The Great, Lesbian Poet: Sappho

Nestled on the idyllic Island of Lesbos, Sappho, the captivating Archaic Greek poetess, etched her mark on history. Born circa 620 BC, she gifted the world with her exquisite lyric poetry, accompanied by the melodious strums of a lyre. Revered as one of the greatest poets of her era, Sappho earned titles such as the “Tenth Muse” and “The Poetess,” captivating audiences then – and is still a lesbian icon today.

Sappho’s passionate verses, though fragmentary in nature, offer glimpses into a world of love and longing, providing a window into the lives and emotions of women who loved women in ancient times. Her unabashed celebration of female relationships and the intensity of her expressions have fostered a sense of kinship and understanding among lesbian readers across generations.

The enigma surrounding Sappho continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts, leading to decades of debate. Legends suggest that her works fell victim to the early Church’s fury, resulting in their burning. One theologian infamously branded her a “sex-crazed whore who sings of her own wantonness.” Classic.

Centuries later, questions still linger about the performances of her poems. Were they private or public? Solo recitations or communal choruses? Did they celebrate or defy societal norms of love and marriage? These uncertainties only deepen the allure of Sappho’s persona, ensuring her enduring legacy.

Sappho’s poetry holds a unique place in discussions of gender and sexuality. She emerges as a feminist icon and a gay role model, resonating with readers across time. As critic Judith Butler once noted, “As far as I knew, there was only me and a woman called Sappho.” Her words continue to inspire and empower, reminding modern-day lesbians of the experiences and emotions of their forebears.

Sappho’s verses become a powerful tool in embracing diverse sexualities and normalising the LGBTQ+ community. Her poetry serves as a beacon of hope for women in less fortunate circumstances, where self-discovery and sexual exploration remain elusive dreams. Sappho’s words offer solace, bridging the gaps between geography and time.

However, Sappho’s journey was not without hardship. Suppression of her true self and the persecution she faced due to her sexuality inflicted deep wounds, leading to mental anguish and contemplation of suicide. The subject of not belonging in today’s society for a lot of queer women is still rife – with sexist, misogynistic and homophobic culture constantly undermining women at play. Sappho would be remembered as a heroine, paving the way for women to be comfortable in their feelings towards other women; and having someone to relate to.

“Sweet mother, I cannot weave – slender Aphrodite has overcome me with longing for a girl.”

-Sappho

Beyond her literary prowess, Sappho’s personal descriptions also intrigue. In her Tithonus poem, she vividly evokes her transformation from raven-haired to silver-maned. References to her petite stature emerge, with historical accounts describing her as “pantelos mikra,” quite tiny. Alcaeus, a contemporary poet, poetically refers to her as “violet-haired,” a fitting metaphor for her dark tresses. While some scholars dismiss these traditions as unreliable, they add a touch of mystique to her legend.

This is why Sappho is an extremely important piece of history with the discovery and acceptance of women’s sexualities, and the normalisation of the LGBTQ+ community. Along with addressing that controversial subject itself, creating moving and soulful, romantic pieces of art to portray her true thoughts and feelings around being judged for it.

Sappho’s loves intertwined seamlessly: love itself, self-discovery, and poetry. Her audacious cataloguing of forbidden and taboo desires set the stage for a vibrant female figure, a source of inspiration for today’s young queer women. Her words echo through the ages, resonating with all who seek the essence of love and the courage to embrace their true selves. Sappho endures as a testament to the indomitable spirit that triumphs over adversity, reminding us that love knows no boundaries, and the human heart is an eternal force.

Feature image credits to me