Timeline is a regular feature in each issue looking back to events and milestones that have helped us evolve into the community we are today.

Early December, 1994

Oh Baby!

Lesbian erotica is and was steaming up the bedroom windows and making the gals scream out for more. Ranging from the subdued to the sleazy, lesbian porn and erotica caters to, and has catered to, almost every fetish out there. As Victoria A. Brownworth, a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News and Denueve magazine, wrote, “In the 90’s, lesbian erotica and porn is like the stock market—there are many, many options to play, from Victorian spanking scenes to virtual reality.”

Along its course, lesbian erotica has generated controversy. Compared to male erotica, lesbian porn and erotica has had to contend with issues of feminism and ethical considerations. And there are plenty of lesbians who will argue that erotica and porn are not feminist.

The winner of lesbian soft-core erotica books went to Naiad Press’ publisher Barbara Grier and her senior “editrix,” Katherine V. Forrest.  Other queens of lesbian erotica were Tee Corinne of Banned Books and eroticist Karen Barber. Whether sex by candlelight is to your liking or on the rug by a fireplace, these divas generate some serious heat on the pages, while at the same time seducing readers with sensuous, passionate stories.
Not all lesbian literature has been deemed seductive, however. Susie Bright and Pat Califia have raised eyebrows with their hard-core, S/M range of lesbian erotica. A lot of Bright’s work ranges from dildoes to virtual reality. Califia, who specializes in what she calls “pervert sex” is also a pioneer in S/M writing.

For those ladies who desire more of a visual, there were a number of diverse videos on the market—videos which range anywhere from S/M to dress up scenes to fetishism and sexual expression. “Bedroom Sluts” is geared for “S/M queens only”. A lot of the footage is pretty disturbing for those not into S/M. Labeled a “sex only” film, “Bedroom Sluts” is far from a romance and seduction flick.

“Safe is Desire, “about an interracial couple falling love, explored the safe and multiple, not to mention joyous uses of latex and lube. This film might be just the right thing to view with the woman you’ve been having the safe-sex talk with.

Although lesbian erotica, whether books or film, is a lot of fun and a great way for women to explore their sexuality, not all lesbians condone or want erotica. In fact, there are many lesbians offended by even the mildest forms. One of the biggest downfalls of lesbian erotica, Brownworth noted, is the lack of women of color and women of size. If, Brownworth points out, women start to demand more variety, they will surely get it.

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