Lesbian visibility day is celebrated annually on 26th April.
The week leading up to or after 26th is usually Lesbian Visibility Week.
This year, it was celebrated from 25th April - 1st May.
To celebrate and honour this week, we shall be looking at some different labels, terms and subcultures within the lesbian community.
We understand and appreciate that these terms are constantly changing and while this article will give you a better understanding of some of them, it is always best to ask someone what they identify with as opposed to assuming.
Stereotypes can be fun but they can also be harmful especially if you are not part of that particular community.
Lesbian
A lesbian is a woman is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
Women and non-binary people may use this term.
Dyke
This term is a slang term used as a noun meaning lesbian.
Butch
Butch identity is often related to queer women who are dominant and perform seemingly ‘masculine’ qualities and methods of outward expression such as short hair, masculine clothing etc
Stud
This word originated within the black community and refers to a black masculine presenting woman.
Femme/fem
Femmes are best described as queer women who undertake traditional feminine traits.
Stem
Stem is a combination of the word “stud” and “femme”
This is a person who falls somewhere on the stud and femme spectrum, similar to a soft butch or soft stud.
Non-binary lesbians
This label encompasses 2 labels that if looked at without nuance seems like a contradiction. However, once you understand that gender and sexuality are ever changing and ever shifting, it becomes rather easy to understand
Non-binary means someone who doesn’t identify exclusively or wholly as a man or a woman.
With that in mind, we are all assigned sex at birth and by extension gender.
For many non-binary lesbians, they have always felt somewhat of an estrangement from girlhood and the idea that there was more than just male or female, wasn’t an option.
Many of those who were assigned female at birth and identify as non-binary still experience life through the lens of woman.
Stone lesbian
Stone is a 'lesbian' identity that adds on to either 'butch' or 'femme'/'fem'.
A stone butch is a butch lesbian who does not like to be touched or to "receive" sexually.
Stone femme does not like to touch, top, or "give" sexually, both for reasons of trauma, dysphoria, and/or gender identity.
Stone butches and fem/mes often have very strong presentations, but "stone butch" does not inherently mean very/hard butch.
Other names for stone include touch me not or pillow princess.
This group of people often get a lot of hate/psychoanalysis within the queer community and as we continue to understand and practice consent, it is important to extend and respect their boundaries.
Baby dyke
This is a term for a lesbian who has recently come out of the closet.
While they are typically young, this term is not linked to age.
It can be used for anyone who has come to terms with their sexuality at whatever age.
Gold star lesbian
This is a lesbian who has never had sex with a man.
These are just a few of the labels and terms associated with lesbians
Remember to be respectful while using them and ask when you aren’t sure rather than assume.
Wishing all the lesbians a lovely Lesbian Visibility Week.
We also stand in solidarity with Sheila Lumumba who was a non-binary lesbian.
Sheila was brutally raped and murdered on 17th April.
If you would like to contribute to their fundraiser
Sign the petition seeking justice.