Kate Millett

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Kate Millett and Oliver Reed appearing on "After Dark", 26 January 1991

Kate Millett (September 14, 1934 – September 6, 2017) was an American feminist writer, educator, artist, and activist. She is best known for her 1970 book Sexual Politics, which was considered a seminal work in the feminist movement. Millett's work is credited with inciting widespread feminist debate, particularly around the issues of sexuality, power dynamics, and the social construction of gender roles.

Early Life and Education

Kate Millett was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to a Catholic family. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English literature. She then moved to Oxford University on a scholarship, where she obtained a first-class degree, and later earned a Ph.D. in English and comparative literature from Columbia University.

Career

Millett's academic work laid the groundwork for her activism. Her doctoral dissertation at Columbia, which would later evolve into Sexual Politics, critiqued the patriarchal structures inherent in literature and society. The book analyzed the works of several prominent male authors, arguing that the relationship between the sexes was one of power and domination.

Following the success of Sexual Politics, Millett became a prominent figure in the feminist movement. She engaged in various forms of activism, including protests and sit-ins, and was a vocal advocate for women's rights, abortion rights, and the rights of the LGBT community. Millett also founded the Women's Art Colony Farm, an art colony in Poughkeepsie, New York, which became a retreat for female artists.

Personal Life

Millett was openly bisexual and discussed her sexuality and relationships in her works, notably in her autobiographical book Flying (1974). Her openness about her sexuality at the time was considered groundbreaking and contributed to the visibility of bisexual people within the LGBTQ+ community.

Death

Kate Millett passed away on September 6, 2017, in Paris, France, shortly before her 83rd birthday. Her death was mourned by many in the feminist and LGBTQ+ communities, who remembered her as a pioneering figure in the fight for equality and social justice.

Legacy

Millett's contributions to feminism and her critique of patriarchal society have left a lasting impact. Sexual Politics remains a foundational text in gender studies and feminist theory. Her activism and advocacy work paved the way for future generations of feminists and LGBTQ+ activists. Millett is remembered not only for her intellectual contributions but also for her courage in living openly and authentically.