Tag Archives: lesbos

Lesbians Are Free To Call Themselves Just That

Catherine StrawnJuly 22, 2008 //

Remember how residents of the Aegean island of Lesbos were trying to get a court to ban the use of the word “lesbian” in reference to gay women? Well, the courts dismissed their request. A court in Athens, Greece said the word did not define the identity of the residents, so it could be used by gay groups, both in Greece and abroad. Maybe they should start calling themselves the Lesbosians, unless that’s too many syllables for people to handle. [Reuters] Keep reading »

Isle Of Lesbos v. Lesbians

SimchaMay 1, 2008 //

Three residents of the Isle of Lesbos (no that’s not a euphemism, they really live there) are suing the Greek Gay and Lesbian Union, Olke, over the use of the word “Lesbian.” Although the plaintiffs claim they’re cool with the lifestyle, they want to stop the confusion and reclaim the name solely for people from the region. They’re loud, they’re proud, and they’re used to calling themselves Lesbians. But the term actually comes from one of the most famous Lesbians, in both meanings of the word, Sappho, a writer in Ancient Greece who wrote love poems to other women. Despite the ridiculousness of the charges of “psychological and moral rape” of their label, the case, supported by a member of a local pagan group and two other inhabitants, will be heard in a court in Athens sometime in June. [The Telegraph] Keep reading »