 Sexuality and sexual identity is the most prevalent theme in the novel . The title is an obscure Victorian pornographic slang reference to cunnilingus . Nick Rennison in Contemporary British Authors characterises Tipping the Velvet as an " unabashed and unapologetic celebration of lesbian eroticism and sexual diversity " . Donna Allegra writes with appreciation of how the existence of Waters ' characters in a heterosexual existence forces an analysis of closeted positions . The sexism of the period puts a stranglehold on women , forcing readers to compare women in the Victorian era with present @-@ day sexual attitudes . Nan never has difficulty accepting her love for Kitty Butler and other women ; Kitty 's union with Walter , however , " reeks of lesbophobia " , according to Allegra . Music halls could be rough in some areas , but Kitty is shown handling drunken and rowdy audiences with humour and grace . The only instance where she is overcome and flees the stage is when a drunken patron shouts a euphemism for a lesbian at her . This episode leads to the final scene of Part I when Nan stumbles upon Kitty and Walter in bed . Kitty does not display any pleasure in their union , but rather complacence tinged with shame . Allegra compares Kitty 's desire for normality overshadowing her desire for love with Nan to " compulsory heterosexuality ... emblematic of and particular to lesbian existence " . 
