What Does "Sapphic" Mean?
Discover the Meaning Behind "Sapphic" and the Rich History of Women Loving Women 🌸
Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, and you overhear someone say, “I just read this really beautiful sapphic love story.” You nod along, but later wonder… Wait, what does that actually mean? Let’s break it down, no jargon, no fuss.
“Sapphic” comes from Sappho, an ancient Greek poet who lived on the island of Lesbos around 600 BCE. She wrote passionate poems about love and longing—often about women. Over time, her name and her home island became the roots of the words “sapphic” and “lesbian”.
Today, “sapphic” is a gentle, poetic way to describe women who love women. It includes lesbians, bisexual women, pansexual women, or anyone who feels that term fits their experience of attraction to women. It’s less about strict labels and more about celebrating love and connection between women.
Think of it like this:
If “lesbian” is a specific label (women who are exclusively attracted to women),
“Sapphic” is a broader, cozier umbrella. It can include women who love women and might also be attracted to other genders, but still feel deeply connected to woman-centered love.
It’s often used in books, movies, or communities to describe stories or relationships that center women’s love for each other—whether romantic, emotional, or physical.
Why does it matter?
For many, “sapphic” feels softer and more inclusive. It’s a nod to history, a way to honor that women loving women isn’t new—it’s ancient, human, and everywhere. It’s also a term that some non-binary folks might claim if they feel connected to womanhood or sapphic communities.
So next time you hear it, just picture Sappho scribbling poems under an olive tree, and know it’s about love in all its quiet, fierce, tender forms. No pressure, no confusion—just people being human.
P.S. If you’re ever unsure about a term, just ask! We’re all figuring this out together. 💛