title: Foreword. Special issue: a history of ''lesbian history.''.
abstract: This foreword considers some central questions regarding lesbians in history, including the limitations of definition, and the complexities of gender and sexual identities in varying historical, cultural, and geographical settings. The author concludes that a broad understanding of women's same-sexual behaviors allows for more lives to be considered within a context of lesbians in history.
authors.forename: Alison J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Laurie
mesh_terms: D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000266:history*; D006801:Humans; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000266:history*