Lesbianism is an identity with a rich history and amazing culture – as a lesbian, I would know! 

Lesbian isn’t a dirty word or a slur, it is a special identity with a long history. It is a diverse identity that means different things to different people – so let’s unpack it!

Who are lesbians? 

The term lesbian can mean different things – commonly it is known as a term for women who love women. But it can also mean people who are attracted to non-men. This is trans-inclusive and therefore includes non-binary and gender-diverse people. Transwomen are included in both definitions because transwomen are women, you can read more about that here. 

In some instances, lesbianism can also be inclusive of transmen. This is because there are transmen who were members of the lesbian community before their transition and so still have ties to it. For other transmen, the lesbian community does not suit them – so it is important to listen to each individual before making assumptions. 

Identities are hard to define and can mean different things to different people. They are very personal. Sexual orientation can be very fluid and can change over the course of someone’s life. If you or someone you know is struggling to figure out who they are, or what label suits them, something that helped me is thinking of labels as like a magnet. They can change, and if that time comes you can exchange one magnet for another! Just because you don’t know if something is forever doesn’t mean its not true in the moment. 

Lesbian history

The term ‘lesbian’ is derived from the Greek island of Lesbos where the famed poet Sappho was from. Sappho wrote extensive poetry about her love for women. The term Sapphic, which is a broader term for women who love women, and can include bisexual and pansexual women as well, is derived from the poet’s name. You can learn more about her and her legacy in this video.

In the 1970s, lesbians played a crucial role in the women’s liberation movement. They were key organisers of the movement and pushed to break women out of oppressive gender roles within society. However, lesbians were marginalised within society and not included by all in the women’s liberation movement. 

The word ‘lesbian’ was frowned upon back then, and to declare yourself a lesbian publicly was scandalous and could be dangerous. In the 70s four women posed in front of graffiti that read ‘Lesbians are Lovely’. This became a calling card for the Australian gay liberation movement, attempting to reclaim the term and the identity that came with it. Banners saying ‘Lesbians are Lovely’ made their way into marches through Hyde Park in Sydney and across Australia as lesbians fought for respect and liberation from oppressive values. 

Now the photograph is owned by the National Gallery of Victoria and was displayed in the ‘QUEER’ exhibition in 2022. 

Did you know?

The L comes first in the LGBTQIA+ acronym because of the sacrifices and work of lesbians who took care of the queer community during the AIDS crisis in the 1980-90s. You can read more about that here!

Lesbians, as do all queer people, have a long history of fighting for their rights and freedom. Lesbians now owe a lot to the work of those who came before us as we continue the fight today!

Lesbian culture 

Lesbian culture, like lesbians themselves, is diverse. You may have heard of some stereotypes like wearing flannel and Doc Martins, or loving the outdoors and Bunnings. But there are lots of things that make up a lesbian – and no two lesbians are the same. 

In the lesbian community, there is a long history of Butches (or masc – short for masculine) and Femmes. Starting in the 1940s and 50s these identities, specifically butches, pushed the boundaries of gender presentations and expectations, subverting traditional ideas of womanhood. There have been many cross-overs between the lesbian butch community and the trans community. At a time when lesbianism was extremely oppressed, this transgressive presentation was radical! 

Butch culture started in lower-class and Black communities in the United States. It is important to recognise the risk associated with presenting Butch. This was a revolutionary act of living outside and pushing the norms of the gender binary and could come with a lot of risks, especially for people with intersecting identities. You can watch this video about the history of butches in this video and can read more about intersectionality here. 

Today this tradition of pushing boundaries lives on, as butch and masc culture is alive and well. Many lesbians are still radical!

Some famous lesbians you might have heard of or that might inspire you: 

Kristian Stuart 

Oscar-nominated actress, Stuart has come a long way since her Twilight days. She is an iconic actress and trailblazer in the community who has worked to break down barriers for queer people challenging the gender-binary. 

Kehlani @kehlani

An American singer originally from Oakland, she traverses genres of R&B, pop, and hip-hop in her music. After being out as queer for a long time, Kehlani came out as a lesbian in 2022, saying “I finally know I am a lesbian”.

Hayley Kiyoko @hayleykiyoko

The actor and singer that fans call “lesbian Jesus”, Hayley released an iconic song and music video Girls Like Girls in 2015 and hasn’t stopped being loud and proud since.

G Flip @gflip

An Australian lesbian music legend, G Flip is a drummer and singer known for their big personality and performance skills. They are also non-binary and celebrate the intersections between gender and sexuality-based identities!

If you need more information

If you want to read more about discovering and coming out as a lesbian, you can read this article. We also have an article on other identities, so you can learn more about the wonderful queer world here. You can also read all about safe and diverse queer sex here. Finally, there is also this video made for ‘baby’ lesbians from more experienced lesbians that might answer some more questions!

If you’re struggling

I get it, coming to terms with your sexuality can be a hard and scary process. It took me a long time to be as confident and comfortable as I am now. You are not alone. Talking to a friend, a trusted adult, or your school counsellor is a great way to feel less isolated. 

If you need support you can also reach out to these amazing organisations:

• QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships 

• Switchboard provides information, support, and referral services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people of Victoria and Tasmania. 
• Kids Helpline is a free, private, and confidential phone and online counselling service specifically for young people in Australia. 
• Eheadspace offers free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. 
• Minus18 provides resources and insightful information on gender and sexuality to help you navigate your experience. It also runs really fun events like Queer formal where you can meet other young queer people!
• Black Rainbow is a national volunteer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+SB social enterprise in the pursuit of positive health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboys (LGBTQIA+SB).