Lesbian Classifications - Types of Lesbians Defined

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Lesbian Labels...

By definition, a lesbian is a female who is sexually attracted to other females. Not surprisingly, there are a number of labels commonly used to help classify the various types of lesbians.

Understanding these labels can be especially helpful for those who are in the process of discovering their own sexuality. Knowing the lingo can also be helpful for writing a good lesbian personal.

Below are five of the most popular labels:

Femme – slang term for a lesbian woman who dresses and behaves in a way that society considers typically "girly," or feminine. The opposite of being femme is being butch. Femmes are most often attracted to women who present themselves in a more masculine way or women who identify themselves as butch.

Lipstick Lesbian – slang term used to describe lesbian women who exhibit feminine gender attributes, such as wearing make up, wearing dresses or cute skirts, and perhaps having other characteristics associated with feminine women. The term "lipstick lesbian" can be used interchangeably with "femme" to denote a feminine lesbian, but the main difference is that, most often, a femme is usually attracted to a masculine, or butch, lesbian, while a lipstick lesbian is usually attracted to other feminine lesbians.

Lipgloss Lesbian – similar to a lipstick lesbian, but slightly less feminine. She may play sports and be athletic while still displaying her femininity. A lipgloss lesbian may be similar to the girl-next-door type – she's not considered hot, but cute. She has her own sense of style. The boys are attracted to her and so are the girls. It's important not to confuse a lipgloss lesbian with a chapstick lesbian; the lipgloss lesbian still likes to shop and get manicures. The lipgloss lesbian is most attracted to feminine lesbians, but not always.

Chapstick Lesbian – also known as a "soft butch". A chapstick lesbian appears slightly masculine on the surface. She usually dresses casually and doesn't wear make up. She exhibits stereotypical butch lesbian traits without totally fitting the masculine stereotype associated with butch lesbians. These traits may or may not include short hair, men's clothing, and masculine mannerisms/behaviors. A chapstick lesbian would be more similar to a butch than to a lipstick lesbian and is most commonly attracted to femmes.

Butch – the opposite of femme. A butch lesbian tends to display a type of masculinity beyond that which would be considered "tomboyish." This type of lesbian strictly prefers short hair, wears men's clothing, and exhibits masculine mannerisms and behaviors. Butches are most often attracted to women who present themselves in a more feminine way or who identify themselves as femme.

The "Bi" Factor

Bisexual – a term that refers to someone who is sexually attracted to both males and females. When it comes to attraction to other females, a bisexual woman may find herself attracted to any of the lesbian types listed above. Some bisexual women can appear very feminine, while others may display a more masculine appearance.

Bi-curious – a term that refers to someone who does not identify him or herself as bisexual but who shows some sexual curiosity towards others of the same sex. The term can also apply to a gay or lesbian that shows some sexual interest in people of the opposite sex.

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