A Disinterested Observer:

As the vast majority of feminists are in fact heterosexuals, and the issues of feminism are not particularly different for lesbian feminists, why is a lesbian feminist voice necessary to the purpose of broadsheet?

Are you kidding me? Most feminists can agree on certain feminist ideals, but the perspectives and experiences of lesbian feminists are different from the hetero experience.

I don't think it's too much to ask that a prominent feminist blog strive for diversity. If Broadsheet already has a queer contributor, I'm really not feeling the queer perspective -- and that's really what I meant. Broadsheet tends to exclude the lesbian (queer) perspective.

And for what it's worth, a lot of mainstream feminism tends to exclude the queer perspective. I believe that consciously including the queer perspective would be a good thing for lesbians, who wouldn't have to feel marginalized by feminist discourse -- and for everyone else who can learn from our experience as we learn from theirs.

No offense intended in that question, but are they all 100% dyed in the wool heteros?

I seem to remember someone, though I don't recall who mentioning their partner. That could be construed as a clue.

Also, I guess I'm out of the loop, I had no idea Queen Latifah was gay, or Missy Elliot was for that matter? Certainly they have the outward signs of lesbianism, wearing pants, and excelling in male dominated industries. Have they officially come out of the closet, as Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell have? Or is this just more speculation on successful women.

Also, if all the posters on Broadsheet are in fact 100% dyed in the wool heterosexuals, what would be an acceptable form of homosexual contributor? Would a bisexual contributor be appropriate? What if she decides that as part of her bisexuality that she wants to marry or date a man? And with a transgendered person, would that be a woman who has become a man, and thusly has the male perspective on the female world, or a male to female transgendered individual who would have the female perspective on the male world? I presume the bi and tg persons proposed where mostly just to show inclusion and that what people really want is a lesbian contributor, and definitely not a gay male contributor.

While there is an argument, that 1 in 10 contributors to broadsheet should be lesbians; shouldn't we also seek to expand the number of African American, and Hispanic female voices here? What about Arabic, and Muslim female voices?

I believe the purpose of broadsheet is to provide a universal feminist point of view to world issues. As the vast majority of feminists are in fact heterosexuals, and the issues of feminism are not particularly different for lesbian feminists, why is a lesbian feminist voice necessary to the purpose of broadsheet?

Definitely, Salon needs to increase it's diversity of writers, Why isn't there a Rainbow sheet for example, dealing exclusively with the issues facing gays and lesbians? If nothing else it would keep gay and lesbian issues off broadsheet, and give the issue its own rightful place at the table, instead of simply waiting for scraps from broadsheet.

Don't get me wrong, it's great that broadsheet covers gay issues, but can feminists; really understand the issues facing gays? Can white people really understand the issues facing African Americans? Can citizens really understand the issues facing immigrants? Sure, they all can to some extent, but to truly give voice to issues, people need their own speakers, and their own forum for discussion, not just to be lumped into another group as "close enough".

Thank you for your time and consideration of my humble opinions.

I love Broadsheet, but I'm joining the call for a non-hetero contributor. No bisexual, lesbian, queer or transgendered chick would ever have written

"What do lesbians think"

or included Queen Latifah on a list of straight women. Although, to be fair more than half of the "heterosexuals" on Leibovich's list Apparently, speculating about the sexual orientation of famous people remains a dangerous but oh-so-popular pastime of everyone.

What do lesbians think? Let me dial into the official lesbian database and see...

Look at the source of the accusations. Sane individuals just don’t throw labels at people. Usually it’s someone crazy on the opposing side trying to discredit a detractor, or explain why they all just can’t get along. Truth be damned. Powerful women are big targets. Girliness has nothing to do with it. Oprah is damn girlie. AND….Queen Latifah, come on. The previous poster was right. Lets not use her as an example of being gay or straight. (she won’t help your argument)

Couldn't read the whole entry -- using Queen Latifah as an example of a heterosexual woman is quite bizarre. She's the greatest, and I'm a fan, but she's about as straight as k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, Missy Elliot, etc. So, if you can't get your facts 'straight', at least keep them moving gaily forward!

I'd like to echo the views expressed by Kelly & A.H. that we need a lesbian contributor to Broadsheet. Further, "accusing" someone of being a lesbian does a disservice to the lesbian and feminist communities.

Strong women in our culture always, always get accused of being lesbians by people who are threatened by strong women. Nearly every woman on Lori's list has been rumored to be a lesbian at one time or another. Sometimes the rumors are right, sometimes not, it's all beside the point really, because in these retrograde times, a woman can be seen as either a sexpot, a mommy, or a dyke, and that's it.

Cheberet is right. I went to school with a girl who was not at all "butch" or much of a tomboy, but also highly un-girly. She was a superb student. Some people said really harsh things about her, called her a militant lesbian, and such. We were friends for a while, but then drifted apart. Before long, I realized that she was actually very beautiful. I had this realization and understanding a bit late, and my lack of social skills didn't help.

I think she's doing very well these days, which is a great sign. She never let the bastards drag her down, then or now.