Force to lesbian
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Survivors of this form of coercion may struggle with self-acceptance and building healthy relationships. They can be particularly vulnerable to certain forms of control and abuse, given the fact that women and girls in many countries continue to be oppressed by male-dominated societies.
Research and activism in respect of criminalisation tends in many cases to treat LGBT people as a homogeneous group, without further analysing the differential contexts of and impacts on the constituent members of that group.
It is imperative that society works towards creating a safe and accepting environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
It also discusses what is needed to break the silence over the persecution of lesbian and bisexual women, including better research, data collection, access to justice and inclusion of women as decision-makers, litigants and other agents of change.
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How could this be happening?When a woman considers herself a feminist, particularly one active in women’s and anti-oppression issues, she may be ashamed to admit that she is in an abusive relationship.
She may experience social pressure to participate in peer groups where both partners are invited and equality is assumed. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including emotional trauma, mental health issues, and a sense of profound alienation. This practice is often a result of deeply ingrained social and cultural factors that prioritize the needs and desires of others over individual autonomy and personal agency.
In many cases, women who are forced to be lesbian may face ostracism from their families and communities if they resist or express their true feelings.
It is time to stand in solidarity with those who have been silenced and oppressed, and work towards a future where everyone is free to love and be loved as they truly are. She might believe that a female partner will be less aggressive or less confrontational than a male partner. At least 12 countries that previously only criminalised male same-sex sexual conduct later expanded their criminal codes to include sexual conduct between females.
Most of these criminal laws originate from British colonial rule. First, the survivor may not name a pattern of power and control by the abusive partner as such–assuming this role can only be held by a man. Partner abuse includes many types of abuse and can happen on the first date, during or after a hookup or in a relationship of 20 years.
Lesbians face some unique challenges in identifying partner abuse in their own relationships and in the relationships of their friends.
They wouldn’t allow that… would they?
Often women who identify as lesbians, particularly early in their process of identifying this way, may view an intimate relationship with a woman as very different from heterosexual relationships in terms of power. For the survivor though, finding herself in an abusive relationship can feel like a failure when she is actively battling injustice in her professional or volunteer roles.
How can women be abusive?
Virtually all of the legal analyses and case law to date, for example, have been centred primarily on the criminalisation of gay and bisexual men.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the plight of women who are forced to be lesbian is a harrowing reality that cannot be ignored. Only through education and understanding can we hope to eradicate the harmful practices that continue to force women into a life that is not of their choosing.
The pressure to conform to societal expectations and family values can result in feelings of isolation and alienation.
Additionally, being forced to be lesbian can lead to internalized homophobia and self-hatred as the individual struggles to accept and embrace their authentic self. This can manifest in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, affecting all aspects of their life including relationships, career, and overall well-being.
Understanding the Social and Cultural Factors at Play
For centuries, women have been subjected to societal pressures and expectations regarding their sexual orientation.
This form of coercion can occur in various settings, including familial, societal, or institutional.
Forced lesbianism can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and fear. It often involves a lack of agency over one’s own identity and can result in long-term emotional trauma. For example, women typically are seen as verbal communicators, expected to show emotion and talk things out.