Thanks for the reply Skweela,
 When I looked online at definitions of what, 'community' meant, it displayed a whole spectrum of meanings according to different groups.
 I suppose that's like in some sense what you mentioned about, "one big community with lots of little subsections".
 I agree what you said about it being a word to desrcribe minorities though,  that be either religious background and creed too?? maybe so..
 When you think though, haven't minorities grown!?..things have progressed so much more.
  
 When I tried to think of a title for this thread I didn't want to use the word community in the title!
 so lesbian seemed the best term!
  
 I really agree too it's a small part of overall identity!!:-)
  
 thanks for interest
  
 any replies appreciated.