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The lesbians are revolting
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
The lesbians are revolting. Or at least the Greek inhabitants of the island of Lesbos are, as they go to court to reclaim the word lesbian. Islanders feel the term lesbian has been usurped by women who love women when it should only have geographical connotations.
Commenting on the action plaintiff Dimitris Lambrou said, “We are very upset that, worldwide, women who like women have appropriated the name of the island. Until 1924, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, a lesbian was a native of our isle.” “Now because of its new connections”, he continued, “our womenfolk are unable to call themselves such and that is wrong.”
Although historically Greek’s have embraced homosexuality, modern times have seen the tide turn. This weekend Gay Pride marchers in Athens were pelted by eggs, flour and yoghurt by far right protesters whilst the Greek army have fought EU directives and still opposes gay people serving in the military.
As the name-calling continues the fight for gay rights in Greece goes on.
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comment 1 said by Suede on Tuesday, 10 June 2008, 3:56pm
I would be quite happy to return the title of 'Lesbian' to the inhabitants of Lesbos. It is a term that we inherited whether we like it or not and it's often used in the popular press almost as an indictment on a person rather than a description of their sexuality.
In most cases, the issue of their sexuality has absolutely nothing to do with the case in point but the term is included to add titillation to an otherwise dull story.
I am tired of reading about the likes of the woman who not only stabbed her boyfriend to death, (Daily Mail, June 9th, 2008) but also (horror of horrors!) had 'lesbian liaisons' whilst in prison. The implication is that said relationships are somehow even worse than the original crime. Again, what has this got to do with the original story?
I appreciate that we will never get away from the 'sex angle' wherever there is one in a breaking news story as this is what the public love to read (expecially if it's deemed to be particularly sordid or shocking). In addition, no matter what label we give ourselves, the implication will always be the same in the popular press as this makes for 'good news' in some publications. Still, the inhabitants of that lovely island can have their name back in my opinion as it's starting to sound like a 'dirty word'. I will reserve my personal favourites for use 'amongst ourselves'. 'A rose by any other name smells as sweet!'