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The facts about lesbian health..
A recent feature article on irishhealth.com discussed the issue of health and gay men, specifically focusing on the Gay Men's Health Project in Dublin. A number of site members subsequently made contact asking for a similar article on health issues facing lesbians. So in researching this article, I looked for a lesbian equivalent of the Gay Men's Project, except there isn't one in Ireland. Instead there are numerous myths about health issues for lesbians, which continue to be propagated in Irish society; all lesbian women are butch, lesbians cannot catch sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, lesbians cannot develop cervical cancer.
The truth is of course that lesbians are not all butch (a popular and wildly incorrect stereotype), the transmission of an STI from one woman to another most definitely can (and does) happen and lesbians can develop cervical cancer, despite the fact that they may never have had penetrative sexual intercourse with a man.
Lack of information
Within the area of sexual health, there appears to be a lack of knowledge about many different issues, not only amongst lesbians themselves, but also amongst the health professionals that may be treating them. This is not helped by a serious lack of research in many areas.
Women having sex with other women can catch a number of STIs, including HIV/AIDS, genital warts, chlamydia, pubic lice and trichomoniasis, to name but a few. However research into some of these STIs in relation to lesbians has been low. For example, in the case of HIV/AIDS, many believe a lesbian cannot catch the virus, however there have been cases reported in medical literature of woman-to-woman transmission. Likely sources of transmission include vaginal discharge and menstrual blood. However none of these methods of transmission have been studied yet.
Cervical cancer
There also appears to be a lack of consensus on the issue of cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix or neck of the womb). Cervical cancer is almost certainly the result of some process that occurs during sexual intercourse between a man and woman. Over the years, different components of the male ejaculate have been implicated. Nowadays it appears to be associated with some strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is also the virus that causes genital warts.
However it is a misconception that lesbians cannot develop cervical cancer and therefore do not need smear tests. Apart from the fact that a lesbian may have previously had sex with a man, they may be at risk for another reason that is unrelated to sexual activity. For example, being a smoker increases a woman's chances of developing this type of cancer, as does having a history of cancer of the vagina or uterus.
It should also be noted that lesbians may be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, as they are less likely to have children by the age of 30, if at all.
College
It is clear therefore that as well as the need for more research, there needs to be greater promotion of health issues, such as sexual health and cancer screening, aimed directly at lesbians. One of the best places to do this in is college, as this is a time when many people will choose to come out, according to Iain Gill, LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) Rights Officer with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).
"When you go to university, it may be the first opportunity you have to come out. It can be a lot easier because for example, you might be living away from home for the first time", he explained to irishhealth.com.
According to Mr Gill, there are around 23 LGB societies on campuses throughout the country, which is the highest number yet. However despite this, many students face problems such as homophobia on college campus and discrimination from staff, tutors and other students.
He also pointed out that the rate of coming out in college is greater among gay men than lesbian women. He added that while coming out is undoubtedly a difficult thing for anyone to do, whether male or female, 'there are more problems for women coming out'.
"In my experience, there are more barriers for women coming out compared to men. This is due to the way society is structured, it is more patriarchal. Women are under-represented on so many levels in general society, so for lesbians, due to their sexuality, they have an added barrier of social exclusion to overcome", he said.
"There also appears to be an imbalance in the gay community - lesbians are outnumbered by gay and bisexual men. If you take for example an LGB club/pub, unless these are specifically themed for women, they are frequented by gay men and to a large extent these days, straight women. For lesbian (and bisexual women), this can be quite frustrating and intimidating".
Isolation and mental health
For this reason, the issue of mental health is a very pertinent one, with many lesbians, whether they have come out or not, feeling extremely isolated. This view is echoed by Rita Wild, a project co-ordinator with L.Inc (Lesbians in Cork).
"It is definitely easier for men to come out - the root of this is in sexism. Many things in Ireland are easier for men because it is a patriarchal society. Men generally have more access to resources, it is easier for them to live independently and they may not have as many familial commitments as women, for example if children are involved", Ms Wild explained.
This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety or eating disorders, she said.
When a lesbian does come out, those around her will then often assume she is either a 'bean sprouting, sandal wearing, hippy chick or butch'. However to a heterosexual person, while this may not seem particularly offensive, it is a form of homophobia, Ms Wild insisted.
"We are all homophobic in this country because the socialisation we receive here is homophobic. This is partly due to the fact that for so long, Ireland was dominated by the Catholic Church, which demonised homosexuality. These views can then pass from one generation to the next. And while making a stereotype may not appear negative to a heterosexual person, it is putting people in boxes in order to make straight people feel comfortable", she said.
L.inc is a resource centre, which offers information and support to lesbians in a number of ways, for example through group meetings and workshops.
Coming out
A workgroup was recently established for women in the 17-23 age group, covering topics such as coming out, homophobia, alcohol and reproduction. A 'happy health' workgroup is also due to start in the coming months, which will cover such topics as sexual health, ageing and the menopause, mental health and stress management.
Current groups meanwhile include a young lesbians group, an older lesbians group and a lesbian parents group.
This particular group is made up of a wide range of people, from women who had children while in a relationship with a man, to women who had children following sperm donation. There is currently no State-sanctioned way for lesbians to have children, therefore if a lesbian wishes to have a child using a sperm donor, she has to travel to England.
A single lesbian woman can in theory adopt a child, however with few babies being put up for adoption in Ireland every year, they are usually at the bottom of the list of prospective parents. A lesbian couple cannot adopt a child because marriage between two people of the same sex is not recognised in this country.
Marriage
According to Ms Wild, this is a serious issue because while lesbians (or gays and bisexuals) may not want to be married necessarily, there are currently no partnership rights for homosexual people in this country, resulting in many repercussions.
For example, take a lesbian couple who have a child, whether as the result of sperm donation or a past relationship. If something happened to the child and he/she needed surgery, the 'non-biological' parent would not be able to give consent to such treatment, even if the 'biological' parent could not be contacted.
There are also the financial implications of partnership rights, such as tax credits, pensions, etc. A gay couple could be living together for years, but if one dies, the other has no legal entitlement to the deceased person's pension.
However Ms Wild is confident that it is 'only a matter of time' before partnership rights for homosexual people are introduced in Ireland.
"Senator David Norris is a brilliant campaigner on this issue and we will hopefully see these rights within the next five to 10 years", she said.
Contact information:
For more information, contact:
-L.Inc at 021 480 8600.
-Union of Students in Ireland at 01 - 435 3400 or email lgb@usi.ie.
-Gay Switchboard Dublin at 01 - 872 1055 (Sunday to Friday 8pm to 10pm and Saturday 3.30pm to 6pm).
-Lesbian Line Dublin at 01 - 872 9911 (Thursday 7pm to 9pm).
-Lesbian Line Belfast at 028 9023 8668.
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Last Reviewed: 30th June 2003
Anonymous
Posted:
02/07/2003 10:49 |
| Nice to see Lesbian issues being taken seriously. However, the wording could have been better. For example "that not all lesbians are butch" is a bit patronising.Most of the lesbians I know are not butch. But I know plenty of 'butch' non lesbian women. What was the point of putting in this line? Was it really necessary to bring 'butch' into it at all. Doesn't it just add to sterotyping? Also, a lot was said about comng out - which is commendable - and touches on mental health, which I suppose is relevany in these pages. However, not enough was said about general health. For example, no mention was made about safer sex - barrier methods of protection (condoms, dental dams), not sharing sex toys etc. Also, another area not touched on was the fact that women in Lesbian partnerships, tend to die younger, and seem to suffer more long term serious illiness in later life. And that among some Lesbian circles there are high intakes of alcohol and recreational drugs, and that these 'pastimes' lead to all sorts of other health issues, both directly and indirectly . It is good that you have started this thread, but I hope you take it further. Many women need this information, and as was rightly said, most medical practitioners have no specialist knowledge on Lesbian health. Thank you. |
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Marie Therese(MANDATE) Posted:
02/07/2003 17:09 |
| Thank you for opening up this debate. As a lesbian myself I am grateful to see it discussed but have no time as yet to comment in details. Despite being in a long term relationship I find myself in my menopausal years struggling with diminishing mental and physical health, having just about emerged from a long lonely youth which I am glad to see the back of. It is helpful to see the truth about ones life written in mainstream media like this and I find it empowering to me now I as I begin to tackle my food addictiive behaviour this summer I find it supportive and very useful to me now. Marie Theresa |
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Lisa(Lizac) Posted:
03/07/2003 13:30 |
| My partner and I are in a serious relationship and have a home together, the next step for us is a baby. While this is something we both really want the problem is were do you start how do you get pregnant, now I know how its happens biologically incase anyone thinks im a bit dim. What I am really asking is where do we go, obviously we dont have a man in our life that can help us. One thing we have decided is that I be the first to conceive as I am 31yrs and she is 26yrs so logically my biological clock has less time on it. We have so much love to give a child. Anyone been through similar have any advice for us. |
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Anonymous
Posted:
04/07/2003 13:48 |
| Initially congratulations for highlighting this issue. I am probably going to be very controversial here, but I hope you stay with me. Initially I should state I am female, mid-forties, divorced, no children and heterosexual. During my divorce, my social circle of single females decided to ‘cheer me up’, therefore they threw a barbecue. During the evening I was approached by a Man, who kept trying to tell me something? Having just been betrayed by my Husband, I assumed that this Man wanted to ask me out. So I started a four hour conversation about ‘the weather’, only stopping for air, so to speak. I then decided as it was late, I should go home and just as I was leaving the Man grabbed hold of my arm and said, “I am Gay!” My response “Thank goodness for that!” He seemed somewhat shocked by my reply. Over two years we became excellent friends and I gained an insight into his life. His relationship broke down, I was the shoulder too cry on, he then found another partner, and we celebrated. I was even invited to the ‘house warming party’ although my new partner said, “I will have to keep my back against the wall!” That was the end of my new partner, because there was no reason for that remark. However it did highlight how heterosexuals view, label homosexuals. A few years later I succumbed to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Along with that came lifestyle changes: no high heel shoes no stockings, no well-tailored suits, and no bra. As Arthritis involves painful swollen joints, which are restricting, clothing has to be unrestricted. Simple chores like styling your hair can be akin to climbing Everest, especially with joints rebelling. Therefore, I am now what you would term “Butch”. Jeans, vest, T-shirt, flat shoes, boots, short back and sides hairstyle, because this style of dress allows me freedom, mobility. It means I can dress myself, it means that even if I cannot put the arms up over my shoulders to style my hair, it is short, dries naturally. My Family has used the ‘Butch’ phrase repeatedly and for years, they have suggested I go back to the person I used to be. However, there is no cure for Arthritis. While Arthritis affects the body, the brain to date has remained untouched. Employment is void, although I will help people with Computer Training, passing on knowledge that I have, if asked. One day I was asked to help and I gave of my time, knowledge freely. The female concerned tracked me down via a friend and I agreed to help if I could. Initially this female was extremely tactile. Next came the innuendoes. That was followed by mobile text messages at midnight of an explicit nature? Eventually she said “I am a Lesbian and came out years ago!” I am not too sure why I needed to know this? Then when a Computer Virus hit, I was asked to sort it out. As I was fixing the computer: had to reboot, we were sat drinking coffee and I asked how she knew the friend. She then said “I asked her and she told me your were straight!” Initially I was taken aback, what does my ‘sexuality’ have to do with Computer Training? Next thought, if you know I am straight, then why have you been hitting on me? Now do not ask me where it came from, but I replied “Well she would not know anyway, she is not my type!” That went down like choking on coffee and the so-called Lesbian started to panic. I then added, “I have fixed the computer, have nothing else on, so if you are free, go to the bedroom and I will follow!” Her feet did not touch the floor as she RAN! The moral of this story is important. Footloose Females, who find it impossible to say to a Man, “Look I really like you, but as a FRIEND only”, instead say, “I am a Lesbian!” Having stated that, no doubt to many Men, they then feel a need to ‘be seen’ with other females, in order to back up their untruths. I was used as story back up, to the degree that relatives thought I was her partner. It was not a pleasant situation to find yourself in and it had serious consequences. Unfortunately when heterosexual females, insist on playing the Lesbian card, after the Men have treated them to a good night on the Town, I worry if ‘coming out’ in the future will be such an easy option. My fear for heterosexual females who label themselves Lesbians, for whatever purpose, inebriated men looking for pleasure, pay back, are not going to worry if the female is heterosexual or lesbian. Likewise, the knock on affect for Lesbians is going to be brutal. If Men are being conned by straight females and from my experience they are, the ramifications I do not want to entertain. I would love to state this was a one off unique experience, but I know this is occurring all over Ireland. |
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Anonymous
Posted:
15/07/2003 10:45 |
| I am delighted to see this issue highlighted finally. I am not a lesbian nor am I straight. It is great to see that the first step has been made in learning more about lesbians. In my life, I have experienced that people assume that the only people worth thinking about are gay men. Nohting against gay men at all. People in Ireland tend to think that gay women are only doing it for attention or to have straight men droule over them. As I said I am not gay nor am I straight and it is still hard to "come out" to friends and family because in my experience people think bi-sexual women or men are worse than just gay people. We need to open peoples eyes and minds to the fact that there are health risks and that yes we are people too with feelings. I have known alot of women in my time who "play" the lesbian to attract men. Then they're shocked when they find out a man would like a three-some. This, I think, gives lesbians and bi-sexuals a very bad reputation. Men who think that a lesbian woman or a lesbian couple will jump in the "sack" with them tend to then stereotype lesbians and bi-sexuals. Women who aonly "play" the part of a gay woman are not aware of the risks involved if they have intercourse with a woman who has an STD. This is very serious and the issue should be researched in detail. People should know the facts instead of being blinded by their ingnorance. Thank you |
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Anonymous
Posted:
15/07/2003 19:37 |
| Dear Anonymous 15/07/2003 10:45 I wonder if Society is confused? Once upon a time relationships started like baking a cake, with certain ingredients. Throw them in the bowl, mix and then transfer to a tin. After a period in the oven, the ingredients bind together and hey presto, a Cake! The icing came after a long relationship. Today it seems to me that everyone goes for the Icing First, forgetting about the Cake, let alone ingredients. I hope that makes sense. With so much Icing going on, I am afraid that the risk of STD, be it in heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bi-sexual relationships is going to be high. Unfortunately when thinking about STD, we always tend to think along the lines of heterosexuals, or gay men. Lesbians, bi-sexuals are still at risk, but this topic is never discussed. Now while I like to believe I am 'open minded', I abhor being hit upon by Females who as you stated ‘PLAY’ at being Lesbians. I can think of no other underhanded manoeuvre, then to state one is Lesbian, and then USE and ABUSE Heterosexual females, to keep up THEIR appearance. As for jumping in the ‘sack’, you mean they still do this. From my observations, the ‘sack’ is now whatever is convenient, from Public Toilet, Church Walls, Bushes, and Toilets in Nightclubs, Bars, and the rear seat of the car. I keep reminding myself of that old Joke, especially with the new anti-smoking laws about to come into force. Teenagers hitting the ‘sack’ on the train to Dublin and no one pay’s any attention. However afterwards when they smoke, everyone complains! Education is the key to this problem. As you correctly state the majority of People are ignorant on matters not concerning their own choice. Perhaps the Media have a role to play along with scriptwriters and people who do have as such the power to educate, through entertainment, ‘The Soaps!’ It took me a few years to try and get the notion of Homosexual, Gay, Lesbian around my brain and it was not easy, very confusing. As for ‘coming-out’, well I cannot recall the last time I went up to anyone and said “Hi my name is X and I am straight!” Personally, I think if you bake the ideal cake, meet the right person, the rest will follow: as sure as, the Sun will set tonight. |
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Anonymous
Posted:
16/07/2003 09:22 |
| to Anonymous Posted: 15/07/2003 19:37 I totally understand What you mean it makes sense. I truly beleive that the media have some part to play in the lack of information. There is so much STD's going around you wouldn't know who to trust and who would be 'Clean'. This makes it very difficult because people think that if they turn lesbian they won't get any disease. The lack of information on STD's is unbelievable!. It seems the only informatin out there about STD's is for straight people. I cna understand what you mean by what you say about 'coming out' and I know people who are straight don't walk up to everyone saying "I'm straight". However, people in our society assume everyone is straight untill they see a woman with short hair and label her a lesbian. This is where the confusion lies. With T.V. Soaps portraying lesbians and bi-sexuals as 'butch' women who have short hair and tattoos all over them and dress in men's clothing. Just because a woman has short hair and wears trousers people assume lesbian. I blame T.V. as well as the government for peoples ingnorance because the government also are very ignorant on this issue. I can't blame ordinary people for being slightly homophobic because with the lack of information people get confused and don't know what to think. I think the government should be doing more to help people understand risks and understand that lesbians, bi-sexuals and gay men are the same as everyone else. As the saying goes "If you cut me do I not bleed?" |
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Anonymous
Posted:
27/08/2003 10:44 |
| STDs affect homosexual, bisexual and heterosexual people and everyone should be educated about them, taking into account the needs of their gender preference. Why do people get so angry about other people's gender preferences - it's their own business. If people were less prejudiced it would be easier for gays, lesbians and bi-sexuals to come out of the closet, be honest about their sexual needs and protect their health. Clothing, hairstyles, footwear etc. do not indicate whether a woman is lesbian (or a man is gay), why does the stereotype of a shaven-headed, braless, booted dungaree-wearing lesbian still prevail? I am straight but I know several lesbians and they wear what they like and conform to no stereotype. This naturally enough, confuses straight men - maybe they are the ones responsible for the image of the stereotypical butch lesbian because they find it less threatening. |
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Anonymous
Posted:
28/08/2003 00:12 |
| >Why do people get so angry about other people's gender preferences - it's their own business. If people were less prejudiced it would be easier for gays, lesbians and bi-sexuals to come out of the closet, be honest about their sexual needsconfuses straight men - maybe they are the ones responsible for the image of the stereotypical butch lesbian because they find it less threatening. |
|
Anonymous
Posted:
13/11/2003 13:59 |
| Oh my God, here come the PC police. Will some people just get a life and get on with it. What makes lesbian health any different to female health in general. I can see why homosexual male health would require specific mention but does this give lesbians the right to play the "we're gay too and should not be left out" card. Please!!! |
|
Anonymous
Posted:
09/03/2005 14:58 |
| Well, obviously lesbian health became less than a hot topic for a few ytears there. In response to the last message, yes there IS sometimes a need to seperate 'womens health' and 'lesbian health' as different issues can arise. Usually, a heterosexual woman will receive health care that asks relevant questions about her lifestyle - in lesbians' case we are often required to explain ourselves, possibly even having to explain sexual activity to a doctor who then belivees they know the cure for your symptom! Even now, some doctors will relate mental health issues to xexuality. As a lesbian, I'm aware of the difficulties in accessing appropriate sexual health advice though have done so within the community rather than through mainstream GP's. In my days as a heterosexual woman I experiened different issues relating to doctors' treatmetn but some are the same - patronisation, assumption of roles, being stereotyped ('hysterical', 'depressed'). Lesbians and heterosexual women need to work togetehr to demand improved health servcies that are relevant and appropriate; health care staff need in many cases to undergo further training to deal with the levels of homophobia and ignorance that prevail, and some of us (see last message et all) need to consider that being 'butch' or 'femme' isn't necessarily stereotypical. Labels used by outsiders are always designed to minimise and weaken the labelee. As a femme dyke in a relationship with a butch dyke, I am glad to say that these facets of our personalities are real, enriching, and very much a part of our individualities. Good health to you all! |
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