A Lesbian-Spotter's Guide

Wearing khakis, Top-Siders, and her father's Harvard sweater, this type will enchant you with her sparkling wit, outspoken opinions, and secret debutante past. Sometimes, she can leave you wondering how she ever stumbled across the idea of lesbianism, let alone coming out. But remember where she went to school -- chances are we're talking about Seven Sisters.

The biker girl comes in two basic varieties. Pictured is the butch version -- with big boots, greasy hair and sneer that says, "Yeah that's right -- I'm going in that ladies room and you're not gonna stop me." She also exists in the femme variety, which is inclined towards bleached blonde hair, fringed leather jackets, and chaps. Care must be taken not to mistake her for Gloria Estefan during her Miami Sound Machine days.

A forever-icon in dykonology, James Dean has inspired more lesbians to wear white T-shirts, experiment with hair goop, and cut their hair short than any of the many adolescent sensitive male types. While a precision lookalike will go out of her way for the red windbreaker, proper khakis, curled lip, and wounded look, pretty much anyone can try this one. A prime example of the democratic nature of lesbian fashion.

This type is relentless in her pursuit of two things: a good pick-up softball game and the opportunity to beat opponents senseless (metaphorically speaking -- most of the time). Always looking for a chance to play something -- it may be difficult to get her to think about anything else. You might try playing "Flag Football" in the bedroom, or racing her to the local sex toy shop. Once she's winded enough, you might get her to pay attention.

Though there has been a crossover, this type is often butch. The powerdyke leans toward men's suits by expensive designers, fashionable accessories, and an occasional cigar smoked in bars with red velvet walls and a billiards room (as opposed to a pool table). Inexplicably, she is often seen keeping company with Jock Girls. Many Powerdykes work in the communications field, while others just dress up on weekends. The less expensive, more casual version would be the "Gay Dyke."

Born on the west coast, this look picked up speed and made its way east. The obligatory items: tattoo (the temporary ones are not allowed), biker wallet, deliveryman jacket, and a thrift-store T-shirt from some unknown auto shop in Delaware. She also sports a rebellious attitude that can be worn either with or without a skateboard. The hat can be optional, depending on how greasy the hair (the cleaner it is, the more likely she'll wear the hat).