Lesbian until graduation
| Part of a series on |
| LGBT rights |
|---|
 |
| Lesbian ∙ Gay ∙ Bisexual ∙ Transgender |
 LGBT portal |
The slang terms lesbian until graduation (LUG) or alternatively bisexual until graduation are terms used to describe women in high-school or college, who are assumed to be experimenting with or with adopting a temporary lesbian or bisexual identity. The term suggests that the woman to whom it is applied will ultimately adopt a strictly heterosexual identity. The term is largely considered pejorative in the LGBT community. Some women in lesbian communities use this term to disparage bisexual women.[1]
Usage
To describe closeted women
At one time, the term LUG was associated with lesbian and bisexual women at same-sex high-schools, colleges or universities, who were closeted from parents or guardians. The term suggested that the individual was openly lesbian while on campus, but that they would ultimately conform to social and familial expectations of heterosexuality. A similar usage typically described a form of situational sexual behavior, suggesting that they would ultimately revert to heterosexual behavior, whether out of interpersonal pressure or actual preference.
To dismiss same-sex behavior
In recent usage, the term is generally used to suggest that the woman's same-sex behavior is somehow illegitimate.[1] One negative suggestion is that the relations are consciously elective or temporary, or that they are primarily based in convenience. This usage suggests that the participants are:
- concentrating on studies without the distraction of "genuine" romantic relationships
- avoiding unwanted male attention
- avoiding the risk of unwanted pregnancy while remaining sexually active
Another negative suggestion is that the behavior stems from a desire for attention, sometimes described as "bisexual chic". This usage suggests that the participants are:
- trying to increase their sexual desirability among heterosexual men
- surprising parents or relatives with news that is presumed to be undesirable
- surprising friends and acquaintances with news that is presumed to be shocking
- developing solidarity with an oppressed community
- resorting to women out of a lack of male attention
LGBT reaction
Bisexual advocates claim that the term is evidence of biphobia or bisexual erasure, and that many women described as LUGs may identify as bisexual.[1] Some LGBT advocates suggest that the appearance of the term is evidence that human sexuality is more mutable (as in the case of sexual preference) than it is fixed (as in the case of sexual orientation). They argue that the term is often used to disparage bi-curious and questioning youth who are exploring their sexual identity.
Advocates suggest that of women who engage in same-sex activity for a limited time period, some may be lesbians who become fully closeted, some may be bisexuals who subsequently suppress that part of their identity, and some may be experimenting. Advocates argue that these distinctions are irrelevant, and that the label is harmful regardless of to whom it is applied. Advocates state that societal acceptance and affirmation of same-sex attraction as legitimate would mitigate the pressure to abandon a lesbian or bisexual orientation for heterosexuality after graduation from college. Advocates state further that such acceptance would create an atmosphere where questioning one's sexual identity would be a legitimate experience, where the pressure to choose a definitive label would be relieved, and where questioning individuals would not be ridiculed or vilified for exploring, regardless of the outcome.
References
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. |
- ^ a b c "Bi For Now", by Amy Sohn, February 10, 2003 issue of New York Magazine, New York Metro section