Break the prejudice, focus on the physical and mental needs of lesbian women

In today's society, lesbian women face unique challenges and prejudices that can affect their physical and mental well-being. Let's break these prejudices together. Discuss the specific needs, share personal stories, and offer support to each other. How can we create a more inclusive and understanding community? What steps can we take to ensure better physical and mental health for lesbian women?

- Share your thoughts and experiences.
- Offer advice or resources that have been helpful.
- Support one another in building a stronger community.

Let's open the conversation and make a difference together!

 

As a lesbian, reflecting on my experience of being bullied in high school because of my sexual orientation still brings a heaviness to my heart. At that time, I was still exploring my identity, trying to understand why I felt different from others. Out of fear of being rejected, I kept my orientation carefully hidden, but that didn’t protect me from the prejudiced and hostile stares.

I vividly remember one incident when a classmate accidentally found a letter I had written to a close friend, expressing my feelings of affection. Although I intended to convey nothing more than friendship, it quickly became the subject of gossip throughout the school. People who used to be friendly towards me started to distance themselves, and those who didn’t know me well began mocking and attacking me out of ignorance. Going to school each day became an ordeal. I often sat alone during lunch, overhearing others whispering or laughing at my expense.

What hurt me the most was the indifference from teachers and the school administration. They didn’t seem to notice the impact this bullying was having on me, nor did they take any action to stop it. I felt isolated and consumed with self-doubt, questioning whether there was something wrong with me. I even considered changing myself just to avoid being a target.

However, this experience ultimately made me stronger. Over time, I realized that there was nothing wrong with my sexual orientation; the problem lay with those who held prejudice and malice. I began to seek out supportive friends, eventually finding others who were struggling with similar challenges. We supported each other and drew strength from one another. The bullying I endured in high school helped me realize that embracing my true self, without shame or fear, is the path to true freedom.

Today, I share my story not just to shed light on the connection between sexual orientation and bullying, but to let young people who may be going through similar pain know that they are not alone. The world is much bigger than the cruelty you may be facing. Find people who support you, embrace who you truly are, because you are worthy of love and respect.

 

If there was a cure for small minds--this would be a much better world. But alas----on it goes.

 

Another example of the 'like' button just not being enough.

Nought more to add to such a great post.

 

Having spent most of my life working in the film industry, I never came across this type of prejudice. Perhaps it was because the media never fueled it knowing that the victims would react via the legal system, then this just became the norm.
Unfortunately, it seems to be people in the lower classes who get their enjoyment at the expense of hurting others, rather than by what they have achieved, which in turn is nothing.

I am glad that HF is opening these problems up for discussion, rather than sweeping them under the carpet as far too many people do.

 

I have learned that public acceptance as lesbians is helpful and necessary. In cordial conversations with straight women, I discuss that my being lesbian wasn't a choice, but a realization. Albeit my realization and coming-out was later in life. I believe that I was always was lesbian, but this was hidden because of lifelong learned normalities and expectations.

Having lesbian friends has been a very pleasant and almost necessary experience. Our belonging to a lesbian Meet-Up has allowed us to be in regular contact with like-minded women that we can call friends and occasionally turn to.

Coming out almost four years ago presented several challenges which I had to overcome, which I was successful in doing. All except one; my intense fear of assault, particularly sexual assault, from angry and jealous men who don't approve of my choice, and wish to "express themselves." Naturally, I take all possible precautions.

 

I have witnessed some odd things over the years. When I lived in San Francisco in 1960, there was a lesbian bar across the street from my apartment, where I would go to shoot pool and have a few beers. At first I was looked at with some suspicion , but when the folks that went there realized that I was not looking for a hook up and that I respected them as people--all was well. Friendships were made. One night a bunch of cops busted through the door and arrested all the women that were dressed like men--suits and ties and such. ! That has certainly changed.

 

I am so pleased for you that you have achieved so much. (That's genuine and not meant to sound patronising).
I'm wondering too though, about what makes home, home. I'm incensed by the UKs new Govt. I am not willing to live in such a country as that, which goes from one lousy sh*t-show of the previous Govt., to another, in just a matter of weeks.
This new one has seriously screwed up, repeatedly.
I am looking at alternatives for my so-called 'home', and I'm not the most socially-mobile person.
Those much more wealthy, who are very socially mobile, I am sure they are considering where their home will be.

Anyway, back to you Laurette, though, in similar vein; Living in fear must be absolutely horrid.
Would you consider re-locating to somewhere more tolerant?
Friends and family are a (good) tie to somewhere but, surely to be fearful with them or when not with them is a bigger negative than you need in your life?
Food for thought, I hope.

Keep being you. x

 

Atlanta is much more liberal and tolerant, my wife and I are there every three months, and we thoroughly enjoy "My Sisters Room", in midtown Atlanta. Atlanta is the one place in over three years after my coming out that I've been hit on by another woman (o, I've got to share this...)

Last spring, I was on a business trip in Atlanta for a week. After the last day of the conference, knowing I was going home the next day, I decided to go downtown for dinner instead of eating at the hotel restaurant. No one wanted to go with me, so I went anyway. I was hungry, so I didn't bother changing into something more comfortable. I was actually dressed quite attractively: knee-length business dress, 4-inch heeled sandals, acrylic nails with almost 1-inch free edge. I wore my wedding rings, but I put my lesbian ring in my purse. Which meant, I passed for a straight woman.

I'm not used to eating alone in a restaurant anyway. My wife and I go out to dinner together once a week, but always together. I sat down, started with a glass of wine, ordered dinner, and at the same time told my server that I needed to go outside for a cigarette. She understood completely and put a napkin on my glass of wine. She was about 30, and even though I was 48 and a happily married woman, I thought she was pretty.

Shortly after I returned, my dinner was served. Afterward, as my server was clearing my table, she asked me if I wanted anything else. I asked for another glass of wine and told her I was going briefly outside again. She said no problem.

A few minutes later, when I was outside and halfway through my cigarette, she came out with her own pack and lighter, lit a cigarette, and started talking to me. I lit another, and returned the conversation. She asked me why I was here, how long I'd been and how much longer I would be in town, where I lived, etc. Once we were back inside, I texted my wife and asked her if my server had tried to hit on me. She said totally.

She came back with my bill and an amaretto. I paid the bill, gave her a big tip, and returned to the hotel to rest before heading home the next day. Even though I'm happily married, it still feels good to get hit on every now and then!