Lesbian

Definition
Lesbian is a term to describe women, fem-aligned, and sometimes neutral-aligned/masc-aligned people who are attracted to women and/or fem-aligned people. It can be used by pretty much any gender except possibly binary men, however it can be used by multigender people with one of their genders being binary man. It is often described as the feminine equivalent of Vincian. A more broad definition is "non-men loving non-men" however some non-binary people prefer not to be grouped under lesbian attraction, so it may not be best to use this term.

Etymology
The term "Lesbian" was named after the Greek island of Lesbos, where famous poet Sappho lived. She wrote many poems about what is believed to be her female lovers and participated in many wlw relationships. The term Sapphic, for wlw attraction, is named after her.

Culture, Symbols, and Terminology
Plaid and flannel are often consistent styles in stereotypical lesbians and bisexuals. And in the modern age can be seen as a way of telling if someone is queer. Plaid can be worn by a variety of lesbians but is most commonly used by Butch Lesbians. Violets are often a symbol used for love among bisexual women and lesbians. This is because Édouard Bourdet wrote a play and used it to signify lesbian love (inspired by the Greek mythos Sapho). The play was later censored, and lesbians in the area wore violets as a protest. Labrys is a symbol for lesbians who are also proud feminists.

Bambi Lesbian
A Bambi Lesbian was a term used in the 1980s for a lesbian who prefers affectionate gestures or language such as hugs or compliments rather than sexual activity. In a way, it can be used for asexual lesbians. The term is slowly being reclaimed by the lesbian community.

Goldstar Lesbian
Goldstar lesbian is a term used to describe a lesbian who has never had sex with men. This term can be problematic for some as it can enforce heteronormativity.

Butch
A butch lesbian is a lesbian with a traditionally masculine-like appearance and/or behavior. For example, a butch lesbian may prefer short hair over long hair, and may shop in the men's department most of the time. Though, they usually don't want to be men, nor do they hate them. Stone Butch is sometimes used to describing a lesbian who is especially masculine, though it originally referred to a lesbian who did not want to be touched sexually, often due to dysphoria and/or trauma. There is also a term called 'Soft Butch', originally meant for chubby/fat butches, and now often used for butch lesbians who are less masculine. Another term for androgynous lesbians is chapstick lesbian.

Femme/Lipstick Lesbian
The identity terms "Butch" and "Femme" were used historically among working-class lesbians in gay bars. Historically, the lesbian bar community has relied on clear labels to mark its women as either. Femmes were expected to pair with butches, and vice versa. Originally, the terms referred to roles that lesbians played when interacting with each other at bars, and a butch one night may have been a femme another night.

More recently, the definitions have shifted, and femme and butch are seen as constant labels rather than temporary roles. Still, however, Butch/Femme has been considered an imitation of heterosexuality, while Femme/Femme has been considered "ungay" and an excuse for “straight posers” to experiment.

“Lipstick Lesbian” refers to a hyper-feminine lesbian who conforms to traditional femininity. It is used for the group identity of a lesbian who presents a large number of feminine or hyper-feminine attributes. Examples of this are wearing makeup (thus, lipstick), wearing skirts or dresses, and other characteristics related to feminine women. Lipstick Lesbians may be physically feminine, but not all act so.

In a historical context, it has been called "passive", "weak", and "heterosexual". Because of this, some femmes and lipstick lesbians consider their gender identity a multi-faceted optical statement, just like butches and other masculine lesbians

Futch
"Futch" is a relatively new term for a lesbian individual whose gender expression is between femme or butch, or in some cases neither. However, it originated as a joke, and has been heavily criticized by the lesbian community as being a disrespectful misunderstanding of butch/femme culture.