According to Merriam-Webster.com, the term “lesbian,” as it refers to homosexual women, became part of the American lexicon in the late 19^th century. The word is derived from the island of Lesbos and one of its ancient natives, the Greek poet Sappho, who expressed her love for other women in the 7^thcentury B.C.

Now a man (it’s always the men) has asked a Greek court to ban an organization from using the word “lesbian” in such a manner. A lawyer representing Dimitris Lambrou and two unnamed women insists the Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece “causes confusion by using a geographic term in connection with (the group’s) special character and social action.” Judges will decide whether to grant an injunction ordering the group to change its name.

Lambrou and his co-plaintiffs, all residents of Lesbos, argued in court on June 10 that the use of the term “lesbian” in reference to gay women insults the identity of both them and their home. Lambrou further claims that international acceptance of the word in its sexual context violates the human rights of inhabitants and expatriates of Greece’s third-largest island.

He maintains such use of the word “lesbian” causes daily problems to the social life of “Lesbians,” Lesbos’ residents and natives.  In fact, in court papers, the plaintiffs allege that the Greek government is so ashamed by the word “Lesbian” that it was compelled to change the name of the island to Mytilini, after the island’s capital.

Apparently, no one told Lambrou or the Greek politicians that Mytilini sounds awfully close to the Arabic word for homosexuals. Besides, having their country closely associated with homosexual activity never seemed to bother the Greek government before.

Lambrou maintains, “My sister can’t say she is a Lesbian. Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos.”

What the hell is he talking about? Being a lesbian is one of the most stylish things right now. Countless girls all over the world are pretending to be lesbians by kissing their female friends in public because it’s the chic thing to do.

Furthermore, on June 26, Katy Perry’s hit song “I Kissed a Girl” became the 1,000^th song of the rock era to top the Billboard Hot 100. How embarrassing can the term “lesbian” be for Lesbians when there’s a number-one ditty glorifying bi-curiosity and lesbianism?

Some guys would love to be in Lambrou’s position. Arguably, the cheesiest pick-up line known to man is “I’m a lesbian trapped in a man’s body,” but in Lambrou’s case, it’s the truth.

These people are totally out of line for taking such action. What about people like Brusly native and NFL star Randall Gay? One could argue that his meeker, less athletically gifted relatives get much more grief than any Lesbian, but you don’t see the Gays suing homosexual organizations for using the family name in their titles.

If the lawsuit is successful, Lambrou’s group plans to bring about similar lawsuits internationally. The resulting domino effect could alter the use of the word “lesbian” on a global scale. Showtime may ultimately have to change the title of its original series The L Word.

We can only hope and pray that the Greek judiciary rules against the plaintiffs in this case. Otherwise, it may inspire copycat lawsuits from residents of other localities, like the Italian island of Fagliani.