Lesbophobia

Lesbophobia refers to the denigration, discrimination, or violence directed at lesbian people or at those perceived as lesbian. It can appear in the form of rejection, prejudice, exclusion, insults, threats, and physical or psychological violence. The term makes clear that this is not only about homophobia in general, but also about specific forms of misogyny and sexism.

Lesbophobia often targets people who do not fit societal expectations of femininity. It is therefore frequently connected to gender roles, attempts at control, and the devaluation of femininity-coded ways of living. A factual description should name these connections while recognizing that lesbian people have diverse realities, forms of expression, and identities.