About.com

Chicago for Lesbians

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:53:12 +0000

I was recently invited to Chicago to speak at the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association's annual convention. I got to discover not only what a cool organization IGLTA is, but also what a cool city Chicago is for visitors. I didn't have a lot of time to check out the sights, but I got enough of a taste to let me know, I want to come back for more. If you're going to Chicago for vacation or a convention, be sure to checkout a few hot spots for lesbians (and others!)

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Long Term Relationship Success

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:53:11 +0000

Yesterday was my parents' 60th wedding anniversary. When I called them, I asked each of them what the secret to long-term relationship success is. My dad said he had no idea when he married my mom what the relationship would turn into. He said he was attracted to her for other reasons, but what kept them together for so long was that she was a deeply caring person and that they both shared a value of helping others. Their whole lives they've worked for justice and volunteered for many causes, including working with homeless people, people who don't have enough food for their families, recent immigrants and peace and justice organizations. Being united for different causes helped them maintain love and respect for one another.

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How to Make Her Fall in Love with You

Fri, 31 May 2013 14:35:03 +0000

Is it possible to make someone fall in love with you? If you're in a relationship with someone who is hesitant to jump fully in, can you do anything to help her make the leap? That's the question I received today from someone who fell in love with her best friend. She thinks her friend is not ready to fully fall in because of family issues and internalized homophobia. I wonder if something else may be going on.

_{© Brand X Pictures}

Lesbian Circuit Parties and National Events

Fri, 31 May 2013 13:50:13 +0000

Gay men might have invented circuit parties, but lesbians have found a way to make some of their own unique parties, events and festivals. If you're planning a vacation this year, consider hitting up one of these lesbian parties or music festivals. Each has it's own unique flair with music, culture, comedy and, of course, dancing: Lesbian Circuit Parties and National Festivals.

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Fun Events for Lesbians Over 40

Wed, 29 May 2013 11:58:43 +0000

You're never too old to stop having fun. But when you're in your 40s and older, the kinds of things you did as a young 20-something lesbian may not appeal to you anymore. As fun as they are, many of the big lesbian parties and club scenes cater to a young and sometimes raucous crowd. More and more events and organizations are popping up for lesbians who want to still dance, mingle, socialize, and have fun, but don't want to feel like they're the oldest one in the room. One such company is She She: Classy Fun Events for Lesbians over 40. I spoke with founder Carmen McKay about She She and the kinds of events and activities she offers for both single lesbians and couples.

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What is Gender Non-Conforming?

Wed, 29 May 2013 01:11:59 +0000

I received this message on the Lesbian Life Facebook Page. (Did you know Lesbian Life had a Facebook Page?)

"I've been out for a looooong time. One of my newer friends is a therapist, specializing in LGBT counseling. We often have the discussion over how many different labels there are now. She informed me the other day, that I would be more inclusive if I described myself as a GENDER NON-CONFORMIST. I had no idea my official label had changed... Lesbian is apparently NOT descriptive enough."

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Bisexual, Bicurious, Lesbian or Straight?

Mon, 27 May 2013 19:15:11 +0000

Being in a place of uncertainty is hard. People think we're supposed to know if we like girls, boys or both. But when you're just coming out and you're looking at yourself, it is normal to be in a place of uncertainty. You can never change and grow if you don't take a hard look at yourself and question what the actions and feelings of your past mean and what you want your future to look like. Questioning is important. In fact, in many places you will see the acronym LGBTQQ used to describe the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning community. Those who are questioning are a welcome part of the tribe, so don't feel like you need to know for sure which label you fit under. Just try to live an authentic life, be open to experiences and feelings.

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Innocent High School Romance or Predatory Sex Offender?

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:18:02 +0000

Kaitlyn Hunt is an 18-year-old Florida high school student, cheerleader and member of the basketball team. She met and fell in love with another girl on her team and the two started dating. No big deal, right? Well, it is as big deal because Kaitlyn is in love with a girl who is three years and seven months younger than her, and according to Florida law, their sexual relationship is a crime. Now the the 18-year-old honor student is facing felony sex crime charges and the possibility of having to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life. She was arrested in February, but her family went public with her story this month because they believe they are the being persecuted because Kaitlyn is gay and her girlfriend's parents are opposed to homosexuality.

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Marriage Updates May 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:11:44 +0000

If you didn't pay close attention, you might not have noticed that three states just legalized same-sex marriage. In the past 10 days, Rhode Island, Delaware and Minnesota have become 10th, 11th and 12th states in the US to legalize same-sex marriage. And although it's been reported on, gay marriage is no longer front page news it once was. What the heck is happening? Is the tide finally changing for good? Are we on our way to full marriage equality?

So much has changed in the ten years since I first started writing the Lesbian Life page on About.com in 2003. At that time, I didn't think marriage equality was even a remote possibility. I remember when the first couple was married in the US in San Francisco in 2004. I was so excited, I hopped a plane to San Francisco to be part of history.

I sat back this week and reflected on all the changes that I've witnessed since I started writing this blog. What about you? Have you gotten married in a state where it is legal? How do you think things have changed since 2004? Where do we still need to go? Share your thoughts below.

How Can You Tell if the Girl You Have a Crush on is a Lesbian?

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:12:39 +0000

Even as adults, it can be hard sometimes to tell if the person you are crushed out on is also a lesbian and if she's interested in you as well. For teenage lesbians, the issue is compounded by the fact that sometimes teens are still figuring out for themselves if they like girls, boys or both. That can make the world of dating especially tricky. So, what is a teen lesbian to do if she's out and proud, but doesn't know if her crush is a lesbian or not? And what about the friendly behavior? Is that a sign that she's interested, or is she just being friendly?
_{© Janet Goulden}