Rita Mae Brown is an American novelist, poet, activist, and screenwriter. She is best known for her 1973 novel Rubyfruit Jungle, which is widely credited with paving the way for a greater acceptance of lesbianism in mainstream culture. Brown has written numerous other novels, including Six of One, Venus Envy, and Loose Lips. She has also written several non-fiction books, including Riding Shotgun and Outfoxed. Brown has been an advocate for LGBT rights since the 1970s and continues to be an outspoken voice on the issue.