People on the Greek Island of Lesbos have filed suit against the Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece for using the word "Lesbian" in their name, because people on the Island also are called Lesbians.

Lesbos is the home of the ancient poet Sappho - who praised love between women - and is a popular vacation spot for lesbians (gay women, that is) from all over the world.

One of the plaintiffs said Wednesday that the name of the association, Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece, "insults the identity" of the people of Lesbos, who are also known as Lesbians.

"My sister can't say she is a Lesbian," said Dimitris Lambrou. "Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos," he said.

"This is not an aggressive act against gay women," Lambrou said. "Let them visit Lesbos and get married and whatever they like. We just want (the group) to remove the word lesbian from their title."

He said the plaintiffs targeted the group because it is the only officially registered gay group in Greece to use the word lesbian in its name. The case will be heard in an Athens court on June 10.

Last update: 04-30-2008 14:19