Feminist separatismFeminist separatism is the theory that feminist opposition to patriarchy can be achieved through women's separation from men. Much of the theorizing is based in lesbian feminism. Author Marilyn Frye describes feminist separatism as "separation of various sorts or modes from men and from institutions, relationships, roles and activities that are male-defined, male-dominated, and operating for the benefit of males and the maintenance of male privilege – this separation being initiated or maintained, at will, by women.
Feminist views on sexualityFeminist views on sexuality widely vary. Many feminists, particularly radical feminists, are highly critical of what they see as sexual objectification and sexual exploitation in the media and society. Radical feminists are often opposed to the sex industry, including opposition to prostitution and pornography. Other feminists define themselves as sex-positive feminists and believe that a wide variety of expressions of female sexuality can be empowering to women when they are freely chosen.
History of lesbianism in the United StatesThis article addresses the history of lesbianism in the United States. Unless otherwise noted, the members of same-sex female couples discussed here are not known to be lesbian (rather than, for example, bisexual), but they are mentioned as part of discussing the practice of lesbianism—that is, same-sex female sexual and romantic behavior. Laws against lesbian sexual activity were suggested but usually not created or enforced in early American history.
Féminisme radicalvignette|Graffiti Woman Power sur un mur de São Paulo à l'occasion d'une manifestation en 2012. Le féminisme radical est un courant du féminisme qui considère que l'oppression spécifique des femmes au bénéfice des hommes résulte, avant toute autre cause, du patriarcat. Les féministes radicales se donnent pour objectif d'abolir cet ordre social ; elles dénoncent notamment l'essentialisation du rôle social des femmes. Le féminisme radical apparaît à la fin des années 1960 aux États-Unis, en Angleterre, au Canada et en France, dans le cadre de la deuxième vague féministe.
