How to have amazing Lesbian Relationships, Love, Sex and Passion

A few months ago I received an email from a woman who was upset, over a conversation that happened with a few of her friends.  One of her acquaintance’s thought that a woman could not call herself a lesbian if she had not being sexually active with another woman.  True, that the primary use for the word lesbian is to describe a woman sexually attracted to another woman; however, there is no indication in that same definition that you must have been sexually active with another woman to be identified as a lesbian.

I would hope that being a lesbian is more than just enjoying and taking pleasure from being sexual with a woman. The majority, often identify us in the narrowest sense of the word. However, lesbianism is not only a sexual orientation, but also a complex system supported by psychological responses, cultural values, societal expectations, and a woman’s own formulation of identity.  It is this narrow and limited understanding that prevents lesbians from getting respect and consideration from the societies we belong too.

When I first come out, I was completely taken by the sexual experience and intimacy of being with another woman. I had never had sex with a woman, but had relentlessly imagined it in my mind (where I am pretty sure I wore some parts of my brain out).  It was only after a few years, and my first real heartbreak that I began to learn the lesbian culture.  I was exposed to music and literature, specifically written and sang in a way that meant something to me and my identity. I did not have to remove the “hims” and “his’” to make it familiar.  I also enjoyed lesbian cinema, where I could visibly dissect the different aspects of a lesbian relationship- they were sadly my only role models.

It was also around that time I made friends in the lesbian community, women who I shared stories with.  I enjoy all of my friendships, but my lesbian friends have a special hold on me (and not because I slept with them, because I do not sleep with my friends); because they understand the passion and craziness of loving a woman.  I discovered the familiar heartaches we experience, and that there is an intricate depth among lesbian women.  Unfortunately, I was also exposed to how vulnerable and alone we are. The little support there is in our society to protect us, for example, for years I was afraid of getting divorce and having my child taken away from me.

Being a lesbian became more than just who I slept with, because even as a single celibate woman I was still a lesbian.  My new identity challenged me to become stronger when faced with hurdles (discrimination and homophobia), but also pushed me to embrace the beautiful and unique differences.  I learned the meaning of community and the reason that standing together is more powerful than standing alone.  I have had the privilege  of being part of a historic time in our community, and fighting for civil rights. None of which have to do with sex, but more so what I represent.

We have enough labels (e.g. baby dyke, butch, femme),  let us not discriminate any further, or with judgement force each other into social/sexual boxes. We all have our own journey in life, and for some that means living openly gay; whereas for others the choice is to live a celibate or heterosexual life- knowingly that their spirit will always be Lesbian.

~The Lesbian Guru

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to email me at TheLesbianGuru@Gmail.com with ExaminerQ as the title or you can follow me on my Blog http://TheLesbianGuru.com! Or  just Join The Lesbian Revolution of Health & Love on http://Twitter.com/TheLesbianGuru or http://Facebook.com/TheFemmeGuru.