Learning to Sign Lesbian in American Sign Language
You’re here because you want to connect, to be seen, or to see someone else fully. Perhaps you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community looking to express your own identity in American Sign Language (ASL). Maybe you’re a friend, family member, or ally seeking to communicate with respect and accuracy. Or you could be a student of ASL navigating the important vocabulary of identity and relationships.
Whatever your reason, finding the correct and culturally respectful sign for “lesbian” matters. Language is power, and in ASL—a rich, visual language with its own grammar and culture—getting it right is a sign of respect. This guide will walk you through the recognized signs, their nuances, and the context you need to use them appropriately.
The Foundation of Identity Signs in ASL
Before we dive into the specific sign, it’s crucial to understand how ASL handles concepts of identity. Unlike English, ASL often conveys meaning through conceptual signs rather than direct translations. Signs for identities like “gay,” “lesbian,” “bisexual,” and “transgender” have evolved within the Deaf LGBTQ+ community itself.
These signs are not invented by outsiders but developed organically to represent lived experiences. Using them correctly means honoring that community. The sign for “lesbian” is no exception. It’s a sign that carries history and pride.
The Primary ASL Sign for Lesbian
The most common and widely accepted sign for “lesbian” in American Sign Language is a compound sign. It combines the letter “L” with a specific movement. Here is the step-by-step breakdown.
Form the ASL letter “L.” To do this, extend your index finger straight up. Extend your thumb out to the side, creating a 90-degree angle. Your other three fingers (middle, ring, and pinky) should be curled into your palm. This is the standard “L” handshape.
Place the thumb side of your “L” handshape against your chin. Your thumb should be touching or be very close to your chin.
Move your hand downward and outward in a small, deliberate arc. The movement is not large or fast; it’s a smooth, downward swipe starting from the chin.
Think of the motion as tracing a short path from your chin down and away. The sign essentially modifies the sign for “woman” (which is a thumb tracing the jawline) by starting with an “L” handshape. This combination specifically denotes a woman who loves women.
Important Nuances and Context
The sign’s starting point at the chin is key. It roots the identity in the sign for “female” or “woman.” This distinguishes it from the sign for “gay” (which often uses a “G” handshape) or other orientations. The “L” handshape, of course, stands for “Lesbian.”
Facial expression is grammar in ASL. When signing “lesbian” in a declarative way (stating an identity), your facial expression should be neutral or positive. A slight nod can affirm the statement. This is not a sign you whisper; it is made with the same clarity and presence as any other identity sign.
Alternative Signs and Regional Variations
As with any living language, variations exist. In some contexts or regional dialects, you might see a different sign. One known variation involves using two “L” handshapes.
In this version, you form an “L” with both hands. You then bring the two “L”s together, interlocking the thumbs or touching the hands, symbolizing partnership or connection between women. This variation is less common as a standalone sign for the identity “lesbian” but may be used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
The primary chin-to-arc sign remains the standard you should learn and use first. It is the sign most likely to be universally understood within the ASL and Deaf LGBTQ+ community. If you encounter a different sign, the best practice is to observe and, if appropriate, ask for clarification respectfully.
How to Practice the Sign Effectively
Learning a sign requires more than memorizing a shape. You need to build muscle memory and understand its place in a sentence.
Start by practicing the “L” handshape in isolation. Hold it comfortably. Then, practice moving from your chin in a slow, controlled arc. Do this in front of a mirror. Watch your own handshape and movement. Is your “L” clear? Is the arc smooth?
Once comfortable, practice the sign within simple sentences. For example:
– Sign: “MY SISTER LESBIAN.” (My sister is a lesbian.)
– Sign: “PROUD LESBIAN.” (I am a proud lesbian.)
– Sign: “LESBIAN COMMUNITY STRONG.” (The lesbian community is strong.)
Pay attention to where the sign falls in the sentence structure. In ASL, the topic often comes first. You might sign “LESBIAN, MY FRIEND JENNY,” to mean “My friend Jenny is a lesbian.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning this sign, a few common errors can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
Using a loose or unclear “L” handshape. If your thumb isn’t extended distinctly, it can blur into other letters or handshapes. Ensure that 90-degree angle is sharp.
Starting the sign too low or too high on the face. The sign originates specifically at the chin, linking it to femininity. Starting on the cheek or neck changes the conceptual meaning.
Making the movement too large or dramatic. The arc is modest. A huge sweeping motion is incorrect and can look theatrical.
Forgetting non-manual markers. Your face is part of the sign. A deadpan expression might make the sign feel flat or unsure. Match your expression to the sentiment of your sentence.
Incorporating the Sign into Broader LGBTQ+ ASL Vocabulary
Knowing “lesbian” is more powerful when you understand the family of signs it belongs to. Here are key related signs to build your vocabulary.
GAY: Often signed with a “G” handshape tapped near the chin or with a sign that means “same-sex.” There is also a common sign where a “G” handshape makes a small circle near the forehead.
BISEXUAL: Frequently signed by combining the signs for “B” (using a “B” handshape) and “SEXUAL” or by fingerspelling “B-I.”
TRANSGENDER: Commonly signed by showing a transition across the body, often with a flat hand moving from the chest outward, or by fingerspelling “T-R-A-N-S.”
QUEER: Sometimes reclaimed and signed with a “Q” handshape, or by using signs for “different” or “unique.” The usage and acceptance of this sign vary greatly, so context is critical.
ALLY: This can be signed by showing support, like a hand moving to support another, or by fingerspelling “A-L-L-Y.”
Understanding these signs allows you to have more complete and respectful conversations about identity and community in ASL.
Respecting Deaf LGBTQ+ Culture and Etiquette
Learning these signs is not just a linguistic exercise. You are engaging with the intersection of two distinct cultures: Deaf culture and LGBTQ+ culture. Both value direct communication, authenticity, and community.
If you are not a member of the Deaf community, approach this learning with humility. The signs belong to the community. Use them to communicate, not to perform or appropriate.
If you are learning to be an ally, your effort to sign correctly is a meaningful act of inclusion. It says you value creating accessible spaces for all LGBTQ+ people.
When in doubt, especially in live conversation, follow the lead of Deaf signers. If you need to ask about a sign, do so politely. You might sign, “SIGN LESBIAN, HOW?” (How do you sign lesbian?).
Finding Resources and Community
The best way to learn is through interaction, but quality resources can help you practice.
Look for online dictionaries run by Deaf creators or reputable institutions like Gallaudet University. Search for “ASL lesbian” and watch video examples from multiple sources to see the sign in motion.
Seek out content from Deaf LGBTQ+ creators on video platforms. They often use this vocabulary naturally in vlogs, stories, and educational content.
Consider taking a formal ASL class, preferably from a Deaf instructor. This gives you a solid grammatical foundation and cultural context that apps and videos alone cannot provide.
If it’s safe and accessible for you, look for local Deaf LGBTQ+ events or social groups. Immersion is the fastest path to fluency and understanding.
Your Path Forward with ASL and Inclusion
You now have the knowledge to sign “lesbian” in ASL correctly. You understand the handshape, the movement, and the important cultural weight it carries. This is more than a word; it’s a tool for connection.
Start by practicing the sign until it feels natural. Then, build the sentences around it. Expand your vocabulary to include other terms of identity and community. Most importantly, use this knowledge to foster understanding. Whether you’re expressing your own truth or acknowledging someone else’s, doing so in their language is a profound gesture of respect.
The journey of learning ASL, especially the vocabulary of identity, is ongoing. Stay curious, stay respectful, and keep signing. Your efforts contribute to a world where everyone can be understood, exactly as they are.
