgbtqpod


Each week, LGBTQ&A presents a conversation that feels more like a deep, personal discussion than a formal interview. Host Jeffrey Masters guides these talks, creating a space where guests can share not just their achievements, but the real stories and experiences that shaped them. You’ll hear from a wide spectrum of voices within the community, from celebrated artists and politicians to groundbreaking activists and thinkers, all of whom offer unique perspectives on identity, culture, and the ongoing fight for equality. The roster speaks for itself, featuring illuminating talks with figures like Laverne Cox on visibility, Janelle Monáe on artistry and autonomy, Pete Buttigieg on public service, and the powerful insights of Angela Davis. What sets this podcast apart is its commitment to the nuanced, human narrative behind each public persona. It’s not about quick soundbites; it’s about understanding the journeys, the challenges, and the joys that define contemporary LGBTQ+ life. Tuning in means connecting with intimate, often surprising stories that you won’t find anywhere else, all framed by Jeffrey’s thoughtful and engaged questioning. This is a weekly invitation to listen, learn, and feel a deeper connection to the vibrant and diverse community it represents.
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