The Same Difference

A stud lesbian is dominant and masculine; a femme lesbian is feminine; an AG lesbian is a type of aggressive lesbian. Bisexuality does not exist, and neither does a couple consisting of two femmes nor a pregnant stud. Nobody may venture outside their category. And each proper lesbian has to follow the rules once she's chosen the one she wants to be. Director Nneka Onuorah opens the topic of discrimination within the African-American lesbian community, which is built on strict rules determining how lesbian women should look and who to date. Deviating from the clearly defined labels is not to be forgiven, and the effort to fulfil the stereotypical gender roles created by the heteronormative society's strong influence forces the lesbians to adopt mutual discrimination throughout the community. The American director's fresh debut offers an insight into the world of African-American lesbians provided by the women themselves, including Leou DeLariou, an actress from Orange Is the New Black.