Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Distinction Paper

Degree Name

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies - BA

Department

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Advisor

Dr. Tammy Birk

First Committee Member

Dr. Tammy Birk

Second Committee Member

Dr. Suzanne Ashworth

Third Committee Member

Dr. Leesa Kern

Keywords

Lesbian, gender, non-binary, lesbian studies

Subject Categories

Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Higher Education | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies

Abstract

Traditionally, the lesbian identity has been seen as sexual or romantic relationships between two women. Right now, as labels expand to become more inclusive, we are seeing the rise of the non-binary lesbian. It is critical to look at the non-binary lesbian because not only does it create room in the lesbian identity for trans women and gender-nonconforming folks, but it also will lead us down a road to the eventual gendered lesbian. I provide evidence tracking the rise of the non-binary lesbian, look to the scholars who has laid the groundwork, examine gender within lesbian studies, and finally connect it to real world experiences utilizing autobiographical work by Leslie Feinberg and Lamya H. The non-binary lesbian gives us permission to dream up a world where the gendered lesbian can exist freely.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

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