I love identifying as a sapphic woman because for one, it sounds fancy AF. For another, the derivative of the word — which we will get to in a minute — is as poetic as my love for femmes can feel.
There have been points in my life where I have felt more comfortable identifying as “bisexual,” while at other times I have preferred “lesbian.” Regardless of the label, it is my sapphic love that has remained constant.
Sapphic is also a less-often used term in the queer community, so if you’re wondering what I mean by “sapphic,” you’re not alone. Prior to 2020, I couldn’t confidently define it despite being openly queer.
What I’ve learned since is that while “sapphic” and “lesbian” are related terms, they are distinct from one another.
Sapphic is an umbrella term that includes lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual trans femmes, mascs, nonbinary folks, and cis women. Yet unlike these sexualities, "sapphic" strives to conjure an experience more akin to an intention toward attraction — one oriented less to any specific gender identity and more to the fullness of a potential lovers' humanity.
The term sapphic has a long history, one that dates all the way back to ancient Greece, and has become an umbrella word that refers to a wide spectrum of sexualities and genders. If you want to learn more about sapphic love and its intertwined history with lesbian identity, read on!
What Does It Mean to Be Sapphic?
At its core, sapphics can be lesbians, bisexuals, and pansexual people of a variety of genders. Trans femmes, mascs, nonbinary people, and cis women can all fall under the sapphic umbrella if the term resonates with them.
Being sapphic can mean different things to different people, and can depend on whom you ask within the community.
Victoria Williams, who discusses being sapphic on TikTok, says that for her, being sapphic is a culmination of her love for not only all women, but her woman.
“In my relationship, I have romanticized my own sapphic love beyond words,” Williams told Them. “I’ve memorized her from head to toe, freckle to dimple. I’ve read, taken notes and devoured her heart and soul.”