About Lesbian Life

Is Getting Married Important to You?

2009-11-13T00:55:55Z

From the Lesbian Life Forum:
Surgicalgal wrote:

I voted no, marriage isn't important to me. But I do think if a couple's going to start a family they should get married.

Thethyss replied:

My partner and I are 39 and 41, respectively, and we're probably not going to have children. But getting married is really important to me (I never thought it would be.) I really want to be able to say to the world at large, just like straight couples can, that I married the love of my life and we take our relationship seriously enough to take the step of the ceremony and legal things that go along with it.

Salty chimed in:

Getting married is starting a family whether they have children or not. Some hetero-couples can't have children but they can get married. Getting legally married is a requirement to receive financial benefits from the government and a list of other things that go with that legal document.

What do you think? Join the Discussion

_{� Kathy Belge}

Is Getting Married Important to You? originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 00:55:55.

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Does Being a Tomboy Make You Gay?

2009-11-11T00:36:15Z

I just want some answers. Right now, I'm totally confused about myself. When I was a kid I was more of like a tomboy, I liked playing boys stuff. I never really played dolls at all, you know, like what an ordinary girl would play. I loved playing basketball and riding a bike, a toy gun and some other stuff instead...Now, I have developed an interest in women...I mean like I want to have relationship with them, but still I'm interested in men too. Oh, gosh, I don't know what I am anymore!

Dear Tommy

Like you, I was a tomboy growing up. I had five older brothers and liked to tag along with them riding bikes, fishing, playing kickball and dodge ball. I don't know if there is a connection between being a tomboy and being a lesbian, but that certainly is the stereotype....keep reading.

_{� Photo by Kati Garner}

Does Being a Tomboy Make You Gay? originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 00:36:15.

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I Can't Think Straight: Lesbian Movie Review

2009-11-09T00:32:11Z

When I asked you what your favorite lesbian movies were, many, many of you picked I Can't Think Straight, a film by Shamim Sarif who also made The World Unseen.

Lesbian Life Film reviewer Stephanie Schroeder liked I Can't Think Straight, but wasn't quite as enthusiastic as you were. Read her review and add your thoughts here or write your own review.

_{� Enlightenment Productions}

I Can't Think Straight: Lesbian Movie Review originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 00:32:11.

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She Doesn't Like Kissing

2009-11-06T14:22:18Z

From the Lesbian Life Forum:

I recently started dating a girl that I can tell that I am quickly falling for. She's great, we have a lot in common, same sense of humor, the whole bit. The thing that bothers me is that she doesn't enjoy kissing. I am a very affectionate person who loves to kiss. When I bring this issue up, she tells me that I kiss too much. What can I do, if there's anything at all, to help find some common ground? I would hate to see this relationship end because of such a thing. Please help!

_{� Edward Tes}

She Doesn't Like Kissing originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 14:22:18.

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My First Olivia Cruise

2009-11-05T16:50:21Z

I just returned from an amazing vacation. For years I'd know about Olivia and their lesbian vacation company, but this is the first time I actually got to go on an Olivia cruise.

There is nothing like traveling with other lesbians. Everyone was so friendly and open. I met many women who have never felt like they could be as open and free as they were on the Olivia Cruise. But no matter if you are out or closeted in your life, young or old, active or sedentary, Olivia has something for you.

I am still laughing inside from some of the jokes the comedians told, remembering fondly the warm Caribbean ocean and wishing I still had access to the amazing food available onboard. Learn more about Olivia lesbian vacations.

_{� Photo by Barbara Bastian}

My First Olivia Cruise originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 16:50:21.

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Election Results 2009

2009-11-04T11:02:30Z

It wasn't a big election year in terms of national elections, but there were some big issues at stake for the LGBT community.

Bad News

Voters in Maine overturned the gay marriage law by 53 to 47 percent. After the Maine legislature approved a bill that would make same-sex marriage legal there, gay rights opponents put Question 1 on the ballot to overturn that law. Maine will not become the fifth state to allow gay marriage. Fear and bigotry have won out.

Good News

Voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan have passed Ordinance 1856, which will ensure basic protections for LGBT citizens. With the passage of this legislation, LGBT individuals in Kalamazoo are provided legal protection from discrimination at work, in seeking housing and in enjoying public accommodations such as restaurants and hotels.

Hopeful News

Voters in Washington were being asked if gay and lesbian couples should be granted domestic partnership rights, the so called "Everything but Marriage" law. Early results look promising there. In 2008, Washington State expanded its domestic partnership law to give registered domestic partners essentially the same state rights as married couples. Referendum 71 was put on the ballot by conservative Christians in order to put the domestic partnership law up for a public vote. Final numbers will be posted as they come in.

_{� Kristen Price}

Election Results 2009 originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 11:02:30.

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Interview with Michelle Malone

2009-11-03T17:09:52Z

Michelle Malone has been on the music scene for over 20 years and was an out lesbian from the get-go because, as she says, "I've always just been me - I've never had to make a statement about it." Sometimes referred to as Moanin' Michelle Malone for her dirty, edgy vocals, she is on the ballot for a Grammy for her recent release, Debris. Malone talked with our Stephanie Schroeder about the nod from the Grammy nomination committee, her 20-year career, her idols and just plain life.

_{� Trish Land}

Interview with Michelle Malone originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 17:09:52.

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Do Lesbians Care if You're Fat or Overweight?

2009-10-30T05:30:53Z

Sarah says:

I've heard it said very often that lesbians/bisexuals are less shallow than men as far as 'curves' go in their women- but in all honesty, I've found the opposite to be true! So many of them seem fixated on this skinny, andro, 'Shane' look, and I can feel at times that if I go into some of the lesbian bars where I live I'm somehow not welcome simply because I don't try to appropriate that look (and couldn't possibly anyway!)...

Salty replies:

Unfortunately, we get too much of our influences from television. The same way television promotes heterosexuality it also promotes small body sizes. Young people watch music videos where most of the female singers and dancers are interchangeable. They are all pretty much the same size, same hair, same sound. And on tv shows, it's not much different. If there is a female who is not a size zero-6 (or whatever number is considered slim), then they are just in the background and don't have a life...

Little adds:

I don't look fat but medically I'm obese because I weigh 190 and I'm only 5'2 (but all the fat is in my boobs and my but...I got lucky). My girlfriend weights 220 but she's really athletic. She can run laps around the skinny muscular girls. We both have tried multiple times exercising and eating healthy but we can't seem to lose weight. She's a lot more confident with her body than I am. It took me till I was 18 to realize that I might be pretty instead of just cute...

Join the discussion.

_{� Photo by Kati Garner}

Do Lesbians Care if You're Fat or Overweight? originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 05:30:53.

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Where Did You Meet Your Partner?

2009-10-28T05:14:39Z

Some people are lucky in love. Without even really trying, their soulmate just shows up and they walk off into the sunset together, never looking back.

For others, meeting and falling in love with their partner was the way they realized they were lesbian in the first place. If it wasn't for the woman they are currently with, they might not even consider themselves gay or bisexual.

Some are actively looking for love. For others it just happens.

Everyone has a story. What is yours?

_{� Kati Gardner}

Where Did You Meet Your Partner? originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 05:14:39.
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Steam is Steamy

2009-10-26T08:56:07Z

I don't know how I missed this movie when it was in the theaters. Starring one of my all time favorite actors, Ally Sheedy, (who also starred in the lesbian classic High Art) Steam follows the intersection of the lives of three women at different stages of their lives.

Ruby Dee plays a woman in her 70s, finding love again. Kate Siegel is a college student coming out as a lesbian and Ally Sheedy is a single mom who has attracted the attention of a younger man.

Steam is a moving film. One I enjoyed. Read our review of Steam.

What about you? What lesbian movies do you like? What is your favorite lesbian movie?

_{� Wolfe}

Steam is Steamy originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 08:56:07.

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