Alapine Village's main road. In this modern age of normalization and acceptance, many members of the LGBTQ+ community do not know the lengths their predecessors had to go to in order to be themselves. The extent of most people’s knowledge is the secret codes that turned into mainstream fashion trends, such as specially placed earrings or color-coded bandanas. However, in the 60s and 70s when the word “lesbian” was not yet mainstream and women could not own property without a husband, many gay women were forced to find refuge hidden away from society. This need for community presented itself in the founding of “Womyn’s Land.” These women-only residences were a safe haven for those who wanted to live independently from a male-dominated society, and for those who wanted to be their most authentic selves.
Though these communities are slowly becoming obsolete, one such place stands strong in northern Alabama. Alapine, whose exact location is kept secret by its residents, spans 108 acres of land and claims 30 permanent residents. Alapine was founded when a group of women branched off from another Lesbian commune, Padoga in St. Augustine, FL. The founder of Padoga chose the location for Alapine because she had fond childhood memories of attending summer camp nearby. Alapine was revolutionary in its own right, as it was founded to be a retirement community for lesbians from other communes. The older generation feared the prejudice they might face in nursing homes and hospice facilities, and the possibility of being separated from their partners. As a result, the majority of the women of Alapine are older, one of many threats that face these groups. Many of the original tenants are dying out, and there aren’t any new members coming in. The communes have also faced harsh criticism since their beginnings, as they have a tendency to be exclusionary. Modern critics say these communities are “throwbacks to a bygone era” of separatism. For example, men are only allowed on the grounds of Alapine to do work or briefly visit. They cannot claim permanent residence, or even spend the night. There has also been debate as to whether or not straight, bisexual, and transgender women should be allowed to take residence within the commune. Others argue that these institutions promote the idea that people who are different cannot successfully function in mainstream society.
Ultimately, the primary reason for the downfall of these communities is that there is no longer a need for them. While prejudice still exists, modern society is much more accepting of different sexualities and genders. Members of the LGBTQ+ community no longer feel a need to hide. This alone shows the great progress that these early lesbians fought for. On the other hand, these trailblazers of Alapine are witnessing the decline of their life’s work. Another way to look at it though, is to say that these groups are taking on new forms, rather than dying out completely. In fact, in 2016 a new community opened up in New York, called New Women’s Space. It is not residential, but it is a safe space for any members of the community to come together and grow as people. The need for safety and togetherness still exists, but it can now be found out in the open. Members of the LGBTQ+ community always have, and always will find ways to find each other and foster acceptance.
As of June 12, 2022, Alapine will have existed for 25 years. It is the largest lesbian commune in the country. They currently have five lots for sale, and more information can be found on their website.
Resources:
Ultimately, the primary reason for the downfall of these communities is that there is no longer a need for them. While prejudice still exists, modern society is much more accepting of different sexualities and genders. Members of the LGBTQ+ community no longer feel a need to hide. This alone shows the great progress that these early lesbians fought for. On the other hand, these trailblazers of Alapine are witnessing the decline of their life’s work. Another way to look at it though, is to say that these groups are taking on new forms, rather than dying out completely. In fact, in 2016 a new community opened up in New York, called New Women’s Space. It is not residential, but it is a safe space for any members of the community to come together and grow as people. The need for safety and togetherness still exists, but it can now be found out in the open. Members of the LGBTQ+ community always have, and always will find ways to find each other and foster acceptance.
As of June 12, 2022, Alapine will have existed for 25 years. It is the largest lesbian commune in the country. They currently have five lots for sale, and more information can be found on their website.
Resources:
 | AuthorJane Ann Baggett is a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in creative media and minoring in creative writing. She is also part of the Blount Scholars Program and the CREATE Path to MBA program. She was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. |
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