A Greek court has quashed a legal motion by residents of the Greek island of Lesbos, who were fighting to “reclaim” the word “lesbian” from gay women. With signs bearing slogans like “If you are not from Lesbos, you are not a Lesbian,” angry islanders continue to argue that their identity has been hijacked.
From MSNBC:
“My sister can’t say she is a Lesbian,” said Dimitris Lambrou. “Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos,” he said.
[…] “This is not an aggressive act against gay women,” Lambrou said. “Let them visit Lesbos and get married and whatever they like. We just want (the group) to remove the word lesbian from their title.”
The court not only rejected the “real” Lesbians’ claim, but also ordered them to pay $360 to cover the court’s expenses.
The term “lesbian” was indeed taken from the island’s name, in recognition of the ancient Greek poet Sappho (left). Her love poetry, from the seventh century B.C., revealed her romantic feelings toward both men and women. The word “sapphic,” a synonym for “lesbian,” is also derived from her name. Here’s an example of her writing:
Please, translated by Paul Roche
Come back to me, Gongyla, here tonight,
You, my rose, with your Lydian lyre.
There hovers forever around you delight:
A beauty desired.Even your garment plunders my eyes.
I am enchanted: I who once
Complained to the Cyprus-born goddess,
Whom I now beseechNever to let this lose me grace
But rather bring you back to me:
Amongst all mortal women the one
I most wish to see.
Image via Wikipedia.
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