From the Guidelines
Lesbianism is a common sexual orientation, with approximately 1-2% of women identifying as lesbian, though estimates vary depending on the study and definition of sexual orientation. The prevalence of lesbianism can be understood through various studies, including those focused on the health disparities faced by the LGBT community 1. While the provided evidence does not directly address the prevalence of lesbianism, it highlights the importance of understanding the health needs and challenges faced by LGBT individuals, including lesbian women. Some key points to consider include:
- Lesbian women may face unique health risks and needs, such as lower rates of mammography or Papanicolaou test screening for cancer 1.
- The LGBT community, including lesbian women, may experience higher rates of health disparities due to social stigma, marginalization, or discrimination.
- Sexual orientation is recognized as a normal variant of human sexuality by major medical and psychological organizations worldwide. It's essential to approach this topic with an understanding of the complex interplay of factors that influence sexual orientation, including genetic, hormonal, developmental, and social factors. The estimate of 1-2% of women identifying as lesbian is a commonly cited figure, though it's crucial to acknowledge that sexual orientation exists on a spectrum, and a larger percentage of women may experience some degree of same-sex attraction or behavior at some point in their lives. Overall, recognizing lesbianism as a common and normal aspect of human sexuality is essential for promoting understanding, acceptance, and equitable healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
From the Research
Prevalence of Lesbianism
- The prevalence of lesbianism is not directly stated in the provided studies, but it is mentioned that sexual minority adults, which include lesbians, represented 2.4% of the U.S. population in 2013-2015 2.
- A study from 2008 found that over 10 years, 2/3 of women changed the identity labels they had claimed at the beginning of the study, and 1/3 changed labels 2 or more times, suggesting that lesbian identity may not be a fixed or stable category for all women 3.
- Another study from 2022 suggests that lesbian identity remains important to many women across the world, despite some academic writing and communities shifting toward queerness 4.
Demographic Characteristics
- Lesbians are more likely to be younger and to have never married compared to heterosexuals 2.
- Gay males and lesbians are more likely to have earned a graduate degree compared to heterosexuals 2.
- Lesbians are less likely to have a usual primary care provider and health insurance compared to heterosexuals 2.