The crazy lesbian is a trope that has permeated popular culture. Whether driven to delusion, obsessive or even murderous, the crazed lesbian is a familiar figure in our movies, television and books.
The lesbian separatist movement has long been influenced by this myth. Here are a few examples of how the crazed lesbian has inadvertently defined how we view mental health among queer people.
1. They’re a serial killer
Whether driven by jealousy, delusion or murderous obsessions, crazy lesbians are a recurring trope in fiction and popular culture. In some cases they’re a serial killer (think Rosemary West and Myra Hindley), while in others they’re sociopathic or schizophrenic.
Psychopathic traits and histories of childhood abuse are usually far more common among female serial killers than sexual or sadistic motivations. But in a recent study, psychologist Marissa Harrison found that women who committed murder did so in their own unique way.
The majority of female serial killers act in a hedonistic comfort/gain fashion, seeking out a sex partner who will provide them with the satisfaction and pleasure they crave. They’re usually women in their twenties or thirties who are average-intelligence, married and Christian, Harrison says.
2. They’re a depraved bisexual
Many bisexual people go through their lives feeling confused about the way they’re attracted to both men and women. They’re often rejected by their straight-identified counterparts and feel like they have to choose one or the other.
However, research has shown that sexual desire isn’t a fixed, rigid thing. And as a result, some bisexuals can have intimate relationships with both sexes at the same time.
This is especially true for young male bisexuals. But it can also be the case for female bisexuals, too.
3. They’re a psychopathic lesbian
Psychopaths are egocentric, manipulative, and incapable of empathy. They’re often prone to criminality, and may commit violence in their pursuit of personal gain.
Psychopathy is a mental disorder that can affect both genders. While there are fewer psychopathic women than male psychopaths, they can still commit violent crimes.
Female psychopaths often have more emotional disorders than their male counterparts, according to a study published in the journal Psychology and Individual Differences. They also have a higher tendency to sexually abuse their partners.
Psychopathic women are often portrayed in movies and books as being depraved, self-absorbed, and emotionally unstable. They’re driven to self-destruction by jealousy and paranoia, but they also display extreme emotions like rage and contempt.
4. They’re a psychopath
Many people think of psychopaths as violent, cunning and calculated murderers. They’re portrayed in movies and books as dangerous, evil and out to get you.
But not all psychopaths are raging killers. In fact, psychologists have found that psychopaths tend to be more successful in their professions than they are in crime.
They’re also better at forming strategic relationships to gain what they want from people. This may mean they con people into doing illegal and immoral work for them, often so they can later claim innocence or a scapegoat.
Female psychopaths are also more prone to aggression than males. They display it relationally, gaslighting you to make you doubt your sanity and spreading gossip about you behind your back.
5. They’re a schizophrenic
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that affects about 1% of the population. It can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and other problems in how a person thinks and behaves.
These symptoms can be distressing for the patient, their family, and others who love them. They can also lead to withdrawal from reality and personal relationships.
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental illness that can impair daily life activities and require lifelong treatment. In addition to hallucinations, people with schizophrenia may have delusions that are firmly held beliefs that are not grounded in reality.
