I first met Cathy White when we were planning the launch of Gay East Midlands (GEM)in 1983. Despite a series of public meetings we’d failed to attract any lesbian input to our enterprise. Then, out of the blue, Cathy stuck her head around the door during one of our meetings and asked nervously if we’d be interested in a cartoon strip. We almost snatched her hand off!

And so Dykes About Town was born; a typical story of everyday lesbians. As it happens, we almost ran into trouble with the first issue, because Cathy had failed to put her name to her work and some women thought the strip was gay men having a joke at their expense. We quickly rectified that and Dykes About Town became one of our most popular features.

Despite its popularity, Cathy’s work never reached a wider audience. And I don’t think she continued with her cartooning once GEM had folded in 1984. A shame on both counts (although the entire Dykes About Town series can be read on the Gay East Midlands website here).

She did produce a series of Xmas cards one year, featuring ‘Santa Clones’ (below), and I’m pleased that I still have a copy of that particular image.

Sadly, I recently learned that Cathy passed away in 2010. Which makes it even more important that I post this; I want to ensure that her contribution to the LGBT movement is not forgotten. She’ll be much missed in Nottingham.

‘Santa Clones’ by Cathy White