For the Love of Lesbians

A Case for Queer World-Building

Abstract

In this paper, I make a case for the value of a specifically lesbian critique to the world of queer theory and beyond. I begin by discussing some concerns levied against queer theory and lesbian separatism, then offer a definition of lesbianism. Next, I consider how, due to the distance it inhabits from cisheteropatriarchal maleness, lesbianism “fails” by dominant standards for gender performance and kinship relations. In turn, I argue that this failure gives rise to radical creativity, as lesbians reimagine gender, power, and relationality in practice. Finally, I suggest that a lesbian critique, which insists that gender and relationality be matters of love and creativity rather than dominance and hierarchy, can be useful broadly. The unique perspectives arising from lesbian experience can therefore be the basis for a queer worldbuilding project that works to the benefit of all people.