What is an O.W.L?
In Lesbian terms its what we call an "Older Wiser Lesbian". It refers to us older girls in the lesbian community who are between 35 years and older.
I realized I was an O.W.L when I started giving advice to my newbie lesbian friends who have just come out of the closet.
What surprised me, was when did I actually become an OWL?
What does being an OWL actually mean?
for me it means being in the community that long that you have gotten the T-shirts so to speak, you have been around the block a few times and know what you are in for when dating women.
I have met them all in my 10 years of being out. I have met the straight girls who want an "experience", I have met the stalkers, the psychopaths, the manipulators, the cheaters, the players, the girls who just want to be your friend, the ex girlfriend who just wasnt that into you, girl you were not into and the girl you admired from afar. I have met the alcoholics, the hippies, the drug addicts, the chat addicts, the sms addicts, the cute girl that you just cant have, the cute girl that cant have you. I have had a long distance relationship, I have dated a few girls at a time, so personally I think that I have done my time on the dating scene.
as far as the age is concerned - yes I have been out for 10 years and it is you 'coming out' years that really count, the years you grow into a happy, confident gay person. I have had 10 years to grow and learn and make mistakes.
Wise? I suppose going through the growing pains have made me alot wiser if not a little bit cynical but wiser never the less. Wise enough to know the games lesbians play.
I believe in paying it forward and if my experience, knowledge and advice helps the next generation of newbies, I am honoured to have played my part and left my mark.
