Lesbianism

Female energy is complex and powerful, and nowhere is this more evident than in female-female partnerships.

Lesbianism embraces the feminine principal so totally that it leaves little room for men as lovers or soulmates.

Together, women wield considerable power. Vesta's Virgins held some of the highest positions in their city's hierarchy. In medieval Europe, girls and women could choose to enter a convent and become part of a female society (within a male-dominated church).

Even in the East, harem members held a certain power that the men could not destroy. Although these women were enslaved to a man, the male energy was dispersed over the entire group and thus no one woman had to bear the full brunt of her captivity alone.

Sappho, a poet and teacher who lived on the island of Lesbos during the seventh century BC, is often credited as being the first Western romantic poet. She was also the first Lesbian love poet, writing often about women and girls who attended her school. Most of her work was destroyed in later centuries by the Catholic Church, which deemed it "obscene."

Lesbians still face prejudice and fear from modern society, to the point that many feel the need to hide their sexual preference so as not to endanger careers or alienate families. The pain, grief, and anger this bigotry -- and self-denial -- can cause can take a harsh toll on happiness.

But Lesbianism is no longer so hidden or so secret. Comedian Ellen DeGeneres came out on network television in an episode watched by 42 million Americans. It garnered the highest ratings of any show ever aired on ABC.

We hope that as the world moves into a new era of grassroots communication, as well as into the open-minded Age of Aquarius, such prejudices will cease to exist.

More on Sexuality:

Sexuality
Virginity
Promiscuity
Sexual Abuse

Recommended Links on Women's Sexuality:

iVillage Relationships Channel

Order your Inner Healing Reading!