Rita Mae Brown

Rita Mae Brown is an American feminist writer, activist, and screenwriter, born on November 28, 1944, in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She is best known for her coming-of-age autobiographical novel, Rubyfruit Jungle (1973), which has been described as a literary milestone and a breakthrough lesbian novel. Brown's work often critiques social class dynamics and prejudices related to wealth, gender, and sexual orientation. She was active in civil rights campaigns and feminist movements, co-founding the Student Homophile League and contributing to feminist literature. Brown has written over 50 books across various genres, including mystery novels (such as the New York Times-bestselling Mrs. Murphy series, co-authored with her cat, Sneaky Pie), historical fiction, and memoirs. She has received numerous accolades, including two Emmy nominations, a Writer's Guild of America Award, and the Lambda Literary Pioneer Award for lifetime achievement. Brown lives in Afton, Virginia, with her animals.