Lipstick lesbian

Last updated
A self-described lipstick lesbian marching in Canada's Edmonton Pride Parade, 2011. 100%25 Genuine Lipstick Lesbian (5822379427).jpg
A self-described lipstick lesbian marching in Canada's Edmonton Pride Parade, 2011.

"Lipstick lesbian" is slang for a lesbian who exhibits a great amount of feminine gender attributes, such as wearing make-up, dresses or skirts, and having other characteristics associated with feminine women. [1] In popular usage, the term is also used to characterize the feminine gender expression of bisexual women, [1] or the broader topic of female–female sexual activity among feminine women. [2] [3]

Contents

An alternate term for lipstick lesbian is doily dyke . [4] [5]

Definitions and society

The term lipstick lesbian was used in San Francisco at least as early as the 1980s. In 1982, Priscilla Rhoades, a journalist with the gay newspaper Sentinel , wrote the feature story "Lesbians for Lipstick". [6]

In 1990, the gay newspaper OutWeek covered the Lesbian Ladies Society, a Washington, D.C.–based social group of "feminine lesbians" that required women to wear a dress or skirt to its functions. [7]

The term lipstick lesbian became popular when used by writer Deborah Bergman, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times . [8]

Some authors have commented that lipstick lesbian is commonly used broadly to refer to feminine bisexual women or to heterosexual women who temporarily show romantic or sexual interest in other women to impress men. For example, Jodie Brian, in Encyclopedia of Gender and Society, Volume 1 (2009), states, "A common depiction of lipstick lesbianism includes conventionally attractive and sexually insatiable women who desire one another but only insofar as their desire is a performance for male onlookers or a precursor to sex with men." [2] In Intersectionality, Sexuality and Psychological Therapies (2012), lipstick lesbian is defined as "a lesbian/bisexual woman who exhibits 'feminine' attributes such as wearing makeup, dresses and high heeled shoes"; the book adds that "more recent iterations of feminine forms of lesbianism such as 'femme' (e.g. wears dresses/skirts or form-fitting jeans, low cut tops, makeup, jewelry), or 'lipstick lesbian' [...], are an attempt to define as both lesbian and feminine." [1]

Some lipstick lesbians say that they choose to perform femininity rather than be subjected to it, adding that they have made an active decision to be feminine, which subverts society's demand of forced femininity. [9] [10] [11] They commonly modify a typical feminine style to make it less heteronormative; Inge Blackman and Kathryn Perry gave the example of "twinning short skirts with Doctor Martens (DMs) or lacy underwear with men's trousers". [9]

Author M. Paz Galupo stated, "Young women exposed to mainstream media outlets are seeing expressions of the same-sex desire between women much more frequently than ever before. However, mainstream images of same-sex desire between women are very specific, meaning they are often of hyper-feminine women ('lipstick lesbians')." [3] The prominence of lipstick lesbians in the media is echoed by Rosalind Gill, who stated, "The figure of the 'luscious lesbian' [lipstick lesbian] within advertising is notable for her extraordinarily attractive, conventionally feminine appearance." [12] Although some authors have said that the existence of lipstick lesbians is a destabilization of heterosexual ideals, by breaking the assumption that a feminine person will always desire a masculine person, and vice versa, others have said that the lipstick lesbian emergence simply fails in this regard, [10] [13] as lipstick lesbians are still subject to the male gaze, and still found acceptable due to their femininity. [10] [14]  

In media

The term is thought to have reached wide usage in the 1990s. A 1997 episode of the television show Ellen widely publicized the phrase. In the show, Ellen DeGeneres's character, asked by her parents whether a certain woman is a "dipstick lesbian", explains that the term is lipstick lesbian, and comments, "I would be a ChapStick lesbian." In the 1999 film But I'm a Cheerleader , the character played by Julie Delpy is identified as "Lipstick Lesbian" in the film credits. [15]

Flag controversy

The lipstick lesbian flag was introduced by Natalie McCray in 2010 in the weblog This Lesbian Life. [16] [17] The design contains a red kiss in the left corner, superimposed on seven stripes consisting of six shades of red and pink colors and a white bar in the center. [18] [19] The flag has not been widely adopted [20] due to some lesbians asserting that it is not inclusive of butch lesbians, while others have argued that McCray wrote biphobic, racist, and transphobic comments on her now-defunct blog. [21]

The colors of the "pink" lesbian flag were copied from the lipstick lesbian flag (with the kiss mark excluded). [19] The maker of the "pink" flag remains unknown. The pink flag attracted more use as a general lesbian pride flag. [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kinsey scale</span> Scale for measuring sexual orientation

The Kinsey scale, also called the Heterosexual–Homosexual Rating Scale, is used in research to describe a person's sexual orientation based on one's experience or response at a given time. The scale typically ranges from 0, meaning exclusively heterosexual, to a 6, meaning exclusively homosexual. In both the male and female volumes of the Kinsey Reports, an additional grade, listed as "X", indicated "no socio-sexual contacts or reactions" (asexuality). The reports were first published in Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (1948) by Alfred Kinsey, Wardell Pomeroy, and others, and were also prominent in the complementary work Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953).

<i>Butch</i> and <i>femme</i> Masculine and feminine identities in lesbians

Butch and femme are masculine (butch) or feminine (femme) identities in the lesbian subculture that have associated traits, behaviors, styles, self-perception, and so on. This concept has been called a "way to organize sexual relationships and gender and sexual identity". Butch–femme culture is not the sole form of a lesbian dyadic system, as there are many women in butch–butch and femme–femme relationships.

Femme is a term traditionally used to describe a lesbian woman who exhibits a feminine identity or gender presentation. While commonly viewed as a lesbian term, alternate meanings of the word also exist with some non-lesbian individuals using the word, notably some gay men and bisexuals. Some non-binary and transgender individuals also identify as lesbians using this term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biphobia</span> Aversion to bisexual people

Biphobia is aversion toward bisexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being bisexual. Similarly to homophobia, it refers to hatred and prejudice specifically against those identified or perceived as being in the bisexual community. It can take the form of denial that bisexuality is a genuine sexual orientation, or of negative stereotypes about people who are bisexual. Other forms of biphobia include bisexual erasure. Biphobia may also avert towards other sexualities attracted to multiple genders such as pansexuality or polysexuality, as the idea of being attracted to multiple genders is generally the cause of stigma towards bisexuality.

LGBTQ slang, LGBTQ speak, queer slang, or gay slang is a set of English slang lexicon used predominantly among LGBTQ people. It has been used in various languages since the early 20th century as a means by which members of the LGBTQ community identify themselves and speak in code with brevity and speed to others.

Effeminacy or male femininity is the embodiment of feminine traits in boys or men, particularly those considered untypical of men or masculinity. These traits include roles, stereotypes, behaviors, and appearances that are socially associated with girls and women. Throughout Western civilization, men considered effeminate have faced prejudice and discrimination. Gay men are often stereotyped as being effeminate, and vice versa. However, femininity, masculinity, and other forms of gender expression are independent of sexual orientation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture</span> Common culture shared by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people

LGBTQ culture is a culture shared by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. It is sometimes referred to as queer culture, LGBT culture, and LGBTQIA culture, while the term gay culture may be used to mean either "LGBT culture" or homosexual culture specifically.

Gender expression, or gender presentation, is a person's behavior, mannerisms, and appearance that are socially associated with gender, namely femininity or masculinity. Gender expression can also be defined as the external manifestation of one's gender identity through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, voice, or body characteristics. Typically, a person's gender expression is thought of in terms of masculinity and femininity, but an individual's gender expression may incorporate both feminine and masculine traits, or neither. A person's gender expression may or may not match their assigned sex at birth. This includes gender roles, and accordingly relies on cultural stereotypes about gender. It is distinct from gender identity.

Boi is slang within butch and femme and gay male communities for several sexual or gender identities.

A soft butch, or stem (stud-fem), is a lesbian who exhibits some stereotypical butch traits without fitting the masculine stereotype associated with butch lesbians. Soft butch is on the spectrum of butch, as are stone butch and masculine, whereas on the contrary, ultra fem, high femme, and lipstick lesbian are some labels on the spectrum of lesbians with a more prominent expression of femininity, also known as femmes. Soft butches have gender expressions of women, but primarily display masculine characteristics; soft butches predominantly express masculinity with a touch of femininity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ stereotypes</span> Stereotypes around LGBTQ people and communities

LGBTQ stereotypes are stereotypes about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people based on their sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions. Stereotypical perceptions may be acquired through interactions with parents, teachers, peers and mass media, or, more generally, through a lack of firsthand familiarity, resulting in an increased reliance on generalizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pride flag</span> Symbol for part or all of the LGBTQ community

A pride flag is any flag that represents a segment or part of the LGBTQ community. Pride in this case refers to the notion of LGBTQ pride. The terms LGBTQ flag and queer flag are often used interchangeably.

Over the course of its history, the LGBTQ community has adopted certain symbols for self-identification to demonstrate unity, pride, shared values, and allegiance to one another. These symbols communicate ideas, concepts, and identity both within their communities and to mainstream culture. The two symbols most recognized internationally are the pink triangle and the rainbow flag.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in the Philippines</span>

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in the Philippines are generally accepted in Filipino society, and it has been ranked among the most gay-friendly countries in Asia. It has the second highest social acceptance rate in the Asia-Pacific next to Australia, according to a Pew Research Center survey in 2013. Despite this, some discrimination still persist and LGBT people have limited LGBT-specific rights, leading some activists to characterize LGBT culture in the Philippines as "tolerated, but not accepted." Homosexuals in the Philippines are known as "bakla", though there are other terms to describe them. According to the 2002 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey, 11 percent of sexually active Filipinos between the ages of 15 and 24 have had sex with someone of the same sex. According to Filipino poet and critic Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Filipino culture may have a more flexible concept of gender. Kasarian is defined in less binary terms than the English word; kasarian means "kind, species, or genus".

LGBTQ linguistics is the study of language as used by members of LGBTQ communities. Related or synonymous terms include lavender linguistics, advanced by William Leap in the 1990s, which "encompass[es] a wide range of everyday language practices" in LGBTQ communities, and queer linguistics, which refers to the linguistic analysis concerning the effect of heteronormativity on expressing sexual identity through language. The former term derives from the longtime association of the color lavender with LGBTQ communities. "Language", in this context, may refer to any aspect of spoken or written linguistic practices, including speech patterns and pronunciation, use of certain vocabulary, and, in a few cases, an elaborate alternative lexicon such as Polari.

In Thailand, one can find several different gender roles, identities and diverse visual markers of masculinity and femininity. Beyond the traditional male and female roles, there are categories for individuals who are gender non-conforming, whether in looks or behavior. These are generally regarded as sub-types of each sex, rather than a distinct gender identity, and correlate strongly with homosexuality. Demand and support for positive self-identity is growing in Thailand.

Gender roles in non-heterosexual communities are a topic of much debate; some people believe traditional, heterosexual gender roles are often erroneously enforced on non-heterosexual relationships by means of heteronormative culture and attitudes towards these non-conformative relationships.

<i>Femboy</i> Slang term for an effeminate male

Femboy is a slang term that refers to males, usually cisgender, who express themselves with traditionally feminine behaviours, or—especially in the variant spelling femboi—to LGBTQ people of any gender identity who affect a "soft" masculine look. As an Internet aesthetic, this may be through the use of jewellery, wearing feminine clothing and makeup, or expressing feminine behavioural qualities. Femboy can be used as both a sexual and non-sexual term; it does not denote a specific sexual orientation or gender role.

Various lesbian flags have been used to symbolise the lesbian community. Since 1999, many designs have been proposed and used. Although personal preferences exist, as well as various controversies, no design has been widely accepted by the community as the lesbian flag.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butch (lesbian slang)</span> Identity for people, usually lesbians, with masculine characteristics

Butch is a lesbian who exhibits a masculine identity or gender presentation.

References

  1. 1 2 3 das Nair, Roshan; Butler, Catherine, eds. (2012). "Gender, by Sonja J. Ellis". Intersectionality, Sexuality and Psychological Therapies: Working with Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Diversity. BPS Blackwell. p. 49. ISBN   978-0470975008.
  2. 1 2 O'Brien, Jodi, ed. (2009). Encyclopedia of Gender and Society, Volume 1. SAGE Publications. pp. 491–493. ISBN   978-1560237020.
  3. 1 2 Galupo, M. Paz, ed. (2006). "Girl Friend or Girlfriend?: Same-Sex Friendship and Bisexual Images as a Context for Flexible Sexual Identity Among Young Women, by Elisabeth Morgan Thompson". Bisexual Women: Friendship and Social Organization. Haworth Press. p. 55. ISBN   978-1560237020.
  4. ↑ Keshia Kola (16 November 2007). "The Shesaurus: America's First Women's Dictionary-Thesaurus". Archived from the original on 6 February 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  5. ↑ "Issue 71" (PDF). G3 Magazine. April 2007. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 October 2008. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
  6. ↑ Stange, Mary Zeiss; Oyster, Carol K.; Sloan, Jane E., eds. (2011). "Sexualities: Lipstick Lesbians". The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Women in Today's World. SAGE Publications. pp. 549–551. ISBN   978-1412976855.
  7. ↑ Lynch, Patsy (4 April 1990). "Lesbian Ladies (or where did all the femmes go?)" (PDF). OutWeek. p. 44.
  8. ↑ Faderman, Lillian; Simmons, Stuart (2006). Gay L.A.: A History of Sexual Outlaws, Power Politics, and Lipstick Lesbians. New York. ISBN   978-0465022885.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  9. 1 2 Blackman, Inge; Perry, Kathryn (1990). "Skirting the Issue: Lesbian Fashion for the 1990s". Feminist Review (34): 67–78. doi:10.2307/1395306. JSTOR   1395306.
  10. 1 2 3 Bell, David; Binnie, Jon; Cream, Julia; Valentine, Gill (1994). "All hyped up and no place to go". Gender, Place & Culture. 1: 31–47. doi:10.1080/09663699408721199.
  11. ↑ Schorb, Jodi R.; Hammidi, Tania N. (2000). "Sho-Lo Showdown: The Do's and Don'ts of Lesbian Chic". Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature. 19 (2): 255. doi:10.2307/464429. JSTOR   464429.
  12. ↑ Gill, Rosalind (2009). "Beyond the 'Sexualization of Culture' Thesis: An Intersectional Analysis of 'Sixpacks', 'Midriffs' and 'Hot Lesbians' in Advertising". Sexualities. 12 (2): 137–160. doi:10.1177/1363460708100916. S2CID   144941660.
  13. ↑ Kirby, Andrew (1995). "VIEWPOINT Straight Talk on the Pomo Homo Question". Gender, Place & Culture. 2: 89–96. doi:10.1080/09663699550022125.
  14. ↑ Farquhar, Clare (2000). "'Lesbian' in a Post-Lesbian World? Policing Identity, Sex and Image". Sexualities. 3 (2): 219–236. doi:10.1177/136346000003002007. S2CID   56213569.
  15. ↑ Noh, David (September 2007). "But I'm a Cheerleader". Film Journal International . Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  16. ↑ Mathers, Charlie (1 January 2018). "18 Pride flags you might not have seen before". Gay Star News . Archived from the original on 1 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2019. (The Mathers article shows the derivative design, but not the original flag.)
  17. ↑ Redwood, Soleil (26 February 2020). "A Horniman Lesbian Flag". Horniman Museum . Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  18. ↑ McCray, Natalie (July 2010). "LLFlag". This Lesbian Life. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  19. 1 2 Rawles, Timothy (12 July 2019). "The many flags of the LGBT community". San Diego Gay & Lesbian News . Archived from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  20. ↑ Bendix, Trish (8 September 2015). "Why don't lesbians have a pride flag of our own?". AfterEllen . Archived from the original on 9 September 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  21. ↑ Brabaw, Kasandra (20 June 2019). "A Complete Guide To All The LGBTQ+ Flags & What They Mean". Refinery29 .
  22. ↑ Andersson, Jasmine (4 July 2019). "Pride flag guide: what the different flags look like, and what they all mean". i . Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2021.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.