By Jenny Stewart, PlanetOut Editorial Director
Last week, I wrote an Op-ed piece titled, "Are Lesbians Afraid to Look at Each Other?" for PlanetOut. I focused on the topic of lesbians who refuse to make eye contact with each other in public.
I wanted to know more, so I solicited your feedback: Was I the only person who experienced or even noticed this? Was this strictly a San Francisco phenomenon? Or was this common among women in every city around the world? Why are lesbians -- and even women in general -- not looking at each other?
To be honest, I was nervous of how this topic would be received. I was concerned that lesbians would gang up on me on the message boards for even bringing up this topic in the first place. Ironically enough I have discovered through your comments that not only is this a shared experience, but also your many interesting and even provocative theories as to why this is happening.
While your opinions are somewhat varied, there is a clear consensus that no matter what the reason, something must be done about this if we are ever going to connect with one another, as friends, as colleagues or girlfriends. So let's stop talking and start doing!
If you'd like to commit to smiling at the next woman you want to meet who crosses your path -- whether you're on the street, in a bar or at the next networking event -- then sign your name to the below Operation Eye Contact petition on the comments section below and make a pact to yourself and to each other to look and smile.
Look, I'm not suggesting that you act desperate or obnoxious; this is just an invitation to make eye contact and maybe even crack a smile. At least it's a start!
Click here to read the orginal article and comments.
(Image courtesy of Getty)
Comments