Why Gimmel?

 

I have changed my name several times. I was born as Dana Faibish, but I never liked my last name. As soon as I could, at 18, I changed my last name into Peleg, a proud Israeli name, but somewhat rootless. At 25, when I first started writing about queer topics in the Hebrew University student magazine, “Pi Ha’Aton”, I still wasn’t ready for the exposure, and chose the name Dorit Gal as pseudonym: Dorit is similar to Dana, and Gal (wave) is similar to Peleg (brook, creek). A year later, when I started writing a personal Lesbian column for “At” women’s magazine, I wanted to continue using that name. However, some mistake occurred, and my first column, which explained why I’m using a pseudonym, was published under Dana Gal. Several months later, an angry lawyer called, and said that her daughter’s name was Dana Gal. The editor, Ofra Mizrahi, wanted to avoid problems, and asked me if I would publish the column under my full name. I wasn’t out to my father at that time, and wasn’t ready for a nationwide exposure. I decided to become Dana G. (Gimmel, the third letter in the Hebrew Alphabet).

 In 2000, when I published my first book, “Figs, My Love”, I had come to a decision to be there, with my real, full name. Since I was already known for four years or so as Dana Gimmel, and not only at “At”, but also in the queer community, I decided to leave the Gimmel in its place. Truth is, I like it. That small letter enabled me to write freely for years, and this is my way to cherish it. It also gives my name a very special touch. My own unique touch.