Remember 2020? Yeah, me too. Pandemic, sourdough starters, and... the Lesbian Masterdoc? If you were anywhere near sapphic TikTok or Tumblr that year, you probably couldn't escape it. So let's take a trip down memory lane and unpack this phenomenon that had us all questioning... well, everything.

What the heck was the Lesbian Masterdoc anyway?

For those who missed it (how??), the Lesbian Masterdoc was this viral Google Doc that spread like wildfire through sapphic spaces online. It was originally created by Angeli Luz in 2018 but really took off in 2020 when we were all stuck at home, scrolling endlessly, and having sexual identity crises. (Just me? Okay, cool.)

The doc was essentially a massive compilation of signs that you might be a lesbian, particularly aimed at women who were questioning their sexuality or thought they might be bi. It covered everything from compulsory heterosexuality to different types of attraction.

Why did it blow up?

Let's be real—2020 gave us all a lot of time to think. Like, way too much time. And for many sapphics, especially those who grew up in heteronormative environments, the Masterdoc was like a lightbulb moment. It put into words experiences that many of us had but couldn't quite articulate. That feeling when you thought you had crushes on guys but it was really just wanting to be their friend? Check. Thinking you were straight because you liked the idea of wedding dresses? Yep, that too.

The Late in Life Lesbian Connection

One of the most significant impacts of the Lesbian Masterdoc was its resonance with "late in life" lesbians. These are women who come out as lesbian later in life, often after being in heterosexual relationships or marriages. The Masterdoc became a powerful tool for many in this group, helping them make sense of their past experiences and current feelings.

For many late in life lesbians, the Masterdoc provided validation for feelings they'd had for years but couldn't quite place. It helped explain why their past relationships with men felt "off" or unfulfilling, despite societal pressure telling them that's what they should want.

The document's exploration of compulsory heterosexuality was particularly impactful. It shed light on how societal expectations can shape our understanding of our own desires and identities. Many women realized that what they thought was attraction to men was actually a combination of societal pressure, appreciation, and a desire for male validation—not genuine romantic or sexual attraction.

This revelation was both liberating and challenging for many. On one hand, it provided clarity and a sense of community. On the other, it often meant confronting difficult truths about their current lives and relationships. The Masterdoc became a starting point for many women to explore their sexuality more deeply, sometimes leading to significant life changes. It's worth noting that the experience of late in life lesbians highlights the fluidity and complexity of sexuality. Coming out later in life doesn't invalidate earlier experiences or make someone's identity any less valid. If anything, it underscores the importance of creating space for ongoing self-discovery and the need for representation of diverse lesbian experiences.

The good, the bad, and the controversial

Now, like anything that goes viral, the Masterdoc wasn't without its critics. Some found it super validating and helpful in their journey of self-discovery. Others felt it was overly simplistic or even harmful, especially to bisexual women. The truth is, sexuality is complex and personal. No single document can define anyone's experience. But for many, the Masterdoc served as a starting point for self-reflection and community discussion.

Where are we now?

It's been a few years since the Masterdoc dominated our feeds, and the conversation around sexuality and gender has evolved. We've (hopefully) learned that labels are personal choices, not boxes to squeeze ourselves into. The Masterdoc might not be the hot topic it once was, but its impact lingers. It sparked important discussions about compulsory heterosexuality, the fluidity of sexuality, and the diverse experiences of sapphic individuals.