Heteronormativity and female homosexuality:reformulation of an ancient link - The aim of this contribution is to analyse in which way gender stereotypes derived from heteronormativity have formed again in homosexual culture, with a strong influence on lesbian gender role. Lesbian "social invisibility" and the stigmatization of women sexual components will be studied as important variables in maintaining heteronormative categories in lesbian experience. Literature analysis shows how it is still common to find lesbians who label themselves in accordance with the "butch/femme" paradigm. Recent studies seem, however, to have found in lesbian community more flexible and personalised roles in performing gender stereotypes. The hypothesis of a higher "erotic plasticity" in women than in men could be a major interpretation to outline the importance that cultural phenomena have in homosexuals’ gender role construction.
Keywords: Female homosexuality, heteronormativity, sexual stereotypes, gender roles, "lesbian bed death", butch/femme paradigm.