A mix of the serious and the irreverent, this wide-ranging book provides a comprehensive view of the many rites and phases of lesbian life. Karla Jay, one of the lesbian communitys best-known writers and activists, has brought together essays by a fascinating group of lesbian and bisexual women of different ages, races, and classes. In pieces discussing everything from coming out to commitment ceremonies, from sexual trends to nurturing the lesbian body, this authoritative collection gives vibrant voice to the diversity of the lesbian experience. Written by lesbians of different ages, races and religionsand compiled by one of the gay movements best-known writers and activiststhese original essays give vibrant voice to the diversity of the lesbian experience. Celebrating the many ways in which the lesbian experience is unique from all others, many of these pieces focus on specific lesbian concerns such as sexual practices, raising children and higher incidence of certain illnesses. Beyond pointing out these differences, the essays also provide a comprehensive view of the many phases of lesbian life by covering diverse topics like body piercing, coming out and work. Short narrativesTo Mother or Not to Mother, Confessions of a Lesbian Vampire, About Being an Old Lesbian in Love, and morecomplement and enrich the main essays, adding a unique personal tone to the collection. A mix of the serious and the irreverent, Dyke Life is an important contribution to gay and lesbian literature.