AboutLauren Lopez Expertise I feel with great confidence that I would be able to answer any questions related lesbian relationships. In addition I feel that I would be able to address further questions related to the emotional/mental conflicts many lesbians face with the "coming-out" process and with accepting their sexuality. Questions in general that ask for advice circling lesbianism are questions that I feel prepared to answer and assist with in any way possible. Questions that require medical diagnosis, legal advice, or absolute professional counseling I would not be able to answer as I am not a licensed professional in those areas.
Experience I myself am a lesbian who has gone through numerous amounts of life experiences pertaining to the lesbian life. I have dealt with a troubled "coming-out" process, I have held online debates about lesbianism and rights, and I have mentored friends and other lesbians through online message boards. Granted I am not a licensed professional in any related field, I feel as though my personal experiences as a lesbian and through small mentorships does provide me with adequate ability to potentially help other lesbians like myself. As far as writing in concerned, for purposes of this site, it has always been a passion of mine.
Organizations I belong to NCLR (National Center for Lesbian Rights). I am also an honorary member for Kiwanis International, which is an unrelated organization but focus on helping to support our communities and youth.
Publications Up until this point, there are no publication where my writing can be viewed. I am taking this first step with AllExperts in hopes that it will be a good start and even greater experience for me.
Education/Credentials I am currently working towards a bachelors degree in an unrelated field-Business Administration with an emphasis on small business management and entrepreneurship. However, in my first years of college I studied psychology, in general, with great emphasis and curiousity. I studied human sexuality and focused on theories of homosexuality and same-sex rights. I steered away from psychology however when I relocated and began focusing on business with plans to open my own business someday. Psychology and human sexuality still remain a focus for me, but as more of a hobby now.
Awards and Honors From Kiwanis International in Torrance, CA I was made an honorary member and awarded a scholarship "for being such an inspiration." My first years in college I was on the Dean's list and welcomed into the Honor Society. In addition I love to write, particularly poetry, and was once nominated for Poet of the Year.
Past/Present Clients The only past "clients" I have had were friends of mine or strangers I mentored years ago via online message boards. Currently only friends of mine, or friends of friends are people I openly and willingly give advice and support to.
Question I'm sorry this is such a long question! My college coach, (I don't have her as a professor), seems to be flirting with me. Problem is she will be extremely flirtatious one day, and then barely look at me the next. I'm just not sure what this means. For example, she winks at me, touched my knee and hands several times during a conversation, put her hand on my back and shoulders, constantly glances back and forth from my eyes to my lips, stares at me and smiles, and gets very close to me when we talk and leans into me, (she gets so close that our arms touch). She doesn't do these things with other people. However, like I said, come next practice she hardly makes eye contact. I really like her, but because she is my coach, I'm just not sure how to go about this. I'm very shy so I don't do any major flirting back. I'm not even sure if she is gay or straight! She is 8 years older than me. I'm sorry this is such a confusing question, but any advice on this situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!
Answer Hello Confused,
Should you make a move based on what you have told me? No. To me there doesn't seem to be a sufficient amount of evidence to definitively suggest that she thinks of you as anything more than someone on her team. While the behavior she exhibits may suggest that she is interested in you, you still cannot say for sure. Furthermore, you do not even know if she is interested in women or not. Perhaps you should try striking up conversation with her about homosexuality and same-sex marriages to see where she stands. Based on her answer you may want to say that you are interested in women and/or ask her if she has ever been. She may be hesitant to engage in such a conversation since she is your coach. If she opens up, you may find out whether or not she is into women, and then you can take it from there (meaning whether or not you want to later make a move on her, such as inviting her out for coffee or dinner). If she does not engage in such conversation with you or says that she is not interested in women, then I'd suggest letting it be and put your focuses on something or someone else. I know this may not be the answer you are looking for, but I think it might help point you in the right direction. At this point it is up to you to take the risk and engage in a conversation with her to get the answer you seek. Best of luck to you and I hope this helps! Take care!
