Born in Belgium in 1912, May Sarton came to America and embarked on a notable career as a poet and novelist. Early on, she taught creative writing at Wellesley College. She was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from more than a dozen colleges and universities.

Although Sarton had affairs with both sexes, her intimate relationships with women inspired much of her poetry. And since many of her novels portrayed positive lesbian experiences, she's credited with strengthening the lesbian movement. At times, Sarton detailed her own lesbian relationships in her journals, which became a common staple in women's studies courses.

Her most significant lesbian relationship was with Juliette Huxley. After Huxley's death in 1994, an elderly Sarton said, "I have had many lovers, many friends, but none has so nourished the poet and the lover as she did."

This Rainbow Minute was read by Candace Gingrich.

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