Lesbian smothering is a form of intimate partner violence (IPV) committed by a female victim against a male sexual partner. It is common among self-identified lesbians in same-sex relationships.
Lesbians have played important roles in countless feminist organizations, but some have experienced conflict within the movement. This was the case in the National Organization of Women’s New York City chapter, which faced an outcry after members came out as lesbians.
What is the Significance of Lesbian Smothering?
In the late 1950s, lesbians began to organize in the United States. They were a significant part of the women’s movement and many played key roles in gay liberation and women’s rights. The Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) organization was the most famous, but they were also active in establishing support networks and creating a space for women to share their feelings.
During the 1970s, Radicalesbians, an organization of women who had participated in gay liberation and women’s liberation, invented a new political definition for lesbianism. Unlike male homosexuality, they argued, lesbianism was not simply the rage of all women condensed to the point of explosion; it was a source of power that had been stifled for centuries.
SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors, such as Prozac, Lexapro and Effexor, have sexual side effects for 30-70% of women who take them, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and lowered interest in love and affection. These negative effects are often worse for queer and disabled women, who are more likely to suffer from depression and mental health issues.