Welcome to The Transgender Dictionary

Women Loving Women

(also: lesbian, sapphic, sexuality)

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Introduction

There are various terms that are used to refer to women who love other women, such as lesbian or sapphic. Lesbians have a long and rich history of existing and defying traditional femininity. It is commonly understood that there are both transgender and cisgender women may identify as lesbians, however there are those of other gender identities who sometimes feel the need to also identify as such. This is both less common and completely harmless. Everyone has their own unique experiences regarding sexuality and gender.

While this website is primarily focused on the topic of gender rather than sexuality, pages like this one have been included for basic education regarding sexuality. The communities of those who are gender diverse heavily overlap with the communities of those whom are not heterosexual.

If you come across terms with which you are unfamiliar; please consult the alphabet menu buttons at the top of this page to come to find a relevant definition for the word(s) you are struggling to understand. Clicking on underlined words throughout the main body of this text will bring you to relevant pages elsewhere within The Transgender Dictionary. Clicking on links below the "External Links" header will bring you to exterior reading materials containing relevant topics.

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General Info

While at at first glance, the concept of a lesbian seems simple enough - a woman attracted to other women. However, while the term seems quite specific, human nature is not. Depending on who you ask, the term "lesbian" can be broadened to encompass the many subtleties of the human experiences of both gender and love.

The term "lesbian" is used to refer to both the romantic orientation and sexual orientation of women who are attracted to other women. Some use this terminology to describe women who are only attracted to other women, while some use it in the context of being only primarily attracted to other women. Some women prefer to simply describe themselves as "gay" or "gay women" rather than as lesbians.

Some nonbinary people who consider themselves to be woman-aligned will also use the term lesbian as a self-descriptor. The usage of the term lesbian by those who are not fully women (as well as by those who only primarily experience attraction to women) has been a source of much controversy by those who feel as though the term should be used in the strictest possible manner.

Some transgender men who transitioned later in life, after finding connections within the lesbian community, will continue to identify as lesbians even after finding that they identify with being men. While even less common, some transgender men discovering their identities earlier in life will still identify with being both men and lesbians.

Lesbian visibility day is April 26. Lesbian visibility week is April 22 through April 28.

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The Sunset Lesbian Flag

This is the most commonly used lesbian flag today.

The orange stripes in the lesbian flag represent independence and community and acknowledging the importance of chosen families and support networks.

The white stripe in the lesbian flag represents the unique and diverse relationship that lesbians have with womanhood.

The pink stripes in the lesbian flag represent love, femininity, serenity, and the diversity of lesbian expressions and experiences.

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Butch

Femme

Futch

Sapphic

Stud

T.F.4.T.F.

For Allies

Looking to be a good ally to the lesbians in your life? Don't ask "Who's the man?" or make assumptions about other people's relationship dynamics.

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The following links are not sponsored, nor endorsed. Inclusion of a link or article does not mean that all of the views/opinions/beliefs/etc inherently represent those of The Transgender Dictionary.

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See also the pages for; sexuality, dating advice, transfeminine.

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