Exponent II: The History and Legacy of a Mormon Feminist Publication
In 1974, a group of second-wave feminist Mormon women gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, driven by a desire to reclaim their voices. Distressed by the loss of financial autonomy and the disappearance of women-led publications within their faith, they found inspiration in the discovery of the Woman's Exponent, a historical periodical. This discovery sparked the creation of Exponent II, a newspaper dedicated to giving Mormon women greater status, sharing diverse life views, and fostering lasting friendships.
To ensure the publication's sustainability, the founders established a non-profit organization. Initially incorporated as Mormon Sisters, Inc., the organization later became Exponent II, Inc.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1974 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Purpose: To provide a platform for Mormon women's voices and perspectives.
- Independence: Editorially and financially independent of LDS Church authorities.
- First Editor: Claudia Bushman.
- Initial Reach: Gained over 4,000 subscribers in its first year.
- Current Format: Published as a full-color tabloid or magazine (16 to 40 pages).
The Founding and First Issue
The organization was built by a dedicated group of women, including Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Carrel Hilton Sheldon, Judy Dushku, Heather Cannon, Connie Cannon, and Sue Booth-Forbes. While Claudia Bushman served as the first editor, Carolyn Peters provided the illustrations that brought the publication to life.
The debut issue featured a bold banner headline: "Am I Not a Woman and a Sister?" The content was exclusively written by Mormon women and spanned a wide array of topics, including the Equal Rights Amendment (a proposed amendment to the US Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex), poetry, and profiles of female scholars, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders. It also served as a community hub, listing retreats and study groups.
Institutional Resistance and Resilience
The publication's emergence was not without conflict. Shortly after the first issue, Robert D. Hales, then an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve, traveled from Salt Lake City to Massachusetts. He delivered a message stating that the publication "should cease." While the church's Priesthood Correlation Program—the system used to standardize church materials—found the content largely unobjectionable (with the exception of the art), Hales warned that association with the magazine could damage the reputations of those involved.
Recognizing that her husband's position in the church could be jeopardized, Claudia Bushman resigned as editor. Furthermore, leadership in the Relief Society (the church's female auxiliary organization) was forbidden from subscribing. In an act of quiet defiance, Alice Colton Smith and other women continued to subscribe secretly by using their husbands' names.
Early Support Systems
Despite official resistance, the founders had key allies. Richard Lyman Bushman, a local church leader and historian (and husband of Claudia Bushman), was the first to suggest starting the newspaper. Additionally, LDS Church Historian Leonard Arrington assisted the group in securing a small grant from the Mormon History Association to cover copying and library expenses.
The "Paste-up Parties"
Before the era of digital publishing, the magazine was produced through communal effort at "Paste-up Parties." These events took place in members' homes, where women worked alongside their babies on light boards constructed from scrap wood. The process was tactile and collaborative: pages were taped to walls to visualize the flow of the product, while others typed corrections or used letter pressing for titles.
Evolution of Publication and Reach
Exponent II has evolved from a traditional newspaper format into a full-color tabloid or magazine, typically ranging from 16 to 40 pages. While it saw an explosive start with 4,000 subscribers in year one, print numbers declined through the 1990s and early 2000s. Currently, the magazine distributes 800 print copies quarterly and serves 200 digital subscribers.
| Period | Format | Subscription Cost/Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 (Launch) | Newspaper | $2 per year / 4,000+ subscribers |
| Modern Era | Full-color Tabloid/Magazine | 800 print / 200 digital subscribers |
Core Content and Sections
The magazine remains a sanctuary for the expression of Mormon women and gender minorities. Its content is categorized into several distinct areas:
- Sisters Speak: A long-running, popular column where the editorial staff poses a question and readers submit their debates and responses.
- Artwork: The publication exclusively promotes the art of Mormon women and gender minorities.
- Poetry: A space for exploring the human experience, covering themes from childbirth and love to divorce and death. It also explores the complex relationship and confusion surrounding Heavenly Mother, the feminine divine deity in LDS belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exponent II?
Exponent II is an editorially and financially independent magazine founded in 1974 by Mormon feminist women to provide a platform for their voices, news, and perspectives.
Why was it called Exponent II?
The publication was named after the Woman's Exponent, a historical women's publication that the founders discovered and were inspired by.
How did the LDS Church respond to the magazine?
Church leadership expressed disapproval, suggesting the publication should cease and forbidding Relief Society leaders from subscribing, though some women subscribed secretly.
Who was the first editor of Exponent II?
Claudia Bushman was the first editor, though she eventually resigned due to pressure regarding her husband's position within the church.
Is the magazine still in print today?
Yes, it is published quarterly in both a full-color print tabloid/magazine format and a digital version.