LGBT topics

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LGBT topics

What is lesbianism?

Please note:
The information in this article is adapted from Abuse in Lesbian Relationships: Information and Resources, prepared by Laurie Chesley, Donna MacAulay and Janice Ristock, and edited by Cynthia Stewart. This publication is available from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (NCFV) and is copyright © 1998 by the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.

Lesbians are women who have primary intimate/sexual relationships with other women. In Canada, between 10 to 15 percent of all women identify themselves as lesbians. Lesbians are present in every race, religion, socio-economic background, occupation, political affiliation, age, and category of physical and mental ability.

Lesbians cannot be picked out from a crowd based on a particular "look". On the contrary, there is a great deal of diversity in the physical appearances of lesbians. A lesbian's appearance may or may not reflect current fashion, age, affluence, or personal tastes. It's therefore difficult—and inappropriate—to make generalizations about lesbians as a group.

Myths about lesbians

Myth: Lesbians are masculine or "butch".
Fact: Lesbians fit all physical descriptions.
Myth: Lesbians are either "butch" (masculine) or "femme" (feminine)
Fact: Most lesbians don't explicitly adopt roles in their relationships. As in heterosexual relationships, lesbians may adopt a full range of roles within a lesbian relationship.
Myth: Lesbians are all feminists.
Fact: Many lesbians are feminists, but feminism is a perspective some lesbians do not share.
Myth: Lesbians hate men.
Fact: Being lesbian means you choose to have a primary relationship with another woman. Just as within the heterosexual population, attitudes toward men within the lesbian population vary; they do not determine a lesbian identity.
Myth: Lesbians are promiscuous.
Fact: Like heterosexual relationships, lesbian relationships are varied. Some lesbian relationships are monogamous while others are not. Some may be short-term relationships while others may be long-term unions.

The myths above are just some of society's prejudices and stereotypes about lesbians. These misconceptions are false and misleading and they do not apply to all lesbians, nor do they define the diversity of lesbian experience.

Despite this diversity, however, there are some common elements that may distinguish lesbians from heterosexual women. For example, in most cities there are lesbian bars, services, clubs, and groups where lesbians can share and celebrate their identities as women who love women.

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