Category: Activism
-
Because of You: Documentary explores Filipina lesbians in ‘90s NYC
I remember being expected to interrogate the concept of ‘belonging’ from a theoretical perspective for the first time in high school English class. Fittingly, the class of 12-year-olds and I analysed the poems of Emily Dickinson in an attempt to conclude something deep about ‘belonging’. I enjoyed and related to her poetry, but drawing conclusions…
-
Lesbianism is made invisible through culty, “queer” expectations
Well, it’s been a pretty fucked up Lesbian Visibility Week in 2026. For example, we’ve had Linda Riley and Diva Magazine claiming they created Lesbian Visibility Week in 2020 for “all LGBTQ+ women.” Despite the fact that Lesbian Visibility Week was first recognised in 1990, in West Hollywood, USA. Original organisers specified that Lesbian Visibility…
-
Lesbian Visibility Week is for female homosexuals
Lesbianism has been made invisible for a variety of homophobic reasons. Heteropatriarchal society denied that female homosexuality was possible in history, which is the epitome of invisibility. But is today much different? Lesbians can’t even have Lesbian Visibility Week (LVW), beginning April 20, to themselves without including everyone who identifies as “queer,” or else we’re…
-
Hey, Political “Lesbians”! Lesbianism is not a choice!
Lesbianism means female homosexuality. It refers to a class of women who are incapable of experiencing sexual attraction towards males, only towards females. Without the word lesbian, we don’t have language to describe ourselves. Some women, mainly bisexuals, argue that lesbians should surrender our word and identity for non-lesbian women to refer to themselves as…
-
The Origin and Defence of “Gold Star”
I am proud to have never forced myself to sleep with a man. As tribal creatures, we do things against our desires to belong. All lesbians experience heteronormative pressure. My choice not to try it–when I knew I wasn’t attracted to the male body–was a “FUCK YOU! I’M FINE THE WAY I AM!” I refuse…
-
1993: Sundays at Café Tabac, THAT Vanity Fair cover, Melissa Etheridge coming out… and my birth.
1993. It’s a “pivotal year in lesbian activism,” remembers Wanda Acosta, who co-hosted a weekly lesbian-focused event called No Day Like Sunday at Café Tabac. “[1993] included the first Dyke March, The Lesbian Avengers, LGBTQ March on Washington, as well as lesbian visibility in the arts, music, film and media.” “We saw the Vanity Fair…
-
Battling for Lesbians: The Lesbian Information Service amid 1980s Homophobia in England
In 1987, I was employed as a Rural Youth Worker by Lancashire County Council (LCC). I made the mistake of coming out as lesbian at my first staff conference in 1982/3. My twelve-month probation period was extended by six months, and I could not understand why. Neither could I understand why, after applying for three…
-
Homosexual boundaries do not abuse bisexual and transgender people
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the biggest Pride event in Australia. Since 1978, when 53 gay and lesbian people were arrested for publicly celebrating homosexuality while it was illegal, the parade and surrounding festivities have attracted participants from around the world. As the name suggests, its focus is on gay and lesbian…
-
Betty “Who?”: Lesbian and gay solidarity is back, baby!
As someone who has spent a lot of time and energy in feminist spaces, it never fails to amaze me when non-lesbian women try to draw a wedge between lesbians and gay men. But never being attracted to the reproductive sex you’re “supposed to be,” in a world where producing offspring is upheld as humanity’s…
-
Every lesbian is born this way. Our sexual orientation is not fluid.
I had crushes on women and girls when I was a kid. My mum would take me to the local country town supermarket. While she shopped, I’d follow the same female worker around each time, just to bask in her essence. I would forget where I was. Forget about what junk food I wanted. I…