A (Brief) History of Lesbian Visibility | LGBTQ+ History

Lex was founded by a lesbian, and we’re so proud of our legacy and the journey that’s brought this app for queer community to where it is today. We want to take a moment to shine some light on the lesbian rights movement, because it’s an important part of the broader LGBTQ+ moment.

So, in honor of Lesbian Visibility Day, let's take a whirlwind tour of some lesbian history:

Lesbians in the 19th and Early 20th Century

Through recorded history, same-sex relationships, including among women, existed, but often under the shadows of societal scorn and legal repercussions. Many cultures and societies either turned a blind eye or actively persecuted such relationships.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, budding movements advocating for women's rights and sexual freedom occasionally touched upon discussions about same-sex relationships. However, openly championing lesbian rights was rare, given prevailing social taboos and legal barriers.

Lesbians in the Mid-20th Century

Organized LGBTQ+ activism began surfacing in Western nations during the mid-20th century. Yet, within these movements, lesbians often found themselves sidelined, as predominantly led by gay men. A pivotal moment emerged with the Stonewall Riots in 1969, igniting the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.

Lesbians in the 1970s-1980s

Momentum swelled for lesbian activism during the 1970s and 1980s, ushering in the formation of lesbian-specific organizations and advocacy groups. Key issues like employment bias, violence against lesbians, and custody rights for lesbian parents gained visibility.

Lesbians in the1990s-Present

The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed remarkable strides in lesbian rights, including legal recognition of same-sex relationships, anti-discrimination statutes, and heightened representation in mainstream media and politics. Milestones such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in numerous nations and the embrace of LGBTQ+-inclusive policies highlight this era.

Ongoing Hurdles for the Lesbian community

Despite leaps forward, lesbians confront persistent hurdles like discrimination, violence, and inadequate legal safeguards across the globe. Complex intersectional challenges, encompassing race, class, and disability, further complicate the pursuit of full equality.

Throughout history, lesbian individuals and communities have been pivotal in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, challenging norms, and shaping progress. Their resilience and activism remain at the core of the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement, driving toward a more inclusive and just society.

Lex & the Lesbian Rights Movement

Today, we’re so humbled by the work lesbian activists have done to make an app like Lex possible. Lex was inspired by personal ads written by lesbians looking to hook up, and now we have this thriving app that serves to connect you with your local queer community. Lex is not just for a subsection of the LGBTQ+ community. In the same way that lesbians worked to support the broader queer community while fighting for their own right to thrive, Lex seeks to support the broader queer community - because we all benefit from connection with other queer people.

We have to remember our history to move forward. While there’s still so much hardship in the queer community, especially for our trans siblings, it’s critical that we don’t take for granted how lucky so many of us are to be living today. What are you grateful for this #LesbianVisibilityDay? Share in a Lex post using our limited edition tag.

To connect with your local queer community (and lesbians near you!), download Lex. Find your people. They’re out there!