Homosexuals Avoid These Death Penalty Countries!

Many of us live to travel, but we should be extremely careful of countries that have the death penalties for lesbians and gays.

Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punishable by death:

Yemen: According to the 1994 penal code, married men can be sentenced to death by stoning for homosexual intercourse. Unmarried men face whipping or one year in prison. Women face up to seven years in prison.

Iran: In accordance with sharia law, homosexual intercourse between men can be punished by death, and men can be flogged for lesser acts such as kissing. Women may be flogged.

Mauritania: Muslim men engaging in homosexual sex can be stoned to death, according to a 1984 law, though none have been executed so far. Women face prison.

Nigeria: Federal law classifies homosexual behavior as a felony punishable by imprisonment, but several states have adopted sharia law and imposed a death penalty for men. A law signed in early January makes it illegal for gay people countrywide to hold a meeting or form clubs.

Qatar: Sharia law in Qatar applies only to Muslims, who can be put to death for extramarital sex, regardless of sexual orientation.

Saudi Arabia: Under the country’s interpretation of sharia law, a married man engaging in sodomy or any non-Muslim who commits sodomy with a Muslim can be stoned to death. All sex outside of marriage is illegal.

Afghanistan: The Afghan Penal Code does not refer to homosexual acts, but Article 130 of the Constitution allows recourse to be made to sharia law, which prohibits same-sex sexual activity in general. Afghanistan’s sharia law criminalizes same-sex sexual acts with a maximum of the death penalty. No known cases of death sentences have been meted out since the end of Taliban rule in 2001.

Somalia: The penal code stipulates prison, but in some southern regions, Islamic courts have imposed sharia law and the death penalty.

Sudan: Three-time offenders under the sodomy law can be put to death; first and second convictions result in flogging and imprisonment. Southern parts of the country have adopted more lenient laws.

United Arab Emirates: Lawyers in the country and other experts disagree on whether federal law prescribes the death penalty for consensual homosexual sex or only for rape. In a recent Amnesty International report, the organization said it was not aware of any death sentences for homosexual acts. All sexual acts outside of marriage are banned.

What science says about homosexuality.

The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) has a membership of 180 countries. In March 2016, the WPA wrote a declaration on homosexuality. It was addressed to the United Nations and to world leaders.

It stated that homosexuality was a different expression or orientation of sex. It further stated that since homosexuality cannot be ‘cured’ or reversed, it is NOT a matter of choice.

red is life imprison

dark red is death penalty orange is imprisonment

Paula, 2017, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

British Military: Top Employer for Gays & Lesbians

In a statement, a British Ministry of Defense spokesperson declared, ‘The Army has worked tirelessly over the last 15 years to become more inclusive and is very proud to be recognised by Stonewall as a top 50 lesbian, gay and bisexual employer. Our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender forum is vibrant and offers confidential support, advice and mentoring to any personnel who are considering coming out.”

Prince Harry Sets a High Standard for Tolerance and Equality

In 2013 another Household Cavalry soldier, James Wharton, disclosed in his book Out In The Army, My Life As A Gay Soldier how Prince Harry once protected him from homophobic bullies. In one interview, Captain Hannah Winterbourne, the highest ranking transgender officer in the Army, tells of her decision to have transgender surgery. But the general said: ‘The MoD needs to do more than just put one or two junior and middle-ranking officers up for interview and claim it’s all nice and rosy in the garden. There is still a lot of homophobic bullying and abuse.’

Transgender Persons Speak Out

In one interview, Captain Hannah Winterbourne (above), the highest ranking transgender officer in the Army, tells of her decision to have transgender surgery

Captain Hannah Winterbourne is the highest ranking transgender officer in the Army, and she has openly spoken of her decision to have transgender surgery

Army General to “Come out”?

One of the British newspaper, “The Mail” ran an article about an Army General who is planning to “come out of the Military Closet.” He is not named and therefore it is mere speculation. “The Mail” claims an interview with the General who was furious over a colleague’s inappropriate and demeaning gay comment. Friends who know the General’s sexual orientation has warned him that this could severely damage his career.

The General is married with three children and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan with 30 years of distinguished service. He states that he has a very loving relationship with his wife who knows that he is gay. She does not want to divorce him. In the interview, the general is reported to have stated that he is part of a ‘small number of senior officers in the Army, RAF and Royal Navy who have decided to keep their sexuality secret because of the potential impact it might have on their career’.He added: ‘It might come as a shock to some people but there have been and there are gay members of the SAS. (Crack special forces team).I have met them.”

‘Gay soldiers won medals in Iraq and Afghanistan. And yes, there have probably been many gay generals over the years.’

Paula, 2015, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Lesbian Author Patricia Highsmith

Patricia Highsmith (1921-1995) is credited with writing many novels.

Her novels are psychological thrillers. Here are just a few of them

The Price of Salt (as Claire Morgan, 1952)

The Blunderer (1954)

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955)

Deep Water (1957) –

This Sweet Sickness (1960)

The Cry of the Owl (1962)

The Tremor of Forgery (1969) –

Ripley Under Ground (1970

Suspension of Mercy (1965)

Those Who Walk Away (1967

Edith’s Diary (1977)

An Unhappy Childhood

Patricia did not have a happy childhood. She did not meet her father until she was twelve years of age. In later years, Patricia believed that her current problems of alcoholism, anorexia and feelings of inadequacy stemmed from her repressed childhood. Her mother seems to have been cold and unloving and homophobic. Patricia would hear sentences from her mother in her teens, such as “Are you a les? because you are beginning to make noises like one.” Years later, when journalists were waiting to interview Patricia, her mother even posed as her.

College Years and Lesbian Affairs

Patricia attended Barnard University and was known to be an intellectual. She had a number of affairs with women which was easy for Patricia who was known for her beauty and her wit. Her aloof nature may have also been a challenge and an attraction. Perhaps, it was hard for Patricia to love when she had never felt love as a child.

You Will Not be a Lesbian

Her mother and other family members wanted Patricia to marry and be “cured” of her homosexuality. For whatever reason (be it money or a need to be loved), Patricia agreed to undergo a long period of psychoanalysis. It failed.

To Thine Own Self Be True

Like so many gays and lesbians, the acceptance of her own sexuality was a reward to who she was and it provided positive creativity for her bestselling novels and short stories.

An Unique Personality

It is true that Patricia had a macabre imagination. In her later years, she became increasingly anti-social and “unusual.” She developed a friendship with snails and brought them with her. She placed them in her purse.

In closing, I look at Patricia’s life and cheer her for her bravery, creativity and hope that she found love in some of her relationships.

Paula, 2015, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Twenty-Five Unusual Facts About Homosexuality

1.The labrys, a double-edged hatchet or axe, is a symbol of strength and unity for the lesbian community. Demeter, the Goddess of Earth, is said to have used a labrys as her scepter, especially in religious ceremonies.

2. In 1987, Delta Airlines apologized for arguing in plane crash litigation that it should pay less in compensation for the life of a gay passenger than for a heterosexual one because he may have had AIDS.

3. Gay people tend to be left-handed much more often than heterosexuals.

4. The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages in 2001.

5. In Egypt, two male royal manicurists named Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep were found buried together in a shared tomb similar to the way married couples were often buried. Their epigraph reads: ‘Joined in life and joined in death’. Having lived in 2400 BC, they are believed to be history’s oldest recorded gay couple.

6. In 1952, the Unites States Congress enacted a law banning lesbians and gay foreigners from entering the country. The law was on the books until it was repealed in 1990.

7. There is some evidence that increased levels of steroids in the womb increases the chances that a girl will be a lesbian.

8. Some historical gay and bi figures have turned their lovers into gods. Alexander the Great wanted to make his boyhood lover Hephaestion a god when he died, but was only allowed to declare him a Divine Hero. The Roman Emperor Hadrian, of wall-building fame, was successful in making his lover, Antinous, a god after he drowned in the Nile.

9. The three U.S. cities that have the most gay couples are New York City (47,000), Los Angeles (12,000), and Chicago (10,000). The major metropolitan cities with the highest LGBT concentration are San Francisco 15.4%, Seattle 12.9%, and Atlanta 12.8%.f

10. The Roman Catholic Church sanctified gay marriages in the “so called” Dark Ages. A notable marriage was between Byzantine Emperor Basil 1st, (867-886) and his partner called John.

11. Gilbert Baker, also known as the “Gay Betsy Ross,” designed the rainbow flag, or Pride Flag, in San Francisco in 1978. The flag is the most prominent symbol of lesbian and gay pride. The colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet represent sexuality, life, healing, the Sun, nature, art, harmony, and the spirit, respectively.

12,. Mercury represents male and female principles in harmony. In mythology, Mercury fathered Hermaphroditus, who had both male and female sex organs.

13. The first U.S. lesbian magazine was titled Vice Versa and was written by the pseudonymous Lisa Ben (an anagram for “lesbian”).f

14. In ancient China, homosexuality was referred to as ‘the cut sleeve’ and ‘pleasures of the bitten peach.’’.

15. Until the late 1400s the word ‘girl’ just meant a child of either sex. If you had to differentiate between them, male children were referred to as ‘knave girls’ and females were ‘gay girls‘.

16. We can thank William Shakespeare and his Globe Theatre players for using the word “drag.” It was an acronymn for Dressed Resembling A Girl.”

17. Queen Elizabeth II of England may or may not be aware that in the early 17th century, there was a gay brothel on the site where she lives – Buckingham Palace. (Surely, there is a modern gay or lesbian in the ranks???)

18. As early as 1806, an early explorer, Nicholas Biddle, found that the Minitarees (Native American tribe) allowed for diversity of gender. He wrote, ‘if a boy shows any symptom of effeminacy or girlish inclinations, he is put among the girls, dressed in their way, brought up with them and sometimes married to men’.

19. The word “gay” used to refer to a woman prostitute – and a gay man, was a man who slept with lots of women.

2o. A novel called “Carmilla” was a story of a lesbian vampire that preyed on young women, was written 25 years before Dracula.

21. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association decided that homosexuality should no longer be classified as a mental disorder. Also the same year, the American Bar Association passed a resolution recommending the repeal of all state sodomy laws.c

22. There has been a gay U.S.A President. He was James Buchanan and he shacked up for 10 years with a future Vice President, William Rufus King. Later on, President Andrew Jackson named Buchanan as “Miss Nancy” and King as “Aunt Fancy.”

23. A monocle is a one-piece-eye- glass, now not in use. Lesbians particularly in France and Germany used a monocle as a means of identification.

24. The oldest surviving LGBT organization in the world is Netherlands’ Centre for Culture and Leisure (COC) which was founded in 1946. It used this as a cover name to mask its real purpose.

25. Gay male victims of the Holocaust, who wore the downward-facing pink triangle, were still considered to be criminals when they were freed from concentration camps. They were often sent back to prison to serve out their terms.

From Various Sources

Paula, 2015, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

American First Lesbian Attorney General

If you are confused about American politics (which I as a Canadian am often), there are two major parties in the USA – the Democrats and the Republicans. President Obama is a Democrat.

If you are a lesbian, then the Democratic party is kinder to you. Under President Obama and with pressure on the Supreme Court by the LGBT community and their friends, state by state is legalizing same-sex marriage.

Democrat Maura Healey was elected as the state’s new top cop last night,succeeding her former boss Martha Coakley and making history as the nation’s first openly gay state attorney general.

“I’m so humble and grateful to the voters across the state for turning out to elect me,” said Healey, who plans to tackle gun violence, prescription drug and heroin abuse, and civil rights, among other issues, when she takes office in January.

“It’s a broad agenda and a big agenda. … As attorney general you don’t have the luxury to do just one thing at once,” Healey said. “It’s important to build and maintain the top talent in the attorney general’s office so we’re able to protect the people of Massachusetts.”

Healey, who helped lead the legal battle to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act and give federal recognition to same-sex married couples while working for the attorney general’s office, beat out Winchester attorney and Republican John B. Miller to become the first openly gay state attorney general in the nation.

“I’m proud that we’ve broken that barrier, but I’m also proud that it wasn’t an issue during the campaign,” Healey said. “I think that says a lot about how far we’ve come.”

MassEquality Executive Director KC Coredini called Healey’s win a “historic victory for LGBTQ people and for LGBTQ equality.”

“Maura has spent the last seven years in the attorney general’s office making the commonwealth a national leader on LGBTQ issues with her vision, drive and talent,” Coredini said. “Now, as the country’s first openly gay state attorney general, she is poised to make history again, not only with what more she will accomplish in this critical office, but with who she is.”

Healey worked in the AG’s office first as the chief of the civil rights division and then leading bureaus on Public Protection and Advocacy, as well as on Business and Labor.

The former Middlesex County prosecutor cast herself as the underdog and triumphed in the primary over the Democratic-establishment-backed candidate Warren Tolman to win a spot on yesterday’s ballot.

Healey, a Harvard graduate, also played professional basketball in Europe before earning a law degree at Northeastern University.

In the open race for treasurer, Brookline Democrat Deb Goldberg beat Republican Mike Heffernan and Green Rainbow candidate Ian Jackson to replace Treasurer Steven Grossman, while Democratic incumbents Secretary of State William F. Galvin and Auditor Suzanne Bump held onto their seats.

Galvin fended off challenges from Malden Republican David D’Arcangelo as well as Green Rainbow Party candidate Daniel Factor, while Bump bested Republican Patricia

Maura Healy-American First Lesbian Attorney General

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Lesbian Kiss in Protest at British Supermarket

A naive and rather uninformed security guard tried to stop two lesbians sharing a kiss at a British seaside town of Brighton, England. Brighton is a Mecca for gays and lesbians and it is just about an hour’s drive by car from London.

The incident that sparked the protest happened last week when a customer complained about Annabelle Paige, a Sussex University student, and her partner kissing.

Ms Paige told The Times newspaper that she had only given her girlfriend a light kiss, but was told by a security guard to stop or leave the store. “I’m so shocked and upset about it. I get that if another customer is uncomfortable that’s a bad thing… but the problem is the other customer was in the wrong and essentially being homophobic. The guard didn’t seem to understand that, I was absolutely humiliated,” she said shortly after the incident.

Well, never underestimate people who stand up for equality whether they are gay or straight. The result was a “Big Kiss-In” has been held in the Brighton branch of Sainsbury’s. This is a nation-wide chain and the top brass wanted to get rid of the bad publicity generated by what was clearly a homophobic security guard.Kiss_In_3

Dozens of people – men and women, including one couple in wedding dress – descended on the store on Wednesday as bemused shoppers looked on.

Video footage of the event shown by ITV News showed a number of couples, some in fancy dress, kissing as people held signs with supermarket-style slogans like “Live well for lez”.

Sussex University’s students union said in a tweet: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the #bigkissin. Great to see people in Brighton and beyond showing we like kissing and hate homophobia.”

P.S. Trish and I visited Brighton in the spring of 2014 and we had a great time. Lesbians in pubs chatted with us and welcomed us to their wonderful seaside resort. Hello and well-done, Brighton!

Bollywood LGBTQ Movie Review

This ranking is not a complete list of films in the LGBTQ movie genres created by Metacritic; it needs technical improvements as well as a maximum number of reviews to properly represent them.

As a note, since 2000 when IMDB began keeping track, all films released prior to 2000 in the US have been included in the film database regardless of content. This may raise inaccuracies with films released in 2001 and beyond when it comes to the gender balance of films released then and that from 2001 and older. The same rules apply to films with more than one contender.

By association, the Bollywood films are arguably future-shock cinema, but with queer stories overtaking the most mainstream Hollywood titles, they may be the films most able to take advantage of the cutting edge.

Blurred Lines
Starring: Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, Nate Ruess, T.I., Phoebe Bridgers
Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,817 critics 100% on his Twitter feed – Blurred Lines is the first and only “Coming Out Song” to make the top 20 Best ♡♡♡ Jokes of 2012.

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Starring: Tim Curry, Laurie Strode, Susan Sarandon, Lili Taylor and more
Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,816 critics. “Gruesome. Technically skillful. The ultimate ‘pointless comedy.’ And it stands as a witty reminder that, yes, a movie that no one was actually watching is still a great movie. It may not exist in a vacuum, but it has to exist in a picture.”

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Starring: Rob Riggle, Jamie Kennedy, Andrew McCarthy, Brian Posehn, David Koechner, Jimmi Simpson, Michael Richards

Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,775 critics. ” either act smug about recognizing their gay selves or act upset about being recognized by homosexual faces, it doesn’t really matter.”

The Boxtrolls

Starring: James McAvoy, Ben Whishaw, Jude Dibdin, Liam Neeson, Nick Frost, Bill Nighy

Review: 4 out of 5 stars from 1,659 critics “clear statement about the way that society undervalues the partners of transgender people, and what makes the ‘reality’ of same-sex relationships look different.”

Swingers

Starring: Meredith Haggerty, Julie Benz, Jason Lee, Anne Heche, Andrew Rannells, Diana Rigg, Kathleen Turner

Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,645 critics “the strongest erotic romance,” “an exploration into sexuality for people who are too addicted to Drama & ambitions wasted to be forthright.”

The Artist

Starring: Damien Chazelle, Jeremy Renner, Ansel Elgort

Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,543 critics “the most admired movie about gay life in the past half century.”

Pippin

Starring: Robbie Coltrane, Jean Rochefort, Simon Helberg, Jill Scott, Adam Wavell, Justice Smith, Caitlin Fitzgerald & more.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,425 critics “a real shame that this ‘mature’ role of being supported by your son wasn’t suggested.”

Good Will Hunting

Starring: Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Matt Damon, Matt Damon, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Halle Berry

Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,398 critics “Fans of Illumination ‘benchmark’ films Mother and longer-form drama films will have to contend with seeing this film at the same time [as] part of this academic series.”

Around the World in 80 Days

Starring: Cary Grant, Judy Garland, George Peppard, Justo and much more.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,342 critics. “a tour de force of cinematography and music that transports us to Europe, Africa and Egypt on the eve of the Emancipation Proclamation.”

Slumdog Millionaire

Starring: Mischa Barton, Clive Owen, Steven Quezada, Ben Kingsley, Mila Kunis

Review: 4 out of 5 stars, from 1,122 critics “I believed I knew Casino even once, but this is a wholly original new experience, notable for its unprecedented human intimacy.”

Lesbian International Community: Is This For You?

I am one urban dyke transplanted to the wilds of Kentucky who has received the honor of writing about the movement of which I am a part. There is no “typical” representative of us, so I write from my experience and knowledge, having lived in a rural lesbian community for over ten years. In this article you will see the words “wimmin” for “women” and “womyn” for “woman.” Not a typo, it is common among some feminists and lesbians to use a word that does not make females derivative of males or men. Wimmin are not the outgrowth of Adam’s rib, and many of us have created alternative spellings for our gender such as womon, womoon, and wems.Since OWL (Oregon Women’s Land) farm was established in 1975, there has been a small but growing number of intentional communities formed specifically for lesbians in North America. After OWL’s pioneering efforts, so many settlements started up in Oregon that the roads leading to them have been loosely named “the Amazon Trail.” Lesbian land also exists in New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Florida, Quebec, British Columbia, Kentucky, Mississippi, California, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas—just about everywhere!What Kinds of Community?Kate continues: Lesbian land ranges from one or two wimmin who welcome female travelers to their home to well-established groups of a dozen residents. It may consist of a one-acre lot at the edge of town, a 700-acre rural tract of land, or anything in between. The focus of a land group may be on farming and self-sufficiency, art and culture, politics, or simple survival, to name a few.One of the more famous efforts at establishing new ways of living for wimmin is Seneca Peace Camp in Seneca, New York. A political antimilitary action group, Seneca is a small farm bordered on one side by an Amish family and on the back by a military compound. It has been a staging ground for many peace actions, as well as home to numerous wimmin who are dedicated to the peace movement. The core group lives there year round and governs itself by consensus.

During Seneca’s heyday, when actions were planned, acres of tents would appear and organization was crucial. The “affinity group” method allowed for consensus among each small group of wimmin who traveled and worked together, with representatives from each group participating in consensus decision making for the whole. One example of their activities was a nonviolent attempt to block the entrance to the military base when it was discovered that nuclear missiles were being transported in trucks labeled as if they were carrying food or auto parts. While the military’s attention was on the gates, several wimmin sneaked in the back and then telephoned the front gate guards to let them know they’d been invaded.

One of the military’s responses to the camp’s presence was continual helicopter surveillance. One summer some wimmin climbed on the farmhouse roof and painted a huge spider web surrounded by the words “You can’t kill the spirit!” which was a popular slogan and song.

The form of the peace movement has changed, but Seneca Peace Camp remains a source of education on a smaller scale, hosting lesbian-feminist conferences and retreats.

Back to the Land Movement

The “back to the land” movement by lesbians is part of the overall lesbian feminist focus on the Earth as female, the creatrix who birthed us all. We are an extremely diverse bunch; the term “eco-feminist” might just be the only label that fits everyone. A concern for the preservation of the natural environment and a search for an unpolluted place to live motivate many to live simply, in a place where food comes from gardens on the land and where everyone knows what happens to their sewage.

The ecology motive is familiar to all who seek rural community living. The lesbian feminist part is unique to our movement. Almost all those who seek wimmin-only space have been touched by the joy of recognizing the power in each of us to create lives that suit us, rather than lives handed down from patriarchal institutions.

Each settlement is different in size, shape, rules, and traditions. Most wimmin’s land is populated by lesbians, not straight or bisexual wimmin. However, in my community, Spiral Land Trust for Wimmin, we choose to create community with wimmin, not specifically lesbians. Some wimmin who do not identify as lesbian have considered living here, but not very often. Their male partners and boy children could not move here, although male relatives and friends can and do visit. There are many opinions about our wimmin-only policy, but the bottom line to us is that a community of wimmin is not a community that includes male energy. This is difficult for wimmin with sons, but there are other wimmin’s communities that do accept boy children.

We maintain good relations with our neighbors, people who may not ever have left the county. When I first moved to Spiral, I found myself having many more conversations with neighbors, especially men, than I had ever had in the city. They almost always observed, “Yer not from around here, are ya?” My explanation, that I was from Tennessee, seemed to satisfy them, even though we live only 25 miles from that state. Our peace and security rest in the fact that we are considered “good neighbors,” allies who look out for each other and band together in emergencies.

Why do wimmin seek to establish a separate place for ourselves? Some would say it just makes sense to them. I have come up with a western, herstorical (that’s female for history, folks) answer. Wimmin have lived for thousands of years in our fathers’ houses, then our husbands’. At times we have been actual slaves owned by men, at times it was figurative. Even escaping to a nunnery meant being a bride of Christ, obedient to the priest and pope. The modern city womyn usually works for “the man,” just like everybody else.

Lesbians have always been around, surviving as best we could and slowly developing a culture based on our own experiences, separate from the dominant culture. Now we have the chance to create culture deliberately, as we listen to each other in growing numbers, as we each speak our hearts. Wimmin-only space is the only place that is not run by men at all, and it feels very different.

Lesbian land gives wimmin the chance to build our own homes, barns, studios, outhouses. For many, the creative direction and implementation of a project, a home for herself or her friends, is profoundly life-changing. Female conditioning has led most of us to be comfortable assisting, not taking charge. Or we give directions but rely on a man’s expertise and strength to get the job done. Now, even when there is a project leader, we share skills and create together.

Lia, who recently moved to Spiral, told me, “I feel a sense of empowerment I never had before. I am respected and taken seriously in a way that never really happened before moving here. I have a grown son that I dearly love; I certainly don’t hate men. However, men live and take for granted a kind of entitlement, it’s in their bones, and they don’t necessarily mean to treat you different, but they do. It’s a rare man that can treat everyone equal, and I’m tired of looking for him.”

Another new resident of Spiral used to have her own farm a few hours from here. Gina says, “As a womyn, you can’t get any help on the farm. You can’t go down to the corner store and hang out with the guys, then ask some of them to come over and help with the fencing. When other farmers did help me, it was like the help they give a womyn—someone that’s looked down on, or a possible opportunity for sex. And of course they never want me to help them, because I was just a womyn. Wimmin don’t do that kind of work, none of their wimmin do. Besides, I like being around other wimmin, having a social life, being myself. In community with wimmin, I feel safe. I no longer have to look over my shoulder.”

Everyday living has its frustrations and misunderstandings, no matter where you hang your hat. Yet sometimes I feel inspired by the work and the play that we engage each other in. It gives my life meaning the way nothing else ever has. Perhaps you feel that way about your community. I am grateful that we have enough freedom and sense of adventure to make these choices.

I appreciate the opportunity to learn from other wimmin in an environment of respect. We may have different backgrounds, but our commonalities as wimmin, and especially as lesbians, help me feel that I’m working with my own group. The support, understanding, and shared experiences make it easier. The only way to really know the difference is to experience it yourself.

The following addresses are given to help lesbians reading this article connect with the wider community of rural lesbians and wimmin’s land. Please respect our intent.

Lesbian Natural Resources (LNR), a networking source for lesbian communities, was established over nine years ago to be a resource for community-owned (not-for-profit) lesbian lands and rural lesbians in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. LNR has a program for sharing rural living skills through its apprenticeship program. It does not maintain a contact list of rural communities to visit. For more information, write LNR at PO Box 8742, Minneapolis MN 55408, USA.
Shewolf publishes a 64-page directory containing “the philosophies and contacts for over 75 wimmin’s settlements in the United States and Canada.” To order, contact: Royal T., 2013 Rue Royal, New Orleans LA 70116, USA. Email: Wimminland @aol.com members.aol.com/shewolfww/fave/index.htm

Author Biography

Kate Ellison has lived for 10 years at Spiral Wimmin’s Land Trust in Kentucky. Email katespiral at juno.com.

– See more at: ic.org/wiki/lesbian-intentional-community-yer-around-ya/#sthash.jmTozMGq.dpuf

Kate Ellison writes : (Taken from the site of Lesbian International Community)

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Lesbian Quotes by Famous Lesbians

I chose these quotes from amongst many. I included one from Rita Mae Brown. Her lesbian novel, “Ruby Fruit Jungle” was the first lesbian novel I read. I went on to read the dark and desperate novel, “The Well of Loneliness.” I was so glad that I read Ruby Fruit Jungle first!

-Girls who put out are tramps. Girls who don’t are ladies. This is, however, a rather archaic usage of the word. Should one of you boys happen upon a girl who doesn’t put out, do not jump to the conclusion that you have found a lady. What you have probably found is a Lesbian.

( Fran Lebowitz )

About Fran:

Born Oct 27, 1950 in New Jersey, she is an author, writer and public speaker.

-The love expressed between women is particular and powerful, because we have had to love in order to live; love has been our survival.

Every woman I have ever loved has left her print upon me, where I loved some invaluable piece of myself apart from me–so different that I had to stretch and grow in order to recognize her. And in that growing, we came to separation, that place where work begins.

(Audre Lorde)

About Audre:

Born: February 18, 1934 in Harlem, New York city. Died: November 17, 1992 in U.S Virgin Islands.

Audre was a Caribbean-American writer, radical feminist, lesbian and civil rights activist. She published poetry.

-Women who love women are Lesbians. Men, because they can only think of women in sexual terms, define Lesbian as sex between women.

(Rita Mae Brown)

About Rita Mae:

Born November 28, 1944 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, USA

Wrote Rubyfruit Jungle in 1973 (my first lesbian read) She is author of many books and a screenwriter.

-You can’t type what a lesbian is. We’re anything and everything. The one thing in common is that we make love to other women. So give up trying to limit us.

(Amanda Bearse)

About Amanda Bearse:

Born August 9, 1958 in Florida, USA.

Partner: Carrie Schenken (2010-

American actress, director and comedienne. Best known for her role as neighbour Marcy D’Arcy on the television sitcom “Married with Children.”

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Lesbian Victories in US Politics

Christine Quinn, an open and married lesbian is running for Major of New York City. If she wins, it will be the first time in twenty years since a Democrat takes the position. Michael Bloomberg has been in office for twelve years.

In the mayorial race is Anthony Weiner, who became infamous when he emailed pictures of his crotch to a number of women. Weiner is married to a former Hilary Clinton’s aide,Huma Abedin who has stood by him.

So, is there a penis versus a vagina race between these two? (just joking).

As LGBTI people, it is heart-warming to read of our brothers and sisters who have made a difference in politics. Harvey Milk paid with his life in San Francisco in 1978 when he fought against a proposal to fire all gay school teachers in California.

To the present, we congratulate gay Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell involved in marriage equality in the New York State Legislature

For the record,

– no openly LGBT governor or United States president has ever been elected to office

– no openly LGBT person has been named or served as a federal Cabinet member

But, we’re discussing lesbian victories in USA politics, so let’s celebrate

– Federal judge: Deborah Batts, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York – appointed 1994

– U.S. Senate (first openly LGBT person, out when first elected): Tammy Baldwin – elected 2012, lesbian, representing Wisconsin

Lesbian Mayors

Massachusettes: Gina Genovese, elected Mayor, 2005 – Neptune Township

Texas :Mayor: Annise Parker, elected Mayor of Houston 2009

So let’s spread this information world-wide to aspiring lesbians politicians and lawyers.

paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

First Public Chinese Lesbian Wedding

On January 4, 2014, two Chinese lesbians will be celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Who are they? It is not possible to provide names as the lesbian couple ‘married’ in China.

January 4, 2013 was an auspicious day on which to get married in China, according to the China Daily. The date sounds similar to “love you forever” in Chinese.

Among the couples who got married were a 36-year-old woman named Dongdong and 30-year-old woman named Qiqi (both names are aliases), a lesbian couple in Shenzhen,China Daily reports (via the Southern Metropolis Daily). By taking vows, the couple became the first lesbian couple to hold a public wedding in Mainland China.

Although homosexual marriages cannot be legally certified in Mainland China, both couples received parental approval after initially encountering opposition: “Whether my child marries a man or a woman, she is still my daughter and I can think that the marriage brings me another daughter, which is also a source of happiness,” said Dongdong’s mother.

Taiwan is closer than Mainland China to legalizing gay marriage, as Shanghaiist reported last week. In October, tens of thousands of Taiwanese took to the streets of Taipei for the city’s 10th annual gay pride parade.

Last month, Gay Star News reported that Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice would commission studies into attitudes towards same-sex marriage in Asian cultures as part of research looking into legalizing gay marriage.

In 2011, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan warned that legalizing gay marriage would turn New Yorkers Asian. If you feel like a laugh, you can check out his reasoning, or lack thereof, here.

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Myths About Lesbians

1. All lesbians hate men.

Fact: It’s a myth that all lebsians hate men. The fact that a woman is sexually and emotionally attracted to another woman has absolutely nothing to do with men. Most lesbians carry on long-lasting and emotionally satisfying friendships with men.

2. Some lesbians want to be men.

Fact: Lesbians who appear more masculine do so for fashion or comfort. There is a wide variety of gender expression in both men and women regardless of sexual orientation. A person seeking to change their sex is called a transsexual.

3. You can’t know if you are a lesbian unless you sleep with a woman.

Fact: This myth about lesbains is simply untrue. You do not have to sleep with someone in order to know you are attracted to them. The same holds true for heterosexuals. Discovering your sexuality is not about sleeping with someone.

4. Lesbians are attracted to all women.

Fact: If a person is attracted to one specific gender this does not mean that they are attracted to all members of that gender. This is true for both men and women, regardless of which gender they are attracted to.

5. Being a lesbian is a choice and can be changed.

More and more studies are finding that sexual orientation is not something chosen, rather it’s an inborn trait found in most animal species. There is plenty of evidence that therapy and counseling to “make someone straight” is ineffective.

6. Lesbian relationships are all about sex.

Fact: Sex is an important aspect of any healthy relationship, but not the only aspect. Lesbians connect on an emotional and spiritual level, and like heterosexual couples can choose whether or not to have families and children. (Kids with Lesbian Parents Do Just Fine) Sex has nothing to do with this aspect of the relationship.

7. Lesbians just haven’t met the right man yet.

Lesbianism has nothing to do with men, many lesbians have not met the right woman yet, but again it has nothing to do with men.

8. You can tell a lesbian by how she looks.

Fact: Some homosexuals claim to have what is referred to as “gaydar”. This is nothing more than an intuition regarding another persons’ sexuality. Based on the fact that some people are still in the closet, there is really no way to know this.

9. One lesbian in the relationship has to be “the man”.

Fact: While there are lesbian couples that are butch/femme, both partners are clearly women. Butch/femme is not the only kind of relationship for lesbians, but most women may prefer no kind of labeling at all as this generalizes them.

10. Lesbians can’t be spiritual.

Fact: While some denominations consider homosexuality a sin, there are many faiths and churches that accept all humans regardless of any differences. Spirituality is a personal belief system that has nothing to do with organized practices or sexual preferences.

These myths about lesbians are just that – myths. As with any genre of myths, there’s the appearance of truth and so some people believe them. Now that you have the facts about these lesbian myths, you can debunk them the next time you hear someone repeat them.

Source: Written by Samantha Gluck on Healthyrussian-kissPlace

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Are You With the Right Lesbian Partner?

These, in my mind, are just basic common sense and loving ways to treat anyone. If your partner has these traits, then you are very fortunate. As they are read, it is a good check list to know if your darling is treated the same way by you.

1. She doesn’t try to change you. She likes the fact that you both have things in common, but you are your own person. She respects the fact that you want your own bank account.

2. She pays attention when you speak. She may not always agree with you, but you are the centre of her life.

3. Even after years together, she treats you like she was dating you. Flowers arrive and little gifts surprise you and it isn’t your birthday or any special occasion.

4. While you are not glued together, she misses you when you are gone.

5. She is genuinely interested in your family and isn’t a tag-along.

6. She is honest with you. Her feedback may not always please you, and she won’t be pushed around, but she is your best friend and loyal supporter.

7. She is not controlling or jealous. She wants you to have private time with special friends. Ex-girl friends are not suspiciously viewed but are welcome.

8. She lets you vent. She may argue strongly with you but is not vicious.

9. She enjoys your company, but may need time for herself. She seeks compromise on difficult issues – and often she ‘will agree to disagree.’

10. She is faithful and will not cheat on you. Being with her is a joy.

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Lesbians, Pakistan Islamist Society & Honour Killings

What do you do if you know that you are a lesbian in Pakistan?

A city is your only hope for freedom and a chance to find a woman to love. Cities also allow women to wear blue jeans and cut their hair short. Universities are places to challenge society in dress and speech. By nature, many university students are non-conformists and are interested in western democracies with freedom of lifestyles. However, if a lesbian gest caught in any homosexual act, Pakistani law can imprison a lesbian for life. Most gays and lesbians worst fears are family and neighbours who may decide to murder homosexuals in honour killings.

In an Islamic country, there are few role models for lesbians to follow. The internet becomes a source of information and hope. If a Pakistani lesbian does find a woman to love, they can walk down the streets holding hands, as this is a custom regarded as ‘sisterly love.’ The main problem occurs when a lesbian reaches the age of marriage which is the fabric of Pakistani society. Some lesbians buckle under pressure and marry men. There is also the struggle to love oneself in a society that considers homosexuality unnatural and a disease. Islam considers homosexuality a sin.

If a Pakistani lesbian does manage to find someone to love, many people may just overlook the two of them living together. It is a society that feels that women don’t have sexual needs or desires. That kind of woman works in a brothel!

Lesbian dating occurs on the internet and another way to date is to be part of a circle of lesbians. Professional women stand a better chance of being lesbians and marriages of convenience do occur where lesbians ‘marry’ homosexual men. Money and power are two modes of protection, allowing travel outside of the country.

It is a hard life for Pakistani lesbians and others that live in countries where ‘love dare not raise its name.’ However, love is an incredible force and when combined with initiatives can lead to a happy life. We wish all the brave lesbians in this situation, every happiness and love.

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Japanese Lesbians: Alive- but in the Shadows

Japanese lesbians are celebrating the love of women, but in a quieter manner than their Western counterparts. In fact, it is hard to find any literature or art on lesbianism in Japan. Homosexual males fair better since there are considerable more written works on the subject. Why?

Japanese society seems to be hard on females. There is very strong evidence to suggest that a female is not considered an adult, unless she is married with at least one child. To further complicate matters, Japanese law does not acknowledge homosexuals and marriage must exist between a man and a woman. The message to young women is clear, you are not a ‘real’ woman until you are married to a man

and have ‘his’ child. The Japanese have a word for this, (ryosai kenbo) meaning “good mother, wise mother.” Females are not fully sexual beings and sex is about producing children and satisfying the man as head of the household.

Finding Words for Homosexuality

For many years, the word “doseiai,” was used for both male and female same-sex love. Then, the word “rezubian” was introduced, sometimes reduced to “rezu.” There is an

English equivalent for dyke “daiku” but it often holds negative connotations.

Like most pornography, Japanese porn contains ‘movie lesbians.’ Like in Western society (and elsewhere) they are exaggerated and unrealistic women, formed in the image and likeness of males. Many lesbians refuse to use the word “rezubian” as it gets such a negative and “unnatural” imagine. “Porn rezubians” are viewed as sex crazed, emotionally unbalanced, and crossing and encouraging others to step over the boundaries of “normal sex.” The message is clear, they are Inferior to the “good wife and wise mother” ideal.

Females in the Workplace

In the majority of cases, the workplace mirrors the traditional family.

Most males hold the top jobs, while females are subordinate.

It is estimated that 90% of women in Japan will marry. A ‘hidden’ lesbian is presumed to be a single, heterosexual woman, who will eventually marry. Married women are often forced to leave a company. Public

Housing is geared towards married couples. Marriage secures privileges and rights in society.

Lesbian Activism:

Only one group, “Regumi,” doseiai,” was used for both male and female same-sex love. is openly known, but lesbians are often afraid to be seen visiting or associating with the organization. Hundreds of years of patriarchy is hard to combat or co-exist alongside.

But, look below at the events. Lesbians are alive and thriving. To all our lesbian sisters, greetings. It would be nice to travel and meet you.

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Living as a Lesbian and Gay in Israel

Israeli seems to be the most progressive country in the Middle East when it comes to homosexual rights.

Lesbians can serve in the military, adopt a child born to her current partner by artificial insemination from an anonymous sperm donor. Israel only recognizes marriage performed by religious institutions. This means that both heterosexuals (who don’t want a religious ceremony) and lesbians must get married outside of Israel. Both heterosexual and homosexual marriages will be ruled legal once the couples return to Israel. This law came into being in 2006.

Middle East countries that allow homosexual activity without persecution or penalty are Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Cyprus. Israel was the first country in the Middle East to afford legal protection of homosexual rights in all areas of society.

Tel Aviv has been named the “gay capital of the Middle East” and one of the most friendly cities to homosexuals in the world. Many cities have an annual Pride Day.

Foreign partners of Israeli citizens are allowed to remain in the country. Large cities have gay or lesbian clubs, bars. Those orthodox Jews who denounce homosexuality have to be careful that such denunciation does not form hate language or their actions towards gays may be construed as discrimination. An orthodox wedding hall reception was fined by Israeli courts when it denied two legally married lesbians the opportunity to use its facilitie

Since 1993, homosexuals have been allowed to openly serve in the military. Youth who are gay, lesbian and transgendered are allowed exemption from military service and can do social, community work, but large numbers of gays and lesbians opt to be part of the military service.

Note: Arabic lesbians living in Israel often condemn Israel for “pinking” its role in accepting homosexuality. They state that Arabic homosexuals.

Paula, 2014, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Am I Lesbian?

Women who like women are called lesbians. We are women who find other women sexually attractive. We are women who feel emotionally and mentally close to women. We are women who prefer women as partners (or lovers?).

As lesbians, we are not alone. One out of every 10 adolescents is a lesbian or a gay. Many famous lesbians can be found in the historical scene. Lesbians can be doctors, teachers, lawyers, factory workers, police officers, politicians, ministers, movie stars, artists, mothers, nurses, truck drivers, models, writers. You name it…

Lesbians can be white, black, Asian, Latin, South American, Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist. Lesbians can be rich, poor, working class, or middle class. Some lesbians live in heterosexual marriages. Some lesbians are disabled. Lesbians can be young women and older women. You name it, we will be.

Lots of lesbians live in cities and in the countryside. We are everywhere.

How can i know if ı’m lesbian?

“When I was little, I dreamed of living with my best girlfriend when I grew up, and this feeling remained unchanged as I got older.” – Tuğba, 21

“When I was very young, we would fall in love with other girls, but then we were expected to get out of this process. We had to read books telling the stories of girls meeting boys and boys meeting girls. Honestly, I could never read those books to the end.”

During adolescence, most young girls become aware of their sexual feelings and become interested in the idea of “dating.” Many find men attractive, but many young girls are also attracted to their fellows.

You may realize that you like your fellows. You may feel that you are different from your girlfriends, sometimes not at all numb. You may find yourself slaughtering girls, while your girlfriends are cutting guys. You may not be interested in dating guys. ”Why aren’t there any guys like that wonderful woman I’m seeing?” You can ask yourself.

In addition to all this, you may be confused or doubtful about whether you are a lesbian or not. The vast majority of adults will tell us that it is too early for us to call ourselves gay, that we are going through an era, or that we do not know what we are talking about.

You may be confused because you find both men and women attractive. This is not a problem. Some women may have sex with both men and women throughout their lives. Some may choose to be completely lesbian or heterosexual afterwards. (“Prefer” is a suitable sexual orientation. seemed to me not the definition.)

Sexuality develops over time, so don’t worry if you’re unsure of your sexual identity.

Am i normal?

“We are told that homosexuality is sickly, perverted, sinful or abnormal. But those who say this are the same people who claim that the place of women is the kitchen and that the disabled are useless. Who has the right to say what is normal? For some, eating raw fish is normal, for others. It can be disgusting and abnormal. ”- Tülin, 19

“It is very courageous that we become aware of the homosexual orientation within us and reach the desire to change our living conditions accordingly.” Natalie, 23

Yes, you are normal. It is entirely natural for a person to be attracted to their fellows, but this is not something supported by our society; many people suppress these feelings due to prejudices against gay and lesbian.

Most scientists agree that the foundations of sexual orientation were laid at a very young age, sometimes even at birth.

Whether you are gay or straight, it is normal and healthy to be yourself, and learning to love ourselves is what matters.

How does it feel to be young and lesbian?

“I feel very strong, special, independent and brave” -Natalie, age 23.

“It’s a scary feeling at times. There were times when I wasn’t sure of myself, but other than that, I felt great and proud.” – Tülin, age 19.

There is no such thing as certain rules, right or wrong of being a lesbian. Because of the stereotypical lesbians that society has imposed on us since childhood, you may think that if you are a lesbian, you must have certain characteristics. but Lesbians are women of any level of education, any appearance or profession.

Your sexual orientation is only part of your personality, and you likely have hobbies and interests that are the same as your straight friends.

Some people cannot accept lesbians and gays because of homophobic and prejudiced thoughts. Lesbians and gays suffer from discrimination and violence, which is why there is a gay and lesbian organizations fighting for gay rights.

“From the moment I accepted myself and my sexuality, I realized that I started to be more interested in life and to have more warm relations with my friends because I was much more at peace with myself” -Tuğba, age 21

“I often felt depressed and sad because of the homophobia I was constantly confronted with, but then I realized that I have the power to educate people of my generation.” – Müge, age 20.

How will we learn to love ourselves?

“It is very important that we do not deny our feelings. We may be surprised at how happy we can be if we can truly be the kind of person who comes from within. And we have to reflect on our positive aspects, being a lesbian is a very positive thing. ”- Rabia, age 24

“It helps when I interact with people who make me feel good and happy. And I’m trying to do things that make me feel good. ”- Serap, age 19

Every person has the right to be satisfied with himself/herself. We are all valuable people. Developing self-confidence is very important for young people. It is difficult for lesbian and gay youth to feel good about themselves when there are people around us who think we are doomed to lead sick, perverted, or very unhappy lives.

If we feel obliged to hide who we really are, we may want to harm ourselves through alcohol, drugs and suicide. Especially if we don’t have anyone to talk to about the fact that we are lesbians, we can feel quite excluded, fearful and depressed.

Above all, we learn to love our identity as young lesbians. It helps to read good books about lesbians – books about lesbians with complete and accurate information and leading very fulfilling lives. It also helps to meet other lesbians because this way we understand that lesbians are at least as diverse as any other human group and society tells us a lot of lies.

“I’m a lesbian and I’m fine.” It may be helpful to say this to yourself every day. And to talk, try to find someone who thinks lesbians are okay. Remember; Being a lesbian is normal and natural, just as it is normal and natural for some to be heterosexual.

Who should i tell?

“Until you feel comfortable about it, you should not feel pressured to tell others that you are a lesbian. Be prepared for different reactions of people. ” -Tuğba, age 21.

“You just have to tell someone if you think you have enough strength to face the things that can happen. Try to open up to others when you think you cannot cope with these emotions on your own any longer. If you think your family may go crazy, tell someone who can be more objective.” – Sabriye, age 19.

“When I told a few of my friends that I was a lesbian, I told them that I was no different than 5 minutes ago, but now I am not keeping a big secret from them.” – Tülin, age 19.

Coming out is the process of accepting yourself as a lesbian and understanding how open you want to be about your sexual orientation.

Unfortunately, not everyone you know might think being a lesbian is the greatest thing since sliced bread rolls, it’s hard to know who can support you and handle it. Some of your friends will accept you, others may move away from you or tell other people without your permission. It can be very difficult to open up to the family.

But some lesbian and gay youth were expelled from their homes when their families learned of their orientation.

Having someone you can talk to is important because it is neither normal nor healthy to have to keep such an important part of your life a secret. The web addresses of gay organizations and societies that you can trust, get help or consult on are available in the “links” section of our site.

How can i meet other lesbian people?

“There are many lesbians around you, but you don’t know they are lesbians just as they don’t know you are lesbians. Do not lose hope. You will meet someone after all. ”- Serap, age 19

Local feminists, lesbian rganizations, dating apps. (You can find internet addresses of these organizations in the links section of our site) Moreover.

Search gay / lesbian or feminist publications in your area.

Lesbian Police Office Stalked Ex-girlfriend

A Scottish police officer has faced court after assaulting her former lover upon discovering she was having an affair.

The police officer, Heather Atkinson is alleged to have terrorised her ex-partner Laura Jenkins after learning she had started seeing a mutual friend.

Atkinson was not only alleged to have assaulted Jenkins but also to have followed her and her new girlfriend in a dangerous high speed car chase through the pair’s home town of Greenock Inverclyde in Scotland.

Atkinson also outed her girlfriend to her mother.

Appearing in court last week, Atkinson denied all charges and was released by the Sheriff on a good behaviour bond and ordered to reappear before court in March 2014.

Lesbian Parents Forced to Accept Rights of Donor

A lesbian couple faced court in France this week after their sperm donor sought parental rights of their child.

The donor, a friend of the couple, had initially agreed to donate sperm and waive his parental rights to the child. The lesbian couple had exclusive custody of their two-year-old offspring until this week when a French court ruled in favour of the donor.

The judge’s decision means the father will be granted visitation rights, before eventually moving to a shared custody agreement where the child will spend every other weekend with the father.

The lawyer for the child’s biological mother, said her clients were upset by the ruling.

“A man did my client and her partner a favour. However he then changed his mind and wanted to take on the role of father. But the initial parental project was between two women,” the lawyer said.

The father’s lawyer said his client’s desire to have his parental rights recognised was nothing out of the ordinary.

“The demand to have his rights recognized is completely normal, the only distinction we have a homosexual couple who refused to acknowledge the presence of the father,” the lawyer said.

Michelle Hardwick Comes Out as Lesbian

A popular UK soapie star, Michelle Hardwick, has come out in an interview with The Mirror as a lesbian.

The actress best known for her role as Vanessa Woodfield on UKTV soap Emmerdale spoke for the first time about her relationship with her partner Rosie Nicholl.

The 36 year old actor said that she and her girlfriend met about 18 months ago and were friends for some time before becoming a couple. She said she couldn’t be happier with the status of her personal life.

“Life is good – and my life with Rosie is a big part of that, it really is bliss. I’ve not spoken about it sooner because it never seemed like the right time.

“When I was in The Royal, the majority of our audience were older and I would have been nervous of revealing too much. But since joining Emmerdale I’ve been getting asked about my personal life and when people want to know ‘Do you have a boyfriend?’ it’s tricky.

“I don’t want to hide anything,” she told The Mirror. “I’ve never actually been able to talk about ‘my girlfriend’ or ‘partner’ – this person that means everything to me, and it feels good to be able to finally do it.”

She went on to say:”I do tweet, so people can see me and Rosie on there but they probably think we’re mates who share a house. People say, ‘I’d never have guessed you were gay’ because they expect you to look a certain way and I don’t fit their stereotype.”

Hardwick admits that as teenager she struggled with her sexuality and was initially concerned how her family and friends would take the news that she was a lesbian. She delayed coming out to her family until she was 29.

“The only thing my family were upset about is I hadn’t felt I could come out sooner… As a teenager, it was hard as I had to keep things secret and it shouldn’t be that way. Hopefully things are different now.”