Artemis and Callisto
Artemis and Callisto

Illustration

Artemis and Callisto

Artemis and Callisto fleeing society to live among nature avoiding the domestic responsibilities thrust upon women.

Berenike and Mesopotamia
Berenike and Mesopotamia

Illustration

Berenike and Mesopotamia

The novel "Babyloniaka" mentions a woman named Mesopotamia being taken from her partner Berenike, the Queen of Egypt. When they are reunited her abductor threatens war against Egypt.

Carmilla and Laura
Carmilla and Laura

Illustration

Carmilla and Laura

Carmilla from the novel "Carmilla" manipulated women to fall in love with her then drained them of their life for her own benefit.

Chandra and Mala
Chandra and Mala

Illustration

Chandra and Mala

Chandra and Mala, two widowed queens from Bengali mythology, fell in love and gave birth to a child. Though their son was shamed for having two mothers they continued to raise him, allowing him to eventually become the successful king Bhagiratha.

Chujo and the High Priestess
Chujo and the High Priestess

Illustration

Chujo and the High Priestess

"The Princess in search of Herself" describes a woman named Chujo who has a romantic relationship with the High Priestess she works for. She is riddled with jealousy after the High Priestess becomes involved with another woman, Kozaisho, and curses... More

Cui Jianyun and Cao Yuhua
Cui Jianyun and Cao Yuhua

Illustration

Cui Jianyun and Cao Yuhua

Cui Jianyun and Cao Yuhua of "The Fragrant Companion" holding their own mock wedding, something that was not permitted without the presence of a man.

Hind Bint al-Nu`man and al-Zarqa
Hind Bint al-Nu`man and al-Zarqa

Illustration

Hind Bint al-Nu`man and al-Zarqa

Hind Bint al-Nu`man and al-Zarqa were the first lesbian couple described in Medieval Arabic literature. As mentioned in the "Encyclopedia of Pleasure", when al-Zarqa passed away Hind vowed to give up all earthly pleasures until the day her life... More

La Sirene and La Baleine
La Sirene and La Baleine

Illustration

La Sirene and La Baleine

In some renditions of the Haitian folktale of La Sirene and La Baleine they are both married to Met Agwe but also romantically involved with each other. The spirits sometimes possess humans and lead them underwater.

Work by

Effie Xie

Illustration

“'Sapphic Stories' celebrates sapphic love from historic literary works by depicting couples partaking in activities considered 'unlawful' in their respective eras. This highlights how sapphics...” [More]