06/10/2008
Greek Lesbos Islanders Begin Judicial Quest Today Over 'Lesbian'
A group of plaintiffs from the Greek island of Lesbos (pictured below) begins their quest in court today to stop gay women from calling themselves lesbians. It seems as though they'd have to take their court case around the world. And even then:
"The hearing has been initiated by plaintiffs on the Aegean island of Lesbos, who say they are unhappy that gay women have 'usurped' a term that locals claim should have only geographical connotations. 'We are very upset that, worldwide, women who like women have appropriated the name of our island,' said Dimitris Lambrou, a magazine publisher who is one of those bringing the complaint with other islanders. 'Until 1924, according to the Oxford English dictionary, a Lesbian was a native of our isle,' he said. 'Now, because of its new connotations, our womenfolk are unable to call themselves such and that is wrong.'"
Since they announced their intentions at the end of April, a mayor on the Greek island of Tilos conducted two same-sex marriages, bringing gay issues to the forefront of the nation. The issue has already stirred conflict: "On Saturday police intervened (above) when members of the far-right Golden Dawn group attacked gay pride marchers in the biggest ever Gay Pride parade in Athens. Thousands of supporters marched through the capital chanting 'it is our right', but were pelted with eggs, flour and yoghurt by the group."
Two clips of the riot police, and of marchers having eggs and yogurt thrown on them during the Pride parade in Athens, AFTER THE JUMP...
Previously
Greek Islanders of Lesbos Want the Name 'Lesbian' Back [tr]
Left, marchers assault by debris from above. Right, riot police block the street.
Posted 8:32 AM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage, Gay Pride, Gay Rights, Greece, News | Permalink
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The correct term for lesbians is "homosexuals". The same applies to gay men. "Lesbian" and "gay" are invented meanings attached to pre-existing words.
Posted by: jason | Jun 10, 2008 10:16:14 AM
Right, Jason, because there has never before been a word in the English language that has taken on a new meaning over time before.
Posted by: Sami | Jun 10, 2008 12:05:32 PM
Go to hell , Jason."Homosexual" is a clinical term. People, especially those oppressed, can choose to identify themselves any way they want. They need not be labeled solely by their oppressors. "Gay" and "lesbian" are terms that we choose for ourselves.
Fortunately, English is not like other languages (you know which ones) in which purity and official vocabulary are set by a fascist government.
Posted by: Alexandros | Jun 10, 2008 12:05:43 PM
Talk about tilting at windmills!
I can sympathize with the islanders, though, having to catch themselves saying "I'm a Lesbia-". Too funny!
Posted by: anon | Jun 10, 2008 4:16:02 PM
OK, lesbians of the world, you've heard it: from now on you are Sapphians.
How would this lawsuit be enforced? The fact that it's being initiated by a magazine published---not to mention the absurdity of it---suggests that it's a publicity stunt. "Lesbian" isn't exactly a new term for women who like women.
In any event, I can now safely take Greece off my list of desired destinations. Slovenia moves ahead!
Posted by: Paul R | Jun 10, 2008 10:11:46 PM
According to Trivial Pursuit an inhabitant of the island of Lesbos is a Lesbotian. Anyway, I agree with Alexandros... This law suit is a human right violation.
Posted by: john | Jun 11, 2008 1:24:09 AM
Lesbosite
Lesbosian
Lesbot
Lesbothian
Posted by: Frank | Jun 11, 2008 12:14:33 PM