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Pioneering Author Duffy Dies at 92
28 May
Summary
- Duffy, a prolific writer, passed away at 92.
- She was a dedicated activist for gay and authors' rights.
- Her 1966 novel The Microcosm depicted a lesbian club.
Maureen Duffy, a celebrated author of over 60 works and a fervent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and writers' rights, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.
Duffy, who was honored with the Royal Society of Literature Pioneer prize last year, penned novels, plays, and poetry throughout her career. Her notable works include the 1966 novel "The Microcosm," drawing inspiration from the Gateways lesbian club in London, and "Restitution," a 1998 Booker Prize longlist nominee.
Born in Worthing in 1933, Duffy's early life was marked by personal loss, yet she achieved early success in poetry. She pursued English literature at King's College London before embarking on a writing career that included screenplays and biographies, such as one on Aphra Behn.
In the 1960s, Duffy began her impactful activism for gay rights. She was a frequent contributor to the lesbian feminist journal Sappho in the 1970s. In 1972, she co-founded the Writers' Action Group, instrumental in establishing the public lending right for authors, which led to the ALCS to ensure creators are paid for secondary uses of their work.
