Lesbian Feminism

Pamela Fletcher
September 7, 2007
Joelle Ryan
WS200
Blog Entry #1
Lesbian Feminism

Lesbian Feminism is a cultural movement that was most prevalent in the 1970's and early 1980's questioning women and homosexual's proper place in society. Lesbian feminism differ from other forms of feminist because they advocates lesbianism as a direct result of dissatifaction with patriarchy, capitalism and colonialism. They also believe in denaturalizing heterosexuality.

I do not believe that lesbianism is created based on choice, and becasue they were resisting patriarchy because I think their is so much more involved than "being stubborn" and choosing against heterosexuality.

One radical lesbian feminist, Sheila Jeffreys, defined lesbian feminist with having seven key components:
*Emphasis on women's love for one another
*Separatist organizations
*Community and ideas
*Idea that lesbianism is based on choice
*Idea that the personal is political
*A rejection of heirarchy
*Critique of male supremacy

Many people believe all feminists are lesbians, therefore all lesbians are on the same "page" with their beliefs. But interestingly enough, Sheila Jeffreys is very controversial in, and outside, of lesbian feminism beliefs stating she is too stringent with the preceding components.

Resources:
http://enwikipedia.org/wiki/Lesbian_feminism
http://en.wilipedia.org/Sheila_Jeffreys
Sheila Jeffreys