Lesbians?

I just returned from the art gallery opening, which was unusual and educational. The exhibit was featuring art from my friend Cynthia's fiance's father, who is Greek. He is from the the isle of Lesbos, making him a Lesbian. (Even though an online dictionary entry I found says this is no longer the case, and the the "modern" name for the island is Lesvos, the man I met tonight is actually from there, and that is not what he says...)

Whilst unknown to most of the gay community, the inhabitants of the isle of Lesbos, who is named for a male legendary figure who brought olive trees to the island and married a maiden named Mithimna. "The word "lesbian" is derived from the island's name. This originates in the poems of Sappho of Lesbos, where love between women was described. Due to this link, Lesbos has often been the destination of cruises and other vacations for lesbians; however, Lesbonian authorities have expressed a dim view of this, with some cruise ships even being denied permission to dock." (from anwers.com)

So, what he really wanted to say through his art is that if you are not from Lesbos, then even if you are a gay woman, you are not, in fact a Lesbian and that the real Lesbians take offense at having their identity used in the sexual manner that we have become used to.

Perhaps "Sapphist" would be a better term?