Thread: Greek Island sues over the term Lesbos.

3 from Lesbos sue gay group over 'Lesbian' name

The Associated Press Published: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:13 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:13 a.m.

ATHENS, Greece - Three islanders from Lesbos told a court Tuesday that gay women insult their home's identity by calling themselves lesbians.
The plaintiffs - two women and a man - are seeking to ban a Greek gay rights group from using the word "lesbian" in its name.
Also known as Mytilini, Lesbos was the home of the ancient poet Sappho, who praised love among women. It is a major travel destination for gay women.
The Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece "causes confusion by using a geographic term in connection with (the group's) special character and social action," said Dimitris Papadelis, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs.
A spokeswoman for the group accused the plaintiffs of homophobia.
"I believe ... the other party's intentions were purely racist," Evangelia Vlami said. "They showed that what bothers them is a specific sexual orientation."
"What will they do next, sue the United Nations? They, too, use the term lesbian," Vlami said.
Plaintiff Dimitris Lambrou has insisted the lawsuit "is not an aggressive act against gay women."
Lawyers from both sides are to submit written arguments on Wednesday, and the court is expected to issue its decision in the next six months.

Im surprised considering the Islands own history.

Come back to me, Gongyla, here tonight,
You, my rose, with your Lydian lyre.
There hovers forever around you delight:
A beauty desired.
Even your garment plunders my eyes.
I am enchanted: I who once
Complained to the Cyprus-born goddess,
Whom I now beseech
Never to let this lose me grace
But rather bring you back to me:
Amongst all mortal women the one
I most wish to see.

--Translated by Paul Roche

I'm confused also.

But I saw the word Lesbos and my mind wandered to places of ecstasy, so............

Originally Posted by Common Sense Craig

I'm confused also.

But I saw the word Lesbos and my mind wandered to places of ecstasy, so............

Figures you would end up in this thread !

But you learned something ... right ? I bet you planning your next travel destination about now !

So are current residents of Lesbos referred to as Lesbians? Or Lesbites? Lesbotites? Lesborians? :dunno:

:laughing:

I think they must call themselves Lesbians...or else why would there be a problem ?

They do call themselves Lesbians, and you can see why you'd be a little bit annoyed after a lifetime of 'nudge nudge wink wink' jokes. To try and reserve linguistic change through a court case is a bit silly though.

Interestingly, as part of their case they're arguing that new evidence suggests Sappho killed herself over unrequited love for a man. My new project is to establish that Plato was a randy bugger, and then go and sue anyone who uses the term 'platonic love'.

Lesbians, like all tourists, spend money. And Lesbians in particular seem interested in spending their money on the island of Lesbos. Since the residents can do nothing to curb worldwide usage of the term, their best bet is to simply cash in on the tourism, and live with it.

Originally Posted by Djinn

Lesbians, like all tourists, spend money. And Lesbians in particular seem interested in spending their money on the island of Lesbos. Since the residents can do nothing to curb worldwide usage of the term, their best bet is to simply cash in on the tourism, and live with it.

Or change their name to "Lesbotarians".

Originally Posted by Blueneck

Or change their name to "Lesbotarians".

Oh, a new political party! The Right would hate them with a passion!

Originally Posted by Common Sense Craig

Oh, a new political party! The Right would hate them with a passion!

I don't imagine Donald Trump would be too crazy about them either.