What does it mean to be a lesbian? This is a question that has been lingering in the minds of queer women since the beginning of time. In the early 1940s, terms like “butch” and “femme” were coined to distinguish masculine and feminine lesbians. These terms quickly took prominence among queer communities, providing individuals with a sense of identity while challenging traditional gender norms surrounding womanhood. Since then, these terms have evolved, with many new ones taking prominence in the lesbian dictionary.

Although these labels have helped solidify queer identities, and provided many with a deeper sense of belonging, some people have felt more pressured to fit into a certain group for their queerness to be validated by the outside world. And that is what the short film Lipstick Lesbian is about.

My name is Mia Alvarez and I am a queer, Latina filmmaker and the writer/director of Lipstick Lesbian. This short film uses comedy and satire to tell the story of a young woman, Dakota, who embarks on a journey as she learns to embrace her lesbian identity. Dakota is nineteen and after many years, she is finally ready to accept her sexuality and live her life authentically. But after coming out, she quickly finds that the people around her don’t take her seriously since she “looks straight.” Men continue throwing themselves at her from every direction, women think her flirtatious remarks are attempts at a friendship, and everyday she finds herself veering further away from her true self as she attempts to fit into the mold of what it means to be a lesbian.

But this is more than just a film about lesbians, this is a film about love and identity, and learning how to authentically be yourself despite the outside pressures that we all fight everyday. Your support will allow us to bring this story to life, reminding people that our identities are complex, and they can never be reduced to a single defining characteristic. No matter what you wear or how you express yourself, there is no “right” way to be, and we must learn to accept ourselves and others for who we are, Lipstick Lesbian or not.

By donating to our campaign, you can help us raise funds for locations & permits, production design, food and transportation for our cast and crew, and festival submissions. Please consider donating or sharing to help us bring this film to life.