Lesbian
A woman who prefers sexual intimacy or partnership with another woman. The term lesbian originated from the Greek isle of Lesbos, which was a haven for artists, writers, and musicians as well as lesbians in ancient Greece. Lesbos earned its association with women loving women through its most famous daughter, the Greek poet Sappho (c. 613 - c. 570 BC). One of the first female writers to be widely read (and censured), her writing was unique in that she spoke first person, from an interior, femininely sensual space in her own body. It has been disputed whether Sappho was a lesbian. Legend has her married to a merchant, having a daughter and then leaping to her death over unrequited love for a boatman named Phoan. Still other scholars claim she was linked to numerous female lovers and fully public with her lesbianism. Her writing was threatening to the male intelligentsia of the time, who were churning out impersonal epics of war, dynasty and vengeful gods. Her themes of love felt deeply in the body were judged "wanton" by the very men who routinely engaged in sex with young boys. Over the years, destruction of her highly erotic writings has been enforced by the Catholic church; only several hundred lines remain of an estimated twelve thousand. Today lesbians the world over are working to reclaim their herstory (history) that until just 40 years ago was subverted by shame, oppression and silence.
Synonyms: Butch, Clit-Lit, Dykes, Femme, Grrls, Lesbo, Lipstick Lesbian, Sappho, Womyn
See Also: Bisexual, Cunnilingus, Dildo, Gay, Masturbation (Female), Vagina, Vibrator
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| Lesbians have in common a strong recognition of the value of feminine principles: nurturance, connection, and emotional honesty coupled with a strong sexual desire for breast to breast, vulva-to-vulva contact with beautiful womyn. As a society, lesbians tend to value interdependence, and the wisdom of Goddess archetypes. These women seek emotional, mental, and sexual equality with their significant other, and though they may have males in significant roles in their life, they primarily live in a female-centric world. It is interesting to note that male/male homosexuality is often met with violent opposition, while the idea of lesbianism is a common fantasy for quite a number of straight males. Doubt it? Just check out the pictures on any adult website or the covers at any porn store. |
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