Kissing (Lesbian) - The first lesbian kiss on network television occurred on the 2/7/91 episode of the legal drama L.A. LAW/NBC/1986-94 which featured a prolonged kiss between two female lawyers -- called a "lesbian kiss" by Gay Activists. The two "perpetrators" were the female attorneys C.J. Lamb (Amanda Donohue) and Abby Perkins (Michelle Greene). The C.J. Lamb character described herself as being sexually attracted to men but also as being "flexible."

This episode was denounced by Reverend Donald Wildmon and his Christian-oriented American Family Association (a.k.a. "The Pervert Patrol") who monitored prime-time TV programs for what they perceive as sinful acts. Later in the series, Abbie asked C.J. on a date ("Oh, My!").

Another controversial kiss occurred on the sitcom ROSEANNE/ABC/1988-97 when a lesbian acquaintance (Mariel Hemingway) of Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr) kisses her and says "Next time, let's leave the wives at  home."

On the fourth season No. 19 episode "The One with All the Haste" on the sitcom FRIENDS/NBC/1994-2004, Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) and her friend, Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) agreed to kiss each other for "one-minute" to win back the more spacious apartment they lost in a former wager to their across the hall neighbor's, Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and Joey Tribianni (Matt LaBlanc). Although Monica and Rachel were not lesbians, the lesbian fantasy conjured by the act motivated Chandler and Joey to agree to the lusty proposal. The girl's won their apartment back and the boy's ran into their respective bedrooms to daydream about the girl's lip-smacking scenario. The kiss, however, was never seen but only imagined by the viewing audience. 

On episode No. 166 "The One with Rachel's Big Kiss" (aired April 26, 2001) Rachel's old college friend, Melissa (Winona Ryder) came to town and Rachel revealed that she had a lesbian experience with the woman (they got drunk one night and messed around). When Melissa repeatedly denied the experience, Rachel feared her dinner guest and friend Phoebe Buffay would think she lied about the incident.

In desperation, Rachel kissed Melissa in front of Phoebe to make a point that it really happened. Suddenly, Melissa proclaimed her love for Rachel and said she feared mentioning the college day romp in the hay because she feared she would be ridiculed.

After Rachel told her friend she didn't feel the same way, Phoebe planted a big long kiss on Rachel's lips. When Rachel asked why, Phoebe said she just wanted to see what all the fuss was about and concluded, "I've had better."

With the introduction of shows like WILL & GRACE/NBC/1999-2006, ELLEN (THESE FRIENDS OF MINE)/ABC/1994-98; THE ELLEN SHOW/ABC/2001-2002, the gay kiss on TV has become a more common occurrence. See also SEX - HOMOSEXUALITY

Some Lesbian Kisses over the years

Beth & Margaret (Brookside)

Jadzia  Dax & Friend (Star TreK; TNG)

Willow and Tara (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Xena and Gabrielle (Xena: Warrior Princess)

Ally McBeal and Ling Woo (Ally McBeal)

Britney and Madonna (MTV Video Music Awards)

Alex and Marissa (The OC)