The Lesbian Tongue

An underground, subcultural language has been passed down through generations of lesbians and is known only by those who are or have been highly active in the lifestyle. Centuries of homophobia and the necessity for discretion were the catalysts for the formation of this secret, coded lesbian language through which homosexual women communicate without arousing the suspicion of heterosexuals. For example, most people know about Butches and Femmes, but most don’t know the definition of a Stem, a Gold Star Lesbian, a Dykon or what it means to have high L.P. The average person is also not aware of the existence of Lesbian “Flags,” or nonverbal cues that indicate a woman’s sexual orientation and/or communicate her interest in another woman whose sexual orientation is unknown. Author Alexandra del Torre has been a researcher and active member of the lesbian community for over 20 years, and “The Lesbian Tongue” is a compilation of the underground lesbian terms and the five most common Flirting Flags she and her friends have encountered through their experiences. With “The Lesbian Tongue,” Alexandra provides a window into the depth, complexity, beauty and mystery of lesbian life and love.Read more