in a lesbian relationship is there a "top" and a "bottom" as well? and what exactly does that mean? I take it the Top takes on the role of the male.. and the bottom the role of giving up their bottom :P but I'm not sure...
2006-08-13 09:16:59 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
That all depends on whom you ask. For some, a "top" will be the more dominant figure, be it male or female, and a "bottom" would be the more submissive figure in the relationship. Heterosexual couples have "tops" and "bottoms" as well. The notion that the "top" is playing the male role is somewhat antiquated, throwing us back to a time when women were considered lesser beings and not an equal part of a relationship. The actual terms, however, did originate with gay couples, with the "top" being the one performing the insertion and they "bottom" being the receiver of that insertion. Many couples, whether they classify themselves as gay, lesbian or heterosexual are quite versatile and take turns playing the dominant role in bed. Also, a "top" in bed may be the "bottom" or submissive role-player in other aspects of the relationship. These labels have gotten even more in-depth as of late, also. For example, one member of the couple may consider himself/herself a "dominant bottom" which means that they are the one that receives the insertion, but they are also the one in contol of the situation while a "submissive top" is more than happy to be the inserter but allows the "bottom" to be in control of the lovemaking. The first thing to know, though, is that "top" and "bottom" do not necessarily correlate to the male/female roles in a relationship. Very often in healthy homosexual relationships there is no differentation between male/female roles as both partners are the same sex. To infer that one of a gay male relationship is playing a female role is, again, antiquated and a throwback to the "traditional" relationship "tags" that say the male role dominates the female role. The same rule applies with lesbian couples. Neither is playing the "male" role, but one may play the "dominant" role. I hope this has answered your question!
2006-08-13 09:34:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Top and bottom do not refer exclusively to gay male sexual relationships. Top refers to the dominate one in a relationship, and in the case of men, the one who is the 'giver' during intercourse. The bottom the more submissive, and with gay men is the receiver. In many gay relationships, one or both partners may also be versatile, so the top/bottom relationship may change suit their desires.
I think that usage of these term is not as widely used in lesbian relationships, but as I am a gay man - I am not 100% sure about that.
2006-08-13 16:33:37 · answer #2 · answered by rp_iowa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The top and bottom nomenclature can apply to lesbians and straights, too! I believe it refers to which partner is penetrative (top) and which is receptive (bottom). If a lesbian couple were to engage in a sexual encounter in which one strapped one one, that person would be the top. Basically it refers back to the missionary position for heterosexuals in which the penetrative partner, the man, was on top and the receptive partner, the woman, was on the bottom. Quaint, isn't it?
2006-08-13 22:45:48 · answer #3 · answered by Speedo Inspector 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Top and bottom are just another way of saying Dom and Sub. I suppose it can apply to lesbians as well. I've always seen lesbian relationship be about equality, though, but everyone has different circumstances.
2006-08-13 16:23:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
(friend of thid profile) Im gay and I believe that it only applies to gay men because one is giving and the other is the reciever(top and btm). And since we actually have real intercorse rather than using like a strap on or something, i believe thats the reason again im not sure. I know lesbians there is the butch woman and the dyke...but i guess if one of you wore a strap on or something they would be called the top but i dunno. I hope that helps
2006-08-13 16:34:44 · answer #5 · answered by Sexy LoVe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More or less, you've got the definintions down. And I've heard lesbians use the terms too, though not as often.
2006-08-13 17:17:14 · answer #6 · answered by michael941260 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose that could apply to lesbians as well.. but I've always referred to it (and heard it referred to) as a pitcher and a catcher...
2006-08-13 17:00:33 · answer #7 · answered by Paige 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "top" in a lesbian relationship will wear a strap-on.....
2006-08-13 16:23:50 · answer #8 · answered by inatuk 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋