About Lipstick Lesbians
Lipstick lesbian is a term used more by the mainstream media than the gay and lesbian community. The phrase lipstick lesbian describes one possible lesbian stereotype: a woman who presents herself as traditionally feminine, but has relationships with other women. In some instances, the term may be used to apply to feminine women who date and have relationships with other feminine women; however, this usage is not exclusive.
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History
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While feminine lesbians have been around in American culture for as long as lesbian couples have been visible, the term lipstick lesbian was first used in the 1980s. In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres brought it into her show, Ellen, identifying herself as not a lipstick lesbian, but a Chapstick lesbian. Lesbianism has reclaimed femininity in the modern world, from Showtime's "The L Word" to bars and clubs across the country.
Features
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Lipstick lesbians embrace fashion, makeup, dresses and heels. A new glamorous aesthetic has emerged after the androgyny of the lesbian scene in the 1990s. The common stereotype of a lesbian in androgynous or masculine clothing has changed, creating a subculture that welcomes both feminine and masculine gender presentations.
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Significance
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While dress and personal style may have limited significance to some lesbians, others may see their own self-expression as a statement of gender politics. This is especially true of those feminine lesbians who choose to date women who present in a masculine way, reclaiming the unavoidable roles of butch-femme lesbian culture from the mid-twentieth century. In other cases, simply blending into mainstream heterosexual culture while being open and comfortable with her own sexuality may be a significant statement in its own right for some women.
Types
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Lipstick lesbians is a heading that often encompasses both lipstick lesbians and femme lesbians. The distinguishing factor between these overlapping headings is attraction. Often the term lipstick lesbian is used to apply to feminine lesbians who are primarily attracted to other feminine lesbians. Femmes are most commonly attracted to women who present in a more masculine way or women who identify as butch. The term Chapstick lesbian often implies a soft butch or tomboy.
Misconceptions
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Misconceptions about lipstick lesbians appear both in and out of gay and lesbian culture. Some lipstick lesbians may find that their sexuality is questioned. Lesbians may assume that lipstick lesbians are straight or just curious and not take them seriously and men may still consider them fair game. Few women use or embrace the label lipstick lesbian. Most feminine lesbians consider themselves girls, femme or just lesbians.
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