Our next Sapphic Circle meeting is September 26th, 2024 5pm PST/8pm EST

The Lesbian Perspective By Julia Penelope

This month we'll be discussing the essay The Lesbian Perspective by Julia Penelope, from her book Call Me Lesbian: Lesbian Lives, Lesbian Theory (pp. 39-51, 1992, Crossing Press).

The Lesbian Perspective is a powerful essay that explores the experiences and worldviews of lesbian women. It highlights the unique challenges and perspectives we bring to broader feminist and social discussions. Penelope explores themes of identity, exclusion, and solidarity, reflecting on how lesbian identities are often marginalized within both mainstream society and feminist movements.

The essay addresses the invisibility and misrepresentation of lesbians in media and popular culture, critiquing how their identities are often erased or simplified. Penelope emphasizes the strength and resilience of lesbian communities, celebrating their ability to create spaces of understanding and support amidst external pressures and prejudices. Penelope challenges us to meaningfully consider the intersections of gender, sexuality, and power. It calls for a more inclusive feminist movement that recognizes and values the diverse experiences of all women instead of subjugating them.

Sapphic Circle takes place on the last Thursday of every month

Some Questions To Consider

  1. Consider the herstorical context in which Penelope wrote this essay. How do you think the "lesbian perspective" she describes has evolved or remained constant in the years since its publication?
  2. How does the essay address the concept of power dynamics, both within lesbian relationships and in relation to broader society? What insights does it offer about navigating these power structures? How have these issues or insights come up in your own life?
  3. How does the essay explore the idea of community and solidarity among lesbians? What role does this sense of community play in confronting societal challenges?

Access

The essay can be accessed for free through the Open Library platform, which is an initiative of the Internet Archive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that's building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. You'll have to create an account and sign in to borrow the book in digital format. Sign up for a free account here and find the book here. Once you borrow the book, navigate to pp. 39-51 to read the essay, "The Lesbian Perspective" by Julie Penelope. If you have any access issues, please email Open Library directly or you can reach out to us at karen@wmstonline.com.

Sapphic Circle - Women’s Studies Online
Sapphic Circle is a space for lesbians to gather and discuss lesbian books, films and other creative works. Our aim is to get lesbians together to: • Explore and draw inspiration from lesbian words, ideas, imagination, analysis and creativity • Build community • Explore our personal and political lives and experiences | Sapphic Circle meets online the last Thursday of every month at 8pm EST/5pm PST | Sapphic Circle FAQs are at the bottom of every Sapphic Circle post
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References

Penelope, J. (1992). The lesbian perspective. In Call me lesbian: lesbian lives, lesbian theory. Crossing Press, Freedom, CA.

Sapphic Circle: Bringing lesbians together the last Thursday of every month at 8PM EST/5pM PST

If you have questions, please read over Sapphic Circle's Frequently Asked Questions and review our Feminist Code Of Participation before the circle.

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