It was bound to happen. I’m surprised it took so long:

People of Lesbos take gay group to court over term ‘Lesbian’—

“A Greek court has been asked to draw the line between the natives of the Aegean Sea island of Lesbos and the world’s gay women.

Three islanders from Lesbos — home of the ancient poet Sappho, who praised love between women — have taken a gay rights group to court for using the word lesbian in its name.”

In case you cared:

“My sister can’t say she is a Lesbian,” said Dimitris Lambrou. “Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos,” he said.”

So this doesn’t directly affect you? And yet here you are. In court.

But really the heart of the analysis lies within the trademark dispute. We have a debate as to whether the term “Lesbian” is a geographic indicator, worthy of protection…or has it fallen victim to genericide*?

I’m not keen on pissing off Lesbians (or to be fair, dykes either,) but here is some compelling evidence in support of the latter argument:

“Also called Mytilene, after its capital, Lesbos is famed as the birthplace of Sappho. The island is a favored holiday destination for gay women, particularly the lyric poet’s reputed home town of Eressos.”

And,

“Sappho lived from the late 7th to the early 6th century B.C. and is considered one of the greatest poets of antiquity. Many of her poems, written in the first person and intended to be accompanied by music, contain passionate references to love for other women.”

I know cock about contemporary Greek law, but I think the small (l) lesbians have it.

There was only one thing left for me to do. I forwarded the AP article to Alexis.

Because she is Greek.

Her take?

“You know, a lot of lesbians are going to get super, super pissed about this. But me? I think it’s hilarious.”

My response:

“is that because lesbians do not have a sense of humor, or is it for some other reason that they will be pissed?
Also, you are referring to gay women when you say lesbian…although, it is highly possible that when you identify yourself as a lesbian you are just telling us where your family’s from.
Wanna talk about boys?”

Alexis:

“1) That is correct. Lesbians do not have a sense of humor. Apparently,
this is true whether they are lesbians or Lesbians.

2)I was, in fact, referring to gay women. If I had been referring to the
Greeks, I would have capitalized Lesbian! Besides, my family’s from
Sparta, not dumb old Lesbos. Who wants to be from Lesbos? I hear
they’re a little…well…you know. They’re like fucking POETS and shit.

3) Um….okay?”

LESBIANS!!!! (sniggers).

* Genericide: (adverb) 1. The killing of Bobby and his family.