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Exploring sexuality in other cultures exposes how different yet similar homosexuals are treated in relation to the United States. Being that lesbianism is a term mostly cultivated by western culture that is where most of the information and ideologies are held. However, other countries have adopted this idea but because of their cultural views they have coined other phrases and terms to identify with this specific sexual lifestyle. For instance, countries such as Namibia in South Africa identify lesbianism as omapanga. This term is the act of women engaging in sexual activities with other women with the approval of their elders. (Blackwood & Saskia 1999: 27) Other than with the approval of the elders women were not allowed to engage in same sex relations. The omapanga relations were usually long-term ties and the only ones accepted amongst society. Other than this exception lesbianism was frowned upon and seen as "immoral" and "un-African" by the political leaders of both Namibia and Zimbabwe. However, the women that did not participate in the omapanga tradition, they would cover up their relations by labeling them "women's erotic friendships" (Blackwood & Saskia 1999: 27) Interestingly enough they managed to escape the ridicule from their society and maintain these friendships. So though this culture is mostly non-acceptant of same sex relations, there are ways to still express themselves as they please without major scorn. Though in some portions of South Africa, this lifestyle is not wholly accepted, through decade changes some women have been bold enough to go against the grain and start organizations to produce lesbianism awareness. One organization in particular is the Forum of the Empowerment of Women (FEW). This organization is a black lesbian organization located in Johannesburg, South Africa started in 2003. FEW is responsible for building and developing consciousness and leadership among black lesbians.
