Shirley R. Simeon

The Other Woman Shirley R. Simeon

The Other Woman is a pun of a title since it departs from conventional usage of that term, and rather describes the pilgrimage of the author - a black octogenarian born in Chicago in the 1920s to a family of privilege, and at the end of life experiences a stunning revelation: her own, "other-ness" emerges. Simeon has spent a lifetime proving her belief that LOVE IS NOT GENDER SPECIFIC, and that labels for the sexual preferences of individuals are meaningless. This is the story of a normal, healthy, ordinary woman whose marriage to a "normal" man produced two "normal", mentally healthy sons, who in turn have become productive, professionals and excellent parents in their own right. It is the story of many romantic relationships with women - all upstanding, progressive, ambitious women who were significant contributors to society, none of whom thought of themselves as categorically, Lesbian. Many utilized their relationship with Simeon towards greater gains professionally and personally. One married a college President. All discovered their own sexual appetites. No one was damaged in the process. No one was abused.