A separatist feminist does not believe in the ability to have a heterosexual relationship due to gender status differences inherited from society. Therefore they choose to live in celibacy or in homosexual relationships. Some permanent, some under a first step period which is said to enhance personal growth. Feminists put great pride in this first step. Not only separatists go through this period.

Women who organize women-only events are often dubbed separatist.

It is a quite common misconception that lesbians are the same as separatist feminist, this is not true.