((I'd like to specify that I am a lesbian first off!!) I corrected who this page said can use the term butch, and specified that non-binary lesbians can also use the term. Butch is a lesbian-specific term and are a part of the social and/or sexual roles in lesbian culture and community. A big part of the butch identity was formed because of an aversion to men, thus women who are bisexual, pansexual, etc. cannot be butch. One more thing: I corrected is the definition of soft butch, I changed it to) |
m (Decreased flag size.) |
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[[File: |
[[File:Butchflag 2.png|thumb|220x220px|The butch flag by tumblr user butchspace]] |
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[[File:Sky butch.png|thumb|220x220px|The "sky butch" flag]] |
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[[File:Butch lesbian.png|thumb|220x220px|An alternate butch lesbian flag.]] |
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[[File:Butch by disastergay.png|thumb|222x222px|Butch flag by disastergay on tumblr]] |
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[[File:Butch flag.png|thumb|222x222px|Another alternate butch lesbian flag (March 28, 2021)]] |
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[[File:Black Butch Community flag.jpg|thumb|222x222px|Black Butch Community flag by the-gender-thieves on Tumblr]] |
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[[File:Stud 6-stripe.jpg|thumb|The Stud flag by tumblr user vixtvin|220x220px]] |
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[[File:Stud 5-stripe.jpg|thumb|The simplified Stud flag by tumblr user vixtvin|220x220px]] |
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[[File:The-Butch-Monologues-940x528.jpg|thumb|220x220px|An example of butch fashion.]] |
[[File:The-Butch-Monologues-940x528.jpg|thumb|220x220px|An example of butch fashion.]] |
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[[File: |
[[File:Butch symbol.png|thumb|The butch symbol.|alt=|188x188px]] |
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[[File:Butch Woman.png|thumb|180x180px|The butch woman symbol.]] |
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[[File:Butch symbol 2.png|thumb|Alternative butch symbol by the-gender-thieves on Tumblr]] |
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'''Butch''' is an identity used in [[LGBT+]] subculture to describe someone, typically a [[lesbian]] or otherwise [[sapphic]] [[Female|woman]], who has a [[masculine]] gender [[Gender Presentation|presentation]]. The term "butch" tends to denote a degree of masculinity beyond what would be considered typical of a tomboy. |
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| ⚫ | Butch women often dress in masculine clothing, and typically present themselves in a more stereotypically masculine way, such as having short hair, not wearing makeup, and not shaving. Butches are also commonly thought of as having more "masculine" interests, such as sports, mechanics, and other hands-on jobs. Some butches will take on masculine names or nicknames, and some may use masculine [[pronouns]]. Some butches bind their chest or take masculinizing [[Hormone Replacement Therapy|hormones]] to appear more masculine. Similarly, [[Transfeminine|transfeminine]] butches may not take certain steps associated with transfeminine transitioning, such as going on [[Hormone Replacement Therapy|estrogen/anti-androgens]]. Despite this, butch women are still women. They can be [[cisgender]], [[transgender]] or any other [[Gender Modality|gender modality]]. This label can also be used by [[Non-Binary|non-binary]] individuals. It is not uncommon for butch women to face harassment or violence because of their appearance. |
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Butch is a lesbian-specific term that can only be used by lesbians. |
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Butch men are historically associated with biker/leather subcultures, sometimes being referred to as "leather-men." They sought to embody a caricature of hypermasculinity, and subvert the masculinity that [[Straight|heterosexual]] [[Male|men]] displayed.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://butchwolverine.tumblr.com/post/633331651325329408/from-motorcycle-leathers-and-the-construction-of| Tumblr post of exerpts from ''<nowiki>Motorcycle Leathers and the Construction of Masculine Identities Among [Gay] Men</nowiki>'' by butchwolverine.}}]</ref> Their relationship with masculinity can be likened to a [[Femme|femme]] woman's relationship with [[Feminine|femininity]], though they are not perfectly opposite. In modernity, fewer men attach their butch identity to motorcycle groups and leather, rather focusing on the subversion of typical masculinity in a specifically [[LGBT+]] way. |
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Traditionally, butches have been expected to be attracted to [[Femme|femmes]]. For some butches, this attraction to femmes represents a strong part of their own identity. However, some butches are attracted to other butches. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "masc-for-masc" or "butch-for-butch." |
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Butch is sometimes used as a non-binary gender on its own, as LGBT+ individuals often have a complex relationship with gender.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Butch_Is_a_Noun/jmyfdmsWjiEC?hl=en&gbpv=1 ''Butch is a Noun'', S. Bear Bergman, Arsenal Pulp Press.}}]</ref> In a 2015 survey of non-cis individuals in the USA, 5% of respondents (about 1,385 individuals) were butch.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Full-Report-Dec17.pdf ''The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey'', National Center for Transgender Equality.}}]</ref> |
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While the butch label is often used by/associated with lesbians, it is also used by other groups in the LGBTQ+ community. This includes [[Multisexual|m-spec]] [[Sapphic|sapphics]] and [[LGBT+]] men .<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://autismserenity.tumblr.com/post/626909068113690624/ok-so-i-like-boys-and-i-might-be-a-trans-dude-but Tumblr post by official-cisphobe about the term butch.}}]</ref> |
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== Other Terms == |
== Other Terms == |
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Some other terms that are typically synonymous with butch include: "diesel dyke" "bulldyke"<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=nvt8el4QtPwC&dq=Bulldyke&q=Bull%20bitch+%2Bbulldyker#v=onepage&q=Bulldagger%20Also%20bulldyke&f=false</ref>, |
Some other terms that are typically synonymous with butch include: "diesel dyke," "bulldyke" (which is a Black lesbian exclusive label)<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://books.google.com/books?id=nvt8el4QtPwC&dq=Bulldyke&q=Bull%20bitch+%2Bbulldyker#v=onepage&q=Bulldagger%20Also%20bulldyke&f=false ''Encyclopedia of Lesbian and Gay Histories and Cultures'', edited by Bonnie Zimmerman and George Haggerty, Garland Press.}}]</ref>, "bulldagger,"<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://www.theotherteam.com/common-lesbian-slang-and-terminology/ Article ''Common Lesbian Slang and Terminology'' by the editorial team at ''The Other Team'' website.}}]</ref> and "dyke." There are also several sub-categories of butch that exist. |
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=== Stone Butch === |
=== Stone Butch === |
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A stone butch is a butch |
A stone butch is a butch individual who does not like their genitals sexually touched by their partners. They still, however, provide their partners with sexual gratification, and often experience pleasure in doing so. A stone butch may receive sexual pleasure from their partner in different ways as well. They may also identify as [[asexual]] or [[placiosexual]]. |
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=== Stud === |
=== Stud === |
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A stud is a form of butchness that is specific to |
A stud is a form of butchness that is specific to Black women.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://weareher.com/stud-lesbian-meaning-lesbian-slang-glossary/ Article ''Stud Lesbian Meaning'' by the team at ''HER''.}}]</ref> They tend to be influenced by urban and hip-hop cultures and fashion. |
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=== Soft Butch === |
=== Soft Butch === |
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The term soft butch means a butch who does not act very tough, or |
The term soft butch means a butch who does not act very tough, or is all around a softer type of individual. This does not mean they are more feminine or "less of a butch" than any other type of butch. |
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=== Butchwink === |
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A combination of butch and [[twink]], most commonly used by non-binary individuals. It is also known and [[Butch Twink|butch twink]], buink, or twutch. |
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== Flag and Symbols == |
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The butch flag was designed by Tumblr user butchspace on June 27, 2017.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://butchspace.tumblr.com/post/162316889795/a-new-butch-flag Tumblr post “A new butch flag” by butchspace.}}]</ref> There is no known meaning. |
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The blue butch lesbian flag was designed by an unknown individual on or before August 25, 2016.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags/art/Butch-Lesbian-630382202?ga_submit_new=10%3A1497848808&ga_type=edit&ga_changes=1 DeviantArt post “Butch Lesbian” by Pride-Flags.}}]</ref> There is no known meaning. |
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An alternate orange butch lesbian flag was created by an anonymous wiki user on March 28, 2021. |
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Another butch flag was made by tumblr user disastergay (formerly disasterbisexual) on October 3, 2019.<ref>{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://disasterbisexual.tumblr.com/post/188111232450}}</ref> |
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Another all-inclusive "sky butch" flag was made by tumblr user kenochoric on December 22, 2020.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://kenochoric.tumblr.com/post/638266393332219904/sky-butch-sea-femme-all-inclusive-butch-and Tumblr post with the sky butch flag.}}]</ref> Orange represents the inclusion of all butches, including POC, fat, [[disabled]], [[Gender Non-Conforming|GNC]], and all other butches. The butch community and the wider community is no place for bigotry towards marginalized members. ALL butches are good butches. Red-pink/salmon represents autonomy and independence. Being butch is not just about being with femmes. Being butch is it’s own subculture that can stand on it’s own, and is just as valuable as any other. White-red represents inclusivity and tolerance and that you do not have to prove yourself to be butch. Pink represents support for femmes, other butches, and the wider community. Purple represents butch history and culture, and blue represents LGBTQ+ history. |
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The Black Butch Community flag was made by Tumblr user the-gender-thieves on April 11th, 2022.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://thegenderthieves.tumblr.com/post/682521424201744384/blackbutch}}]</ref> The colors are inspired by the [[dyke]] flag, and both of the most common butch flags. The color meanings are as follows: Black - black history and black sapphic history, Magenta/purple - lesbian and sapphic history, love of women and non-men, sapphic power, Dark purple - inclusivity of all sapphics, including trans, non-binary, mspec, aroacespec, and other sapphics, Light orange - butchness, gender non-conformity, solidarity and unity. The symbol used is the coiner's butch symbol, it represents strength, rebellion, and liberation. |
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The Stud flags were made by tumblr user vixtvin on August 3rd, 2022.<ref>https://vixtvin.tumblr.com/post/691541059893952512/sooo-i-see-that-theres-a-butch-flag-femme-flag</ref> There are no known meanings. |
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The butch symbol was designed on October 4, 2014 by a group of non-binary Brazilians.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://www.deviantart.com/cari-rez-lobo/art/Gender-Symbols-486052086 DeviantArt post “Gender Symbols” by Cari-Rez-Lobo.}}]</ref> It is based on the male symbol but with longer prongs. |
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== |
==Resources== |
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<references /> |
<references /> |
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[[Category:Terminology]] |
[[Category:Terminology]] |
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[[Category:Identity]] |
[[Category:Identity]] |
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[[Category:Presentation]] |
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[[Category:Non-Conformity]] |
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Latest revision as of 22:26, 17 August 2022
Butch is an identity used in LGBT+ subculture to describe someone, typically a lesbian or otherwise sapphic woman, who has a masculine gender presentation. The term "butch" tends to denote a degree of masculinity beyond what would be considered typical of a tomboy.
Butch women often dress in masculine clothing, and typically present themselves in a more stereotypically masculine way, such as having short hair, not wearing makeup, and not shaving. Butches are also commonly thought of as having more "masculine" interests, such as sports, mechanics, and other hands-on jobs. Some butches will take on masculine names or nicknames, and some may use masculine pronouns. Some butches bind their chest or take masculinizing hormones to appear more masculine. Similarly, transfeminine butches may not take certain steps associated with transfeminine transitioning, such as going on estrogen/anti-androgens. Despite this, butch women are still women. They can be cisgender, transgender or any other gender modality. This label can also be used by non-binary individuals. It is not uncommon for butch women to face harassment or violence because of their appearance.
Butch men are historically associated with biker/leather subcultures, sometimes being referred to as "leather-men." They sought to embody a caricature of hypermasculinity, and subvert the masculinity that heterosexual men displayed.[1] Their relationship with masculinity can be likened to a femme woman's relationship with femininity, though they are not perfectly opposite. In modernity, fewer men attach their butch identity to motorcycle groups and leather, rather focusing on the subversion of typical masculinity in a specifically LGBT+ way.
Traditionally, butches have been expected to be attracted to femmes. For some butches, this attraction to femmes represents a strong part of their own identity. However, some butches are attracted to other butches. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "masc-for-masc" or "butch-for-butch."
Butch is sometimes used as a non-binary gender on its own, as LGBT+ individuals often have a complex relationship with gender.[2] In a 2015 survey of non-cis individuals in the USA, 5% of respondents (about 1,385 individuals) were butch.[3]
While the butch label is often used by/associated with lesbians, it is also used by other groups in the LGBTQ+ community. This includes m-spec sapphics and LGBT+ men .[4]
Other Terms
Some other terms that are typically synonymous with butch include: "diesel dyke," "bulldyke" (which is a Black lesbian exclusive label)[5], "bulldagger,"[6] and "dyke." There are also several sub-categories of butch that exist.
Stone Butch
A stone butch is a butch individual who does not like their genitals sexually touched by their partners. They still, however, provide their partners with sexual gratification, and often experience pleasure in doing so. A stone butch may receive sexual pleasure from their partner in different ways as well. They may also identify as asexual or placiosexual.
Stud
A stud is a form of butchness that is specific to Black women.[7] They tend to be influenced by urban and hip-hop cultures and fashion.
Soft Butch
The term soft butch means a butch who does not act very tough, or is all around a softer type of individual. This does not mean they are more feminine or "less of a butch" than any other type of butch.
Butchwink
A combination of butch and twink, most commonly used by non-binary individuals. It is also known and butch twink, buink, or twutch.
Flag and Symbols
The butch flag was designed by Tumblr user butchspace on June 27, 2017.[8] There is no known meaning.
The blue butch lesbian flag was designed by an unknown individual on or before August 25, 2016.[9] There is no known meaning.
An alternate orange butch lesbian flag was created by an anonymous wiki user on March 28, 2021.
Another butch flag was made by tumblr user disastergay (formerly disasterbisexual) on October 3, 2019.[10]
Another all-inclusive "sky butch" flag was made by tumblr user kenochoric on December 22, 2020.[11] Orange represents the inclusion of all butches, including POC, fat, disabled, GNC, and all other butches. The butch community and the wider community is no place for bigotry towards marginalized members. ALL butches are good butches. Red-pink/salmon represents autonomy and independence. Being butch is not just about being with femmes. Being butch is it’s own subculture that can stand on it’s own, and is just as valuable as any other. White-red represents inclusivity and tolerance and that you do not have to prove yourself to be butch. Pink represents support for femmes, other butches, and the wider community. Purple represents butch history and culture, and blue represents LGBTQ+ history.
The Black Butch Community flag was made by Tumblr user the-gender-thieves on April 11th, 2022.[12] The colors are inspired by the dyke flag, and both of the most common butch flags. The color meanings are as follows: Black - black history and black sapphic history, Magenta/purple - lesbian and sapphic history, love of women and non-men, sapphic power, Dark purple - inclusivity of all sapphics, including trans, non-binary, mspec, aroacespec, and other sapphics, Light orange - butchness, gender non-conformity, solidarity and unity. The symbol used is the coiner's butch symbol, it represents strength, rebellion, and liberation.
The Stud flags were made by tumblr user vixtvin on August 3rd, 2022.[13] There are no known meanings.
The butch symbol was designed on October 4, 2014 by a group of non-binary Brazilians.[14] It is based on the male symbol but with longer prongs.
Resources
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://butchwolverine.tumblr.com/post/633331651325329408/from-motorcycle-leathers-and-the-construction-of ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Butch_Is_a_Noun/jmyfdmsWjiEC?hl=en&gbpv=1 Butch is a Noun, S. Bear Bergman, Arsenal Pulp Press. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Full-Report-Dec17.pdf The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, National Center for Transgender Equality. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://autismserenity.tumblr.com/post/626909068113690624/ok-so-i-like-boys-and-i-might-be-a-trans-dude-but Tumblr post by official-cisphobe about the term butch. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://books.google.com/books?id=nvt8el4QtPwC&dq=Bulldyke&q=Bull%20bitch+%2Bbulldyker#v=onepage&q=Bulldagger%20Also%20bulldyke&f=false Encyclopedia of Lesbian and Gay Histories and Cultures, edited by Bonnie Zimmerman and George Haggerty, Garland Press. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/http://www.theotherteam.com/common-lesbian-slang-and-terminology/ Article Common Lesbian Slang and Terminology by the editorial team at The Other Team website. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://weareher.com/stud-lesbian-meaning-lesbian-slang-glossary/ Article Stud Lesbian Meaning by the team at HER. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://butchspace.tumblr.com/post/162316889795/a-new-butch-flag Tumblr post “A new butch flag” by butchspace. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags/art/Butch-Lesbian-630382202?ga_submit_new=10%3A1497848808&ga_type=edit&ga_changes=1 DeviantArt post “Butch Lesbian” by Pride-Flags. ]
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/https://disasterbisexual.tumblr.com/post/188111232450
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://kenochoric.tumblr.com/post/638266393332219904/sky-butch-sea-femme-all-inclusive-butch-and Tumblr post with the sky butch flag. ]
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://thegenderthieves.tumblr.com/post/682521424201744384/blackbutch ]
- ↑ https://vixtvin.tumblr.com/post/691541059893952512/sooo-i-see-that-theres-a-butch-flag-femme-flag
- ↑ [https://web.archive.org/web/https://www.deviantart.com/cari-rez-lobo/art/Gender-Symbols-486052086 DeviantArt post “Gender Symbols” by Cari-Rez-Lobo. ]