The Lavender Menace The Unexpected LGBTQ+ History of Lesbians & Lavender With Pride Month in full bloom, we at DEEP DRIP wanted to talk about a bit of flower related LGBTQ+ history with a plant you’re probably familiar with!   “The Lavender Menace” was first used in the late 60’s by Betty Friedan, the then president of the feminist group National Organization for Women (NOW). She was using the phrase to describe her worry that lesbian activists in the organization may hurt the movement. Lavender has long been associated with the gay community and Friedan was fearful that NOW’s association with lesbians could hinder women’s rights progress.   Action was taken on May 1, 1970. Lesbian activists from the NOW as well as members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF)