Girl on Girl: A Documentary About Feminine Lesbians

When I was contacted about this project, I was extremely excited.

The issue of femme lesbian invisibility both within the LGBTQ community and in the straight world is something I've wanted to write about for a long time on All Things Lesbian for two reasons.

One reason being that there are an array of ridiculous, false myths surrounding feminine lesbians particularly among straight people - the main misconception being that we don't even exist. The other reason (which is more important to me personally), is that when around members of the LGBTQ community, I find that I'm overlooked as a femme, and I'm often not included in debates surrounding issues regarding sexual orientation simply because I don't "look" gay.

Does any of this sound familiar to you?

If so, Girl on Girl might be the project for you.

Girl on Girl is a documentary which stars the lovely ladies above and a bunch of other feminine lesbians of varying race, class and age groups.

What do they aim to do? Not only does Girl on Girl attempt to represent the femme community, but it also tries to educate those who do not identify with this particular label and de-bunks some of the aforementioned myths.

I strongly urge everyone to check out the trailer below, whether you are male, female, gay or straight, because you might learn something.

Check out the project's official website at http://www.girlongirlmovie.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlOnGirlMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlongirlmovie

Why is the word "lesbian" left out of text books?

Recently, talented writer and thinker James Morrison pointed us towards his article, The word "Lesbian" is not in the textbook?!

And it really made us think.

In his article, Morrison explains the origin of the word, and specifically looks at how it relates to Sappho, the famous female Greek poet.

Here's a little snippet of what he has to say:

In her poetry she celebrates her love of women. She celebrates the inner and outer beauty of women. Because she lived on the island of lesbos, and because of the content of her poetry, we now have the word “lesbian” and its contemporary meaning. Even Playboy magazine has picked up on her legacy. Oh, but heaven forbid if we teach the origin of the word “lesbian” and the historical importance of Sappho to students in high school! Oh, my…I think I feel a rant coming on.

Here is my question: Are textbook publishers becoming more interested in selling books that “don’t rock the boat” than they are in printing good “thought-provoking” books that challenge kids to truly think? I have my answer, but I would like to hear yours.

(Source | Teach, Not Preach)

So, what do you think about this?

The extent to which homosexuality should be taught in schools has been long-debated, but is it the time for change?

Interestingly, the title of James Morrison's website is "Teach, Not Preach". Do you think that rule should be applied? Let us know in the comments!

Should gay marriage be taught in schools?

So I'm a dance teacher and I admit it's probably the straightest job you can ever have, but that's what I do.

Last week, I was teaching 2 young girls aged around 10 years old, when one of them ever asked me if I'd ever had a male examiner for any dance exams. I said 'yes, once'. Then, one of the girls asked 'Was he gay?' and I replied, saying 'yes, he was married.' I then went on to explain that he was married to a man. Then, girl A asked 'It's illegal for a girl and a girl to get married though, isn't it?'

EXCUSE ME?!

What made this little girl feel as if there was any difference between love between two men and love between two women? Maybe it's shoddy parenting...

Take exhibit A, children's book 'King and King.'

King & King, written originally by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland and then later translated into English, is all about a gay prince who marries another gay prince and lives happily ever after, just as in a normal fairytale, just with a hint more homosexuality about it. (Although this is debatable, as the Prince is still traditionally played by a man in tights.)

Now you'd think that parents would be all for teaching their children that discrimination is incorrect and that you should not tease people for being gay. However, when teachers in Lexington, Massachusetts proposed that they read the book to their pupils to teach them about same-sex marriage, several parents of the children complained, declaring that book made gay relationships to be 'the way things should be' and one couple even filed for a lawsuit. (This lawsuit was later dismissed, thankfully, after the judge ruled that diversity is a 'hallmark of our nation.')

Now, am I the only one thinking 'GAY IS THE WAY?' Clearly not. But that's not my point. My point is, relating back to 'yes, in England it is legal for 2 girls to get married' is something that parents should be responsible for telling their children if they are not willing for their school to do so, along with 'touching fire will hurt you' and 'never take candy from strangers.'

So what do you think? Should same sex marriage be taught in schools?

Oh, and while I'm here... KEEP VOTING NO ON PROP 8!