also called sapphism or female homosexuality,
the quality or state of intense emotional and usually erotic attraction of a woman to another woman.
First used in the late 16th century, the word "lesbian" referred to the Greek island of Lesbos . The connotation of female homosexuality was added in the late 19th century, when an association was made with the poetry of Lesbian poet Sappho ( 0441; 610 0441; 580 BC). At the turn of the 21st century, issues of concern to lesbians in Europe and North America included legal recognition for same-sex unions, child-rearing rights, women's health-care, taxes, inheritance, and the sharing of medical benefits with a partner.