Thanks, Ferron fan #1, I am also a big fan of her's, as well as the others you mentioned, esp. Holly Near!

Joe, I take it you haven't had much of a chance to hear any of these fine women. I can think of several songs by them, right off, which are about love. Some of which I sing, too. They are beautiful songs.

There's probably also more openly gay womren in folk, or at least it seems that way, because it is easier or more acceptable for women to do so. In our society it is easier for people to pass off lesbians who are out, as "those crazy women" than it is to dismiss some guys being out. The dominant patriarchal culture feels more threatened when their male image is challenged.

Ferron Fan, you might like to check out this thread: Historical lesbian/gay folk songs?.

Emily, nice to see you on here, again! Check out the women's music festivals. Here's a great site for links: Women's Festival dot com.

kat