Political lesbianism: Difference between revisions
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'''Political lesbianism''' is a phenomenon within [[feminism]], primarily [[second-wave feminism]] and [[radical feminism]]; it includes, but is not limited to, [[lesbian separatism]]. Political lesbianism embraces the theory that [[sexual orientation]] is a political and feminist choice, and advocates [[lesbian]]ism as a positive alternative to [[heterosexuality]] for women<ref>{{cite web |first=Julie |last=Bindel |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,3605,1177708,00.html |title=Location, location, orientation |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 March 2004}}</ref> as part of the struggle against sexism.<ref>{{cite web |last=Krebs |first=Paula |title=Lesbianism as a Political Strategy |url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/197156630?accountid=14696 |publisher=Off Our Backs 17.6 |accessdate=11 May 2014}}</ref> |
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Political lesbianism is a theory that embraces the notion of sexuality as a political choice. The theory advocates lesbianism as a positive alternative to heterosexuality, asserting that lesbianism defies patriarchal values and expectations and combats male superiority. The phenomenon has sparked a debate between heterosexual feminism and political lesbianism, which continues to be argued throughout modern society. Arguments for political lesbianism emphasize the lack of need for men by lesbians. These arguments assert that heterosexual women are too reliant on men to evoke any type of necessary change; instead heterosexuality perpetuates patriarchal values and myths about femininity. Political lesbianism, however, is a choice made out of opposition to heterosexuality. Women choose lesbianism as a sexuality to make a political statement against the patriarchy allowing them to fight for women’s rights more effectively. |
Political lesbianism is a theory that embraces the notion of sexuality as a political choice. The theory advocates lesbianism as a positive alternative to heterosexuality, asserting that lesbianism defies patriarchal values and expectations and combats male superiority. The phenomenon has sparked a debate between heterosexual feminism and political lesbianism, which continues to be argued throughout modern society. Arguments for political lesbianism emphasize the lack of need for men by lesbians. These arguments assert that heterosexual women are too reliant on men to evoke any type of necessary change; instead heterosexuality perpetuates patriarchal values and myths about femininity. Political lesbianism, however, is a choice made out of opposition to heterosexuality. Women choose lesbianism as a sexuality to make a political statement against the patriarchy allowing them to fight for women’s rights more effectively. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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⚫ | →Historically, alternative sexualities to heterosexuality were ignored, oppressed and under valued within western culture. However, emergence of what is branded as second-wave feminism in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s began the discussion of workplace inequality, anti-discrimination laws, and women’s liberation. This wave of feminism popularized the phrase “the personal is political,” which argued for women’s personal rights—including but not limited to reproductive justice, gender roles and expectations, violence against women, and sexuality (ULGI). The discussion of sexuality centered on sexuality as constructed, and developed into ideologies about heterosexuality and homosexuality that are still pervasive today. These discussions led to the emergence of lesbian feminism in the 1980’s and allowed for the development of a variety of sub-topics within the overall concept. One of the subtopics within lesbian feminism is the more radical theory of political lesbianism. |
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Political lesbianism originated in the late 1960s among [[second wave]] [[radical feminists]] as a way to fight sexism and [[compulsory heterosexuality]]. [[Sheila Jeffreys]] helped to develop the concept when she co-wrote "Love Your Enemy? The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism" <ref>{{cite web|last=Jeffreys|first=Sheila|title=Love Your Enemy? The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism|url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3dD4VR6trTUMzYzZTExNmMtY2FlMC00MjlhLTg1ZjItYjFhNGMzMWNlMGIx/edit?hl=en&authkey=CN6ixb8C&pli=1}}</ref> with the [[Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group]]. They argued that women should abandon support of heterosexuality and to stop sleeping with men, encouraging women to rid men "from your beds and your heads."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jan/30/women-gayrights |title=My sexual revolution | last=Bindel | first=Julie |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]'' |date=30 January 2009 |accessdate=3 October 2012}}</ref> While the main idea of political lesbianism is to be separate from men, this does not necessarily mean that political lesbians ''have'' to sleep with women; some choose to be [[celibate]] or identify as [[asexual]]. The [[Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group]] definition of a political lesbian is "a woman identified woman who does not fuck men". They proclaimed men the enemy and women who were in relationships with them collaborators and complicit in their own oppression. Heterosexual behavior is seen as the basic unit of the [[patriarchy]]'s political structure, lesbians who reject heterosexual behavior therefore disrupt the established political system.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bunch|first=Charlotte|title=Lesbians in Revolt|url=http://library.duke.edu/rubenstein/scriptorium/wlm/furies/|publisher=The Furies: Lesbian/Feminist Monthly|accessdate=12 May 2014}}</ref> |
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⚫ | →As described above in the overview, political lesbianism is the belief that sexuality is a political choice. Beginning in the late 1960’s political lesbianism emerged as a method of fighting sexism and compulsory heterosexuality. The emergence of the topic has sparked a debate between heterosexual feminism and political lesbianism. A variety of feminist theorists and scholars have discussed the debate within various articles and essays each asserting their own research and opinions on the topic. The debate largely focuses on heterosexual women’s ability to liberate women. Many feminist scholars argue that heterosexuality is too male-centered to effectively fight for women’s liberation, but that lesbianism denies the need for men and defies patriarchal values allowing for its success in the fight for women’s rights. |
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⚫ | →Political lesbianism is supported by various activist groups, and feminist scholars. The term, while still not mainstream, is a one that is growing in popularity throughout queer, lesbian and feminist populations. Advocates of this theory argue for women to disidentify with heterosexuality and politically identify with lesbianism, in order to progress social change and eliminate the patriarchy. |
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[[Ti-Grace Atkinson]], a radical feminist who helped to found the group [[The Feminists]], is attributed with the phrase that embodies the movement: 'Feminism is the theory; lesbianism is the practice.'<ref>{{cite web|last=Koedt|first=Anne|title=Lesbianism and Feminism|url=http://www.uic.edu/orgs/cwluherstory/CWLUArchive/lesbianfeminism.html}}</ref> |
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==Theory== |
==Theory== |
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→Political lesbianism as a theory centralizes on separation between women and men, and political affiliation with lesbianism. The theory argues that lesbianism helps to relieve women of their dependence on men and eradicate patriarchal values that dictate western women’s oppression. |
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→The theory of political lesbianism is studied by a variety of feminist theorists that have made many significant contributions to the topic. Some of the feminist theorists that discuss the topic are Adrienne Rich, Charlotte Bunch, Shelia Jeffreys and Julie Bindel. These theorists have all produced works that relate to, and effectively discuss political lesbianism. |
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→Adrienne Rich, in her essay “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence” argues that a critique of compulsory heterosexuality is necessary. She suggests that sexuality is constructed through societal influences, which force an individual to identify as the socially accepted sexuality: heterosexuality. Rich asserts that feminist theory tolerated lesbian existence, ignoring their beliefs, attitudes, and experiences in theoretical works and treating their lifestyle as alternative. In this article, Rich also argues that lesbians have been denied the opportunity to exist politically because they are typically grouped as female variations of male homosexuality. She notes that a political existence for lesbian women will not only benefit lesbians, but all women, as political lesbianism opposes patriarchal values and fights for women’s liberation from them. |
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→Similar to Rich, Charlotte Bunch writes an essay titled “Lesbians in Revolt,” which discusses political lesbianism as a viable method to fighting the patriarchy. Within the essay, Bunch identifies various forms of lesbianism, including woman identified and political lesbianism. She also discusses the various ways that society constructs sexuality explaining the societal privileges attached heterosexuality, which serve a dual purpose of promoting heterosexuality while oppressing homosexuality. Overall, she argues that lesbianism is more than a sexual preference but a political decision that greatly benefits women’s liberation. Her writing supports and advocates for political lesbianism. |
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→Shelia Jeffreys is a feminist political lesbian advocate as well. She and the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group co-wrote “Love Your Enemy? Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism.” This essay centralized on political lesbianism and advocated for all feminists to be lesbians. Jeffreys and the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group specify that, in their consideration, a political lesbian does not need to have compulsory sexual relations with women, but rather just abstain from sexual relations with men. Jeffreys is a radical feminist and political lesbian supporter; she has many works that pertain to the topic. |
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→Julie Bindel is a British writer, feminist and co-founder of the nonprofit organization, Justice For Women, fighting to end violence against women. Bindel is a self-identified political lesbian, and has written many articles and essays on sexuality topics. Her article “Location, Location, Orientation,” published in the national daily British newspaper The Guardian, focuses on heterosexuality and political lesbianism. Bindel agrees with many of the feminist scholars discussed above, arguing that sexuality is a choice. The article further argues that political lesbianism is ideal for women, because it destroys the notion that women need men resulting in the destruction of the patriarchy. Bindel is a well-known lesbian journalist/writer and advocate for political lesbianism. |
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==Activism== |
==Activism== |
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→There are many activist groups that advocate for political lesbianism. Some political lesbian activist groups include but are not limited to The Furies, Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group, and Gay Liberation Front. Each of the groups listed is an activist feminist lesbian group that fights to dismantle the patriarchy and supports political lesbianism as a choice. Each group believes that lesbianism rejects popular feminine myths such as passivity, weakness and dependence on men, and threatens male superiority. |
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The Furies are a communal lesbian group that founded and wrote a lesbian newspaper. This newspaper was designed to give lesbians and lesbian separatists a voice, allowing them to share their experiences, thoughts and opinions in order to attract more women to the lesbian separatist movement. One of the original members of this group is famous feminist theorist Charlotte Bunch. |
The Furies are a communal lesbian group that founded and wrote a lesbian newspaper. This newspaper was designed to give lesbians and lesbian separatists a voice, allowing them to share their experiences, thoughts and opinions in order to attract more women to the lesbian separatist movement. One of the original members of this group is famous feminist theorist Charlotte Bunch. |
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→The Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group is a group of lesbians from Leeds, UK that called themselves the radical feminists (Bindel). The groups of women began in the early 1970’s and advocated for feminists to leave heterosexuality and embrace lesbianism. The group experienced severe backlash but continued to fight for political lesbianism, and eventually gained substantial support. The group co-wrote the essay, “Love Your Enemy? Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism” with Shelia Jeffreys. |
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The Gay Liberation Front was established in 1969 in New York City. They fought for the sexual liberation of all people, and argued that heterosexuality aids patriarchal society and perpetuates its values. The group argued that social institutions needed to be disassembled and redesigned without influence of sexual or social roles. |
The Gay Liberation Front was established in 1969 in New York City. They fought for the sexual liberation of all people, and argued that heterosexuality aids patriarchal society and perpetuates its values. The group argued that social institutions needed to be disassembled and redesigned without influence of sexual or social roles. |
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==Shared Interest== |
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⚫ | →Woman Identified Lesbianism, as defined by Charlotte Bunch in her essay “Lesbians in Revolt,” is a type of lesbianism that focuses not only on sexual preference but political motivations as well. A woman-identified lesbian is a woman that commits herself to women both because of the sexual attraction and a desire to escape and defy the oppressive male/female heterosexual relations. |
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New wave feminism {{Definition|reason='New Wave Feminism' is not a clear term and is not aligned with 'Second Wave Feminism'|date=May 2015}} provided a platform for some women to come out of a perceived suffocating shell of [[heterosexual]] norms, traditional [[Human sexuality|sexuality]], [[marriage]] and family life, a life viewed by some feminists{{according to who|reason=which feminists are these?|date=May 2015}} as one of hard labor with little consideration and a system that subordinates women. By coming out of dominating heterosexual relationships, [[women]] are given an opportunity to declare themselves as lesbians with shared interests. As a result, feminism would be able to provide an environment in which lesbianism was less about personal pain or anguish but an important political issue. |
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⚫ | →Lesbian Separatism is a form of feminist separatism that focuses on separating lesbian women from heterosexual women. The theory argues that, heterosexual women, regardless of their beliefs or goals, will eventually betray their lesbian sisters, because of their reception of heterosexual privileges and ties to patriarchal culture. It is because of this belief that Lesbian separatists began to advocate withdrawal from all working, personal, and casual relationships with men, and withdrawal from relationships with women benefiting from heterosexual privilege. |
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In a broad sense, [[political]] lesbianism entails the political identification of women with women, it encompasses a role beyond sexuality but supports eschewing forming relationships with men. It is partly based on the idea that women sharing and promoting a common interest creates a positive and needed energy which is necessary to enhance and elevate the role of women in the society, a development which will be curtailed by the institutions of heterosexuality and [[sexism]] if women choose the traditional norms. |
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Though there was some discrimination against lesbians within the feminist movement, it ended up providing a needed political platform for them. In its wake, it also expanded and introduced divergent views of sexuality.<ref name="Ramazanoglu">Ramazanoglu; Routledge, Feminism and the Contradictions of Oppression, Routledge, 1989. pp84-86</ref> |
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==Lesbian Separatism== |
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[[Separatist feminism]] is a form of [[radical feminism]] that holds that opposition to [[patriarchy]] is best done through focusing exclusively on women and girls.<ref>Christine Skelton, Becky Francis, ''Feminism and the Schooling Scandal'', Taylor & Francis, 2009 ISBN 0-415-45510-3, ISBN 978-0-415-45510-7 [http://books.google.com/books?id=AbWRPIevJOwC&pg=PA104&dq=Separatist+feminism&ei=CGPRSuuFDaCMygTNiqWQDg#v=onepage&q=Separatist%20feminism&f=false p. 104].</ref> Some separatist feminists do not believe that men can make positive contributions to the [[feminist movement]] and that even well-intentioned men replicate the dynamics of [[patriarchy]].<ref>[[Sarah Hoagland]], [http://books.google.com/books?id=ljaGAAAAIAAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s ''Lesbian Ethics: toward new value''], p. 60, 154, 294.</ref> |
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[[Charlotte Bunch]], an early member of [[The Furies Collective]], viewed separatist feminism as a strategy, a "first step" period, or temporary withdrawal from mainstream activism to accomplish specific goals or enhance [[Personal development|personal growth]].<ref>Davis, Flora. Moving the Mountain: The Women's Movement in America since 1960, University of Illinois Press, 1999, ISBN 0-252-06782-7, p271</ref> ''The Furies'' recommended that Lesbian Separatists relate "only (with) women who cut their ties to [[male privilege]]"<ref name="Bunch 1972, pp.8-9">Bunch, Charlotte/The Furies Collective, "Lesbians in Revolt", in ''The Furies: Lesbian/Feminist Monthly'', vol. 1, January 1972, pp.8–9</ref> and suggest that "as long as women still benefit from heterosexuality, receive its privileges and security, they will at some point have to betray their sisters, especially Lesbian sisters who do not receive those benefits".<ref name="Bunch 1972, pp.8-9"/> |
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==Social constructs of sexuality and criticism== |
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Some feminist theory on sexuality evaded [[biological]] fixation and embraced [[social]] construction as the basis of sexuality. However, this idea posed further questions on the subject of sexuality and lesbianism. If sexuality could be a construction of [[human nature]] then little room is given to understanding the nature of the historical formation of human nature, especially, if the historical nature of man or woman enhanced heterosexuality.<ref name=Ramazanoglu /> A lack of [[theoretical]] clarity of lesbianism and sexuality becomes more profound as sexuality is viewed as much more than choice.<ref>{{cite web|title=Answers to Your Questions For a Better Understanding of sexual orientation & Homosexuality|url=http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.aspx#|publisher=American Psychological Association|accessdate=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Psychiatry and LGB People|url=http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/workinpsychiatry/specialinterestgroups/gaylesbian/submissiontothecofe/psychiatryandlgbpeople.aspx#history|publisher=Royal College of Psychiatrists|accessdate=13 May 2014}}</ref> Also, if lesbianism becomes a [[social institution]], the avenue for a dominant persona in the relationships may also pose challenge to the original intention of political lesbianism. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Radical feminism]] |
* [[Radical feminism]] |
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* [[Separatist feminism]] |
* [[Separatist feminism]] |
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* [[Woman Identified lesbianism]] |
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'''Proponents:''' |
'''Proponents:''' |
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* {{cite book|first=Celia |last=Kitzinger |first2=Sue |last2=Wilkinson |title=The Social Construction of Lesbianism |location=London; Newbury Park, Calif. |publisher=Sage Publications |year=1987|isbn=0-803-98116-3|oclc=18388282}} |
* {{cite book|first=Celia |last=Kitzinger |first2=Sue |last2=Wilkinson |title=The Social Construction of Lesbianism |location=London; Newbury Park, Calif. |publisher=Sage Publications |year=1987|isbn=0-803-98116-3|oclc=18388282}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Robertson |first=Michelle |title=The Politics of Sexual Identity: The Case of Political Lesbianism |location=Nathan, Qld. |publisher=Griffith University |year=1984 |oclc=222860038}} |
* {{cite book|last=Robertson |first=Michelle |title=The Politics of Sexual Identity: The Case of Political Lesbianism |location=Nathan, Qld. |publisher=Griffith University |year=1984 |oclc=222860038}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Thompson |first=Denise |title=Reading Between the Lines: a Lesbian Feminist Critique of Feminist Accounts of Sexuality |location=Chicago |publisher=Spinifex Press |year=1991 |isbn=9-781-74219457-8 |oclc=782877206}} |
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• Allison, Ruth (1967). "Lesbian by choice". Lesbianism: Its Secrets and Practices. Los Angeles: Medco. OCLC 7965371. |
• Allison, Ruth (1967). "Lesbian by choice". Lesbianism: Its Secrets and Practices. Los Angeles: Medco. OCLC 7965371. |
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• Bindel, Julie (27 March 2004). "Location, location, orientation". The Guardian. |
• Bindel, Julie (27 March 2004). "Location, location, orientation". The Guardian. |
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• Bunch, Charlotte. "Lesbians in Revolt". The Furies: Lesbian/Feminist Monthly. Retrieved 12 May 2014 |
• Bunch, Charlotte. "Lesbians in Revolt". The Furies: Lesbian/Feminist Monthly. Retrieved 12 May 2014 |
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• Jeffreys, Sheila; Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group; et al. (1981) Love Your Enemy?: The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism, London: Onlywomen Press, ISBN 0-906500-08-7 |
• Jeffreys, Sheila; Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group; et al. (1981) Love Your Enemy?: The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism, London: Onlywomen Press, ISBN 0-906500-08-7 |
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• Lorde, Audre. “I am your Sister: Black Women Organizing across Sexualities |
• Lorde, Audre. “I am your Sister: Black Women Organizing across Sexualities" |
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• Rich, Adrienne. “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence,” Signs, Vol. 5, No. 4, Women: Sex and Sexuality. (Summer, 1980), pp. 631-660. |
• Rich, Adrienne. “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence,” Signs, Vol. 5, No. 4, Women: Sex and Sexuality. (Summer, 1980), pp. 631-660. |
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• Robertson, Michelle (1984). The Politics of Sexual Identity: The Case of Political Lesbianism. Nathan, Qld.: Griffith University. OCLC 222860038. |
• Robertson, Michelle (1984). The Politics of Sexual Identity: The Case of Political Lesbianism. Nathan, Qld.: Griffith University. OCLC 222860038. |
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Political lesbianism is a theory that embraces the notion of sexuality as a political choice. The theory advocates lesbianism as a positive alternative to heterosexuality, asserting that lesbianism defies patriarchal values and expectations and combats male superiority. The phenomenon has sparked a debate between heterosexual feminism and political lesbianism, which continues to be argued throughout modern society. Arguments for political lesbianism emphasize the lack of need for men by lesbians. These arguments assert that heterosexual women are too reliant on men to evoke any type of necessary change; instead heterosexuality perpetuates patriarchal values and myths about femininity. Political lesbianism, however, is a choice made out of opposition to heterosexuality. Women choose lesbianism as a sexuality to make a political statement against the patriarchy allowing them to fight for women’s rights more effectively. The main goal of political lesbianism is to create a separation between women and men. This separation destroys women’s dependence on men and helps to eliminate patriarchal ideals, beliefs, and standards. Although lesbianism is typically associated with sexual attraction by women for women, political lesbianism does not enforce this sexual attraction. Women that identify as politically lesbian are not necessarily attracted to women; these women can identify as many different sexualities, excluding heterosexuality (i.e. asexual).
History
→Historically, alternative sexualities to heterosexuality were ignored, oppressed and under valued within western culture. However, emergence of what is branded as second-wave feminism in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s began the discussion of workplace inequality, anti-discrimination laws, and women’s liberation. This wave of feminism popularized the phrase “the personal is political,” which argued for women’s personal rights—including but not limited to reproductive justice, gender roles and expectations, violence against women, and sexuality (ULGI). The discussion of sexuality centered on sexuality as constructed, and developed into ideologies about heterosexuality and homosexuality that are still pervasive today. These discussions led to the emergence of lesbian feminism in the 1980’s and allowed for the development of a variety of sub-topics within the overall concept. One of the subtopics within lesbian feminism is the more radical theory of political lesbianism. →As described above in the overview, political lesbianism is the belief that sexuality is a political choice. Beginning in the late 1960’s political lesbianism emerged as a method of fighting sexism and compulsory heterosexuality. The emergence of the topic has sparked a debate between heterosexual feminism and political lesbianism. A variety of feminist theorists and scholars have discussed the debate within various articles and essays each asserting their own research and opinions on the topic. The debate largely focuses on heterosexual women’s ability to liberate women. Many feminist scholars argue that heterosexuality is too male-centered to effectively fight for women’s liberation, but that lesbianism denies the need for men and defies patriarchal values allowing for its success in the fight for women’s rights. →Political lesbianism is supported by various activist groups, and feminist scholars. The term, while still not mainstream, is a one that is growing in popularity throughout queer, lesbian and feminist populations. Advocates of this theory argue for women to disidentify with heterosexuality and politically identify with lesbianism, in order to progress social change and eliminate the patriarchy.
Theory
→Political lesbianism as a theory centralizes on separation between women and men, and political affiliation with lesbianism. The theory argues that lesbianism helps to relieve women of their dependence on men and eradicate patriarchal values that dictate western women’s oppression. →The theory of political lesbianism is studied by a variety of feminist theorists that have made many significant contributions to the topic. Some of the feminist theorists that discuss the topic are Adrienne Rich, Charlotte Bunch, Shelia Jeffreys and Julie Bindel. These theorists have all produced works that relate to, and effectively discuss political lesbianism. →Adrienne Rich, in her essay “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence” argues that a critique of compulsory heterosexuality is necessary. She suggests that sexuality is constructed through societal influences, which force an individual to identify as the socially accepted sexuality: heterosexuality. Rich asserts that feminist theory tolerated lesbian existence, ignoring their beliefs, attitudes, and experiences in theoretical works and treating their lifestyle as alternative. In this article, Rich also argues that lesbians have been denied the opportunity to exist politically because they are typically grouped as female variations of male homosexuality. She notes that a political existence for lesbian women will not only benefit lesbians, but all women, as political lesbianism opposes patriarchal values and fights for women’s liberation from them. →Similar to Rich, Charlotte Bunch writes an essay titled “Lesbians in Revolt,” which discusses political lesbianism as a viable method to fighting the patriarchy. Within the essay, Bunch identifies various forms of lesbianism, including woman identified and political lesbianism. She also discusses the various ways that society constructs sexuality explaining the societal privileges attached heterosexuality, which serve a dual purpose of promoting heterosexuality while oppressing homosexuality. Overall, she argues that lesbianism is more than a sexual preference but a political decision that greatly benefits women’s liberation. Her writing supports and advocates for political lesbianism. →Shelia Jeffreys is a feminist political lesbian advocate as well. She and the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group co-wrote “Love Your Enemy? Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism.” This essay centralized on political lesbianism and advocated for all feminists to be lesbians. Jeffreys and the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group specify that, in their consideration, a political lesbian does not need to have compulsory sexual relations with women, but rather just abstain from sexual relations with men. Jeffreys is a radical feminist and political lesbian supporter; she has many works that pertain to the topic. →Julie Bindel is a British writer, feminist and co-founder of the nonprofit organization, Justice For Women, fighting to end violence against women. Bindel is a self-identified political lesbian, and has written many articles and essays on sexuality topics. Her article “Location, Location, Orientation,” published in the national daily British newspaper The Guardian, focuses on heterosexuality and political lesbianism. Bindel agrees with many of the feminist scholars discussed above, arguing that sexuality is a choice. The article further argues that political lesbianism is ideal for women, because it destroys the notion that women need men resulting in the destruction of the patriarchy. Bindel is a well-known lesbian journalist/writer and advocate for political lesbianism.
Activism
→There are many activist groups that advocate for political lesbianism. Some political lesbian activist groups include but are not limited to The Furies, Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group, and Gay Liberation Front. Each of the groups listed is an activist feminist lesbian group that fights to dismantle the patriarchy and supports political lesbianism as a choice. Each group believes that lesbianism rejects popular feminine myths such as passivity, weakness and dependence on men, and threatens male superiority. The Furies are a communal lesbian group that founded and wrote a lesbian newspaper. This newspaper was designed to give lesbians and lesbian separatists a voice, allowing them to share their experiences, thoughts and opinions in order to attract more women to the lesbian separatist movement. One of the original members of this group is famous feminist theorist Charlotte Bunch. →The Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group is a group of lesbians from Leeds, UK that called themselves the radical feminists (Bindel). The groups of women began in the early 1970’s and advocated for feminists to leave heterosexuality and embrace lesbianism. The group experienced severe backlash but continued to fight for political lesbianism, and eventually gained substantial support. The group co-wrote the essay, “Love Your Enemy? Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism” with Shelia Jeffreys. The Gay Liberation Front was established in 1969 in New York City. They fought for the sexual liberation of all people, and argued that heterosexuality aids patriarchal society and perpetuates its values. The group argued that social institutions needed to be disassembled and redesigned without influence of sexual or social roles.
Woman Identified Lesbianism & Lesbian Separatism
→Woman Identified Lesbianism, as defined by Charlotte Bunch in her essay “Lesbians in Revolt,” is a type of lesbianism that focuses not only on sexual preference but political motivations as well. A woman-identified lesbian is a woman that commits herself to women both because of the sexual attraction and a desire to escape and defy the oppressive male/female heterosexual relations. →Lesbian Separatism is a form of feminist separatism that focuses on separating lesbian women from heterosexual women. The theory argues that, heterosexual women, regardless of their beliefs or goals, will eventually betray their lesbian sisters, because of their reception of heterosexual privileges and ties to patriarchal culture. It is because of this belief that Lesbian separatists began to advocate withdrawal from all working, personal, and casual relationships with men, and withdrawal from relationships with women benefiting from heterosexual privilege.
See also
Proponents:
References
• ULGI: https://tavaana.org/en/content/1960s-70s-american-feminist-movement-breaking-down-barriers-women • http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jan/30/women-gayrights • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_Liberation_Front • Rich, Adrienne. “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence,” Signs, Vol. 5, No. 4, Women: Sex and Sexuality. (Summer, 1980), pp. 631-660. • Bindel, Julie (27 March 2004). "Location, location, orientation". The Guardian. • Bunch, Charlotte. "Lesbians in Revolt". The Furies: Lesbian/Feminist Monthly. Retrieved 12 May 2014 • Jeffreys, Sheila; Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group; et al. (1981) Love Your Enemy?: The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism, London: Onlywomen Press, ISBN 0-906500-08-7
Further reading
- Allison, Ruth (1967). "Lesbian by choice". Lesbianism: Its Secrets and Practices. Los Angeles: Medco. OCLC 7965371.
- Gottschalk, Lorene. Genderations of Women Choosing to Become Lesbian: Questioning the Essentialist Link, [S.l. : s.n.], 1999 OCLC 320880086
- Jeffreys, Sheila; Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group; et al. (1981) Love Your Enemy?: The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism, London: Onlywomen Press, ISBN 0-906500-08-7
- Kitzinger, Celia; Wilkinson, Sue (1987). The Social Construction of Lesbianism. London; Newbury Park, Calif.: Sage Publications. ISBN 0-803-98116-3. OCLC 18388282.
- Robertson, Michelle (1984). The Politics of Sexual Identity: The Case of Political Lesbianism. Nathan, Qld.: Griffith University. OCLC 222860038.
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