The Outcasts was a social and educational organization for women interested in BDSM with other women that was founded in San Francisco in 1984. [1] It grew partly from earlier groups, the Society of Janus and Samois. Gayle Rubin was a co-founder of the organization. [2] [3] Other members included Dorothy Allison, Pat Califia, [4] [5] and Dossie Easton.
In the 1980s and 1990s, The Outcasts sponsored community events such as Butch Fashion Shows, the first SF Dyke Daddy contest, many dances, and even a night to “take the perverts bowling”. They began promoting safer sex in 1985. By 1986 they were having newcomer orientations, had officers, bylaws and a logo as well as a newsletter, The Lunatic Fringe. In 1986, The Outcasts joined Society of Janus and other groups in the San Francisco Pride Parade's first leather contingent. [6]
The Outcasts was disbanded in the mid-1990s; its successor organization The Exiles is still active. [7] In 2012, The Exiles in San Francisco received the Small Club of the Year award as part of the Pantheon of Leather Awards. [8]