'Womyn's Lands' Dwindle as Gays Go Mainstream

So-called "womyn's lands" are quietly persisting across North America but face a cultural shift as modern gays embrace mainstream society, the New York Times reports. Founded in the 1970s to give lesbians man-free, safe, non-judgmental communities, the roughly 100 groups have seen membership dwindle and populations age. “In 20 to 25 years, we could be extinct," said one founder.

The communities' rural locations limit membership, as do strict codes forbidding bisexuals and male children. While debate thrives over such rules, many members say they have suffered too much in the straight world to compromise. “It was hard enough fighting for the last 30 years,” a founder said. “Now it’s a family that wants to be here and die here.” (More lesbians stories.)