A lesbian is a homosexual woman. The concept of "lesbian" to differentiate women with a shared sexual orientation evolved in the 20th century. Throughout history, women have not had the same freedom or independence as men to pursue homosexual relationships, but neither have they met the same harsh punishment as homosexual men in some societies. Instead, lesbian relationships have often been regarded as harmless, unless a participant attempts to assert privileges traditionally enjoyed by men.

A longitudinal report of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths examined changes in sexual identity over time. Contrary to the hypothesis that females are more sexually fluid than males, female youths were less likely to change identities than male youths. The development of a gay, lesbian, or bisexual GLB sexual identity is a complex and often difficult process. Unlike members of other minority groups e.

What does it mean to be lesbian, gay, or bisexual? How many people in the United States are gay, lesbian, or bisexual? What steps do people take to express gender? What makes a person straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning? When does a person know their gender identity?

As people pass from childhood into their teen years and beyond, their bodies develop and change. So do their emotions and feelings. It's common to wonder and sometimes worry about new sexual feelings. It takes time for many people to understand who they are and who they're becoming.