Lesbians

What does it mean to be a lesbian now? Has the quest for lesbian liberation stalled, and if so, why?
Part-autobiography, part frontline reportage and part cultural commentary, Julie Bindel examines what defines lesbian culture, love, friendship and happiness today. She distinguishes the particular challenges facing lesbians from the very different experiences of gay men, and asks: why do lesbians so often seem to face particular hostility? Comparing past attitudes to today, she argues that lesbians continue to suffer from bigotry and discrimination because sexism and enforced gendered roles are still left unchallenged. She explores why many of the biggest assaults on lesbian freedom and wellbeing around the world now come, not just from conservatives, but also from so-called progressives, who are often antagonistic to lesbians organising and socialising autonomously.
Rooted in her own remarkable story, this personal and passionate book is a testament as much to the peculiar joy of being a lesbian as much to the obstacles to lesbian flourishing. It is a much-needed contribution to the debate in the era of progressive misogyny and gender theory.

Julie Bindel is journalist, author and feminist campaigner. She is co-director and founder of 'The Lesbian Project', and has been campaigning for the rights of abused and marginalised women and against male violence for four decades. Her previous books include Feminism for Women: The Real Route to Liberation and The Pimping of Prostitution: Abolishing the Sex Work Myth.