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There are many labels, names and categories that

have been assigned or given to lesbians. What is

"lesbian"? Is it a certain type of woman? Does

one lesbian have an identical feature or character

as another lesbian? Does a lesbian have something

extra or something missing from heterosexual

women? This notion that we can classify a human

being by their sexual preference is absolutely

ludicrous and unsubstantiated! Women are just

that, women. Sexual attraction to humans, be it

the same sex or not, is not a concrete science

that can allow society to label women.

The choice of heterosexuality may not truly be a

choice. In a recent survey of women, 57% stated

that heterosexuality was not something that was

considered and then chosen. For these women,

there was no decision to be made regarding their

sexual preference (Marrow, 1997). This is an

interesting figure when you consider of those

above women, some admitted to having sexual

encounters with other women. I believe the choice

is heavily tied to our culture, family values, and

surroundings. If all of the fish are swimming

upstream, why would you want to go against your

group and swim downstream?

Within the lesbian community, Ponse (1978) makes

reference to two groups. There are many lesbians

that claim to have been "born" lesbian. To expand

on this subject, one would say these women never

questioned their sexual attraction. From day one,

they were attracted to other women. Although this

is referred to as a primary lesbian, I don’t

believe it alleviates any of the stigmas or gives...