Revealing that I am a lesbian often causes even more trouble, because straight people (men in particular) can't seem to grasp the concept that a lesbian can be girlie-looking.

I want femme lesbians to be recognised for who we are, to be acknowledged, accepted, and respected. I do not want to be seen as my partner's sister, and I do not want to be viewed as not truly belonging to the lesbian community.

Once upon a time, I tried not to date anyone shorter then me, not because I think any less of shorter women, but as a femme, I had it stuck in my head that my partner should and would be taller and bigger than me.

If asked to think of a lesbian, most people's thoughts drift to the stereotypical image of a butch lesbian. It may come as a surprise to some that this is not the only type of lesbian that exists, oh no -- there are some who are "femmes."

Does knowing you're gay early in life affect what type of lesbian you're going to end up being? Or is a butch a butch and a femme a femme no matter when the proverbial lightbulb goes off that says "Oh, I'm so gay!"?