Lesbian and bisexual women’s interpretations of lesbian and ersatz lesbian pornography

The purpose of the current study was to examine non-heterosexual women’s interpretations of “lesbian” material contained in pornography targeting male viewers and pornography made by and for lesbian women. Four focus groups were conducted (N=17) in which participants saw two pornographic sequences; one ostensibly for heterosexual males and the other for lesbian women. Participants then engaged in a semi-structured discussion for approximately 90 minutes. Conversations were tape-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Stated briefly, results indicated that participants differentiated between the two sequences on a variety of dimensions including performers’ bodies, the emphasis on penetration, and the presence or absence of intimacy. The implications of these findings and ideas for subsequent research are outlined.