1 | Page “Butch Lesbians: A Misunderstood Breed?”
Student Name: Jade Williams Student No: 11226099 University of Amsterdam Department of Social Sciences
Programme: MSc Sociology: Gender, Sexuality and Society First Supervisor: Margriet Van Heesch, PhD.
Second Supervisor: Gert Hekma, PhD.
2 | Page Foreword
First, I would like to offer my thanks to the University of Amsterdam for allowing me the opportunity to conduct research in an area that I am truly passionate about. To Margriet Van Heesch and Gert Hekma, your knowledge and passion for Gender and Sexuality inspired me.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with and learning from you.
Next, I would like to thank Karla Thomas. You have been there through four years of studying and have consistently offered your support. You have relocated to a new country with me, listened, helped, offered moral support and even wiped the tears away. I could not
have done this without you.
Finally, I would like to thank all of those who participated in my research. This thesis is dedicated to every person who refuses to conform to gender norms and who continues to be
3 | Page Table of Contents
Chapter One Introduction
1.1 The Experiences That Opened My Eyes 5
1.2 Digging Deeper into the Lesbian World and How to Do So 7
1.3 Butches, How Can I Help You? 8
1.4 Collecting and Analysing Data 9
1.5 To Leave You with an Outline 12
Chapter Two
How Has the Butch Lesbian Emerged in History and in Existing Research and Theory?
2.1 Introduction 13
2.2 What is a Butch? 14
2.3 How Was She Criminalised, Pathologized and Excluded from the Normal? 14 2. 4 What Has She Survived? The Butch in Life and in Literature 18
2.4.1 Radclyffe Hall and Great Britain 18
2.4.2 The United States Butch: 1930 Onwards 20
2.4.3 Surviving the Hetero and Homo Norms 21
2.5 Conclusion 24
Chapter Three
The Butch Survey: How Do People Perceive the Butch Lesbian Today?
4 | Page
3.2 Data Collection 26
3.3 She Must Be Manly 27
3.4 The Butch in Love 28
3.5 How to Be Butch 29
3.5.1 Looking Butch 30
3.5.2 Butch Hobbies 31
3.6 Conclusion 33
Chapter Four
Are the Butch Identifying Lesbians Still Proud and Visible in Society?
4.1 Introduction 35
4.2 Meet the Lesbians 35
4.3 Being a Butch 42
4.4 Challenging the Stereotype 45
4.4.1 “We Are Women!” 45
4.4.2 When Butches Love Butches 47
4.5 Proud or Disappearing? 49
4.6 Conclusion 52
Chapter Five Conclusion
5.1 The Research That Opened My Eyes 52
5.2 Butches, How Did I Help You? 53
5 | Page
REFERENCES 56
APPENDICES 61
Chapter One Introduction
1.1 The Experiences That Opened My Eyes
“Hard-femme... yeah, that’s what I’d call myself. I mean I’m by no means a princess but I’m definitely not a butch. I don’t like the word butch...”
were the words of a female I interviewed in the last quarter of 2016. Sat opposite me; Lisa, an attractive, short haired, self-identified, lady loving, male clothe wearing lesbian, told me she didn’t want to be called butch. Until this moment, Lisa had been drinking her beer in a seemingly relaxed manner and appeared to be enjoying engaging in our conversation. Albeit, once the topic of ‘butchness’ arose, I watched Lisa cross her legs and sit upright. Putting down her beer, she clenched her hands together and rested them on her left knee. The curved smile and friendly eyes that had been visible on her face for the entirety of the previous hour had disappeared and now been replaced with straight lips and a stern expression. It was almost as if Lisa had adopted a defensive position perhaps without realising, because she felt that the idea of her being associated with the butch label was some kind of attack. I tried to make my fascination with her body language as discreet as possible, though I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the reaction that she subconsciously provided.
The experience with Lisa was not the first time I had experienced shunning of the butch label. I, as a masculine presenting lesbian, had in fact reacted in a similar way earlier in the year. Sat by the bar, casually sipping a glass of white wine; I was enjoying a relaxing evening following a long day at work. Suddenly, a male approached me and said,
6 | Page “I think if you dressed like a girl and grew your hair a bit, I would want to go there with you. What do you think?”
Yes, he really did. The words of this heterosexual, outspoken man had instantly overwhelmed me with a feeling of discomfort and confusion. Reflecting on this incident, my feelings were based on my lack of understanding for this man’s mindset. What was it about my image that made me lose my femininity? Why did this man think I would be more desirable if I had longer hair and different clothing?
I began to question what it meant to be a non-feminine female and moreover, what the consequences were. By dressing and appearing a certain way, I felt that I had grown to fit the ‘butch’ category without even realising. Although the man did not say the word butch, I felt like his declaration showed that I, to outsiders, was masculine and therefore less desirable. This came as some shock to me as although I choose to wear male attire and style my hair short, I still remain submissive and sensitive in terms of emotional state and actually describe myself as having an ‘inner princess’. I suppose if I am completely honest, I might say that I was somewhat insulted and offended by this labelling and it really made me feel like my identity and femininity were dismissed, and had become invisible as a result of the butch image. Only then did I understand that to me personally, butch was not beautiful.
This is not the first time this kind of incident has occurred. However, each time that I have been faced with dialogue like this, usually from heterosexual males, I feel like I am awakened and I realise that although I identify as female in my own right, this is not always understood by others. My fascination with this topic led me to studying Gender and Sexuality at the University of Amsterdam. Pursuing research regarding labels and their consequences, allowed me to meet fellow lesbians like Lisa. Later, I realised that not only did the heterosexual, predatory male view ‘masculine’ females negatively, but masculine lesbians themselves, did too. What was the reason for this? How had I, as a proud, masculine presenting lesbian, become ashamed to look boyish… or butch? Why is butch not beautiful?
7 | Page 1.2 Digging Deeper into the Lesbian World and How to Do So
Before beginning to analyse the results taken from the research, it will be necessary to perform close reading of texts deemed relevant to the topic. The sources of literature and research that have been selected for close reading will provide insight from differing perspectives as will the results from research conducted exclusively for this project. As the participants of the research have been selected on an international level, the results produced will, geographically, offer insight to experiences and perceptions on a broad spectrum.
In taking a mixed methods approach to conducting research, it is anticipated that the results produced will be valid and valuable. Utilising quantitative and qualitative methods in the form of a survey and structured interviews, the intention is to collect strong data which will therefore lead to better analysis and a more precise conclusion.
Whilst the data and information collected for this research will form two chapters, close reading of literature will also take place prior to the analysis of results thus creating a broader understanding of the topic and the opportunity to link theory to new findings. The literature will include sources such as academic journals, empirical studies and theoretical texts along with at least one autobiography.
Finally, to inject more authenticity, a slight auto-ethnographical approach will be adopted throughout the analysis thus allowing I, as a researcher, to reflect on experiences lived by myself before potentially linking them to the experiences of others and perhaps some published theory. As discussed by Carolyn Ellis, auto-ethnography is a qualitative research
8 | Page method that allows the researcher to become the subject and through self-focused, context-conscious application, aids the interpretation about the self and others similar to the self.1
This being the case and reasserting the use of other techniques, the overall approach to this research ought to be described as pragmatic with triangulation being utilised. By taking this approach, it will be possible to focus on and examine findings from multiple sources and viewpoints therefore again aiding the development of a strong and accurate study.
1.3 Butches, How Can I Help You?
The topic of labelling and the butch label, is one that is relevant to me on both a personal and academic level. Being a lesbian who is outwardly ‘boyish’ and therefore one who may fit the butch stereotype, I seek to understand where negative stereotypes have emerged from and furthermore, the level of misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding butch lesbians in society today. Whilst there has been vast research conducted and literature written regarding lesbianism and LGBT issues, there is a scarce amount of recent studies that aim to determine the level of misconceptions surrounding those who identify as butch.
Having previously explored the negative effects of labelling and categorisation within the LGBT community, it is now that I wish to hone in and base this thesis purely on the labelling of butch lesbians. The main question and that that I wish to conclude on is,
“Does the butch lesbian remain misunderstood by members of both heterosexual and LGBTQ communities?”
1 Ellis, C. (2004). The Ethnographic I: A Methodological Novel About Autoethnography. Walnut Creek, CA:
Alta Mira and Ngunjiri, F., Hernandez, K C., & Chang, H. (2010). Living Autoethnography: Connecting Life and Research. Journal of Research Practice, 6(1), E1.
9 | Page In order to answer this question, it will be necessary to first answer the following sub-questions:
“How has the butch lesbian emerged in history and in existing research and theory?”
“How do people perceive the butch lesbian?”
“Are the butch identifying lesbians still proud and visible in society?”
Initially reviewing the history surrounding masculine lesbians, I will analyse the depths of discrimination in terms of the crimination, medicalisation and pathological approaches to homosexuals. Later, I will place focus on literature that documents the survival of the butch lesbian in the twentieth century. Bringing together theoretical approaches and literary sources such as novels and autobiographies, I will outline how the butch lesbian has emerged in society, over the last two centuries.
To follow, I will present and analyse findings from The Butch Survey along with responses provided in interviews with butch identifying lesbians. In doing so, I intend to add to the existing body of knowledge while also raising awareness of unnecessary, negative perceptions of butch lesbians. Should it be the case that the butch lesbian does remain a misunderstood member of society, this thesis will argue that butch lesbians should be celebrated rather than criticised as now, I realise that butch is beautiful too.
I will now continue by discussing the chosen approaches to data collection and analysis for this research project.
1.4 Collecting and Analysing Data
As aforementioned, one approach to research has been that of a quantitative kind with a survey being created and cascaded via an online platform. The survey has been created using www.surveymonkey.com and is very short in length, with respondents being asked to provide
10 | Page their gender, age group and their perception of the term ‘butch’ when associated with lesbian women. The results will be quantitative in terms of the selection of age and gender but will also provide qualitative outcomes as an open ended question is also included. The respondents have accessed the survey via a link that was circulated using the Facebook social networking site. Whilst the survey could initially only be viewed by those on my list of friends, it was possible to then use the snowballing method by asking others to share the link to their own network of friends. In total, the survey received 85 responses from a pool of people who varied in gender, age and opinion. As the survey was cascaded using social media and with the snowball effect being used, it is likely that the respondents originate from various different backgrounds and cultures.
With regard to collecting data of a qualitative nature, the decision was taken to approach people once again via online social networking platforms. Albeit, this time around, Instagram and its hashtag feature have been utilised. By searching the hashtag ‘butch lesbian’, it was possible to reach out to butch identifying lesbians from all over the globe. Unlike Facebook, I was not limited to my own group of known friends and the reliance of the snowballing method but rather, was able to connect to women who would otherwise been out of my reach. Likewise, as the women were themselves using the aforementioned hashtag, it was clear that they were openly identifying as butch and it was precisely these people that I wanted to speak to.
After sending direct messages to over fifty butch identifying lesbians on Instagram and explaining my position and aspirations as a researcher, I received nine positive responses from those wishing to participate in a structured interview either in person, via Skype or by providing text answers.
To approach and recruit potential participants from a range of different backgrounds, it was considered most suitable to utilise social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Though this approach to research is not without its possible flaws, it has been proven that in the modern era, it is one of the most effective ways to build rapport and recruit participants. With studies showing that almost half of the adult population are likely to check
11 | Page their social media accounts at least once daily, it was anticipated that locating participants would be a simple process.2
Whilst it is the case that social media offered the abovementioned benefits, it must be said that social media as a research tool, has been criticised in terms of ethical considerations. For this reason, it was necessary to provide each interviewee with a consent form that outlined the reasons for research and their confidentiality and anonymity rights. Each person that proceeded to interview stage had returned an electronically signed copy of the form. Similarly, regarding the survey that was cascaded via Facebook, each participant was made aware of the reasons for research and their right to anonymity.
The decision to conduct interviews of a structured format was based purely on its ability to provide consistency in terms of the responses received. Though it is the case that semi structured interviews could have been useful for this project, it seemed more beneficial to address matters with each individual and therefore gauge similarities and differences in responses given to the same questions. Moreover, as interviews have taken place via Skype and in some cases, with individuals who are not fluent in the English language, it was appropriate to remain somewhat simplistic in terms of conversation.
As previously mentioned, it was the intention to reach out to butch identifying lesbians who resided in different parts of the world thus providing an insight into the butch figure on a universal level. For the purpose of the research, the lesbian ‘type’ being focused on are those who identify as butch. However, in some cases, the butch women interviewed also labelled themselves ‘soft butch’, ‘dyke’ and ‘boyish’. Each interviewee has been granted complete anonymity and for this reason, the names of the interviewees have changed.
In order of interview, the following butch lesbians have become part of the research: ➢ Kate, aged 39 from Amsterdam, Netherlands.
➢ Ellen, aged 28 from Dublin, Ireland. ➢ Jess, aged 25 from South Wales, UK.
2 Lunnay, B., Borlagdan, J., McNaughton, D., & Ward, P. (2015). Ethical Use of Social Media to Facilitate
12 | Page ➢ Pai, aged 30 from Bangkok, Thailand.
➢ Amy aged 45 from Birmingham, UK. ➢ Becky aged 29 from Toronto, Canada. ➢ Tyler aged 18 from Stockholm, Sweden. ➢ Kay aged 46 from California, USA. ➢ Shay aged 32 from Pennsylvania, USA.
Once interviews were completed, each conversation was documented (see Appendices for one example) therefore allowing patterns and trends to be identified along with differing opinions thus aiding in the formation of a balanced conclusion.
To conclude this introduction, I will now provide a brief outline of the focus and details of each chapter included in the thesis.
1.5 To Leave You with an Outline
Having opened the thesis with an introduction that clearly outlined the topic and purpose of my research, I have been able to explain its relevance whilst also highlighting the methods used to research and analysis.
In the second chapter, I will discuss the cross-cultural history of the butch lesbian and will therefore build a strong and insightful review of theory and literature. I hope to find answers to my first sub question, namely how the butch lesbian has emerged in history and in existing research and theory.
In the third chapter, I will present the findings from ‘The Butch Survey’ and will provide an answer to my second sub question. Trends, patterns and common themes will be highlighted and will later be analysed. When reaching the stage of analysis, I will attempt to link and relate findings, where necessary, to the theories discussed in the previous chapter.
In the fourth chapter, I will hone in on my third and final sub question. The structured interviews that have taken place with nine butch identifying lesbians across the world will
13 | Page initially be presented in the form of overviews, in which I will highlight some of the responses given. Later, I will focus on themes identified amongst interviewees along with links to the contents of the second and third chapter.
In the fifth chapter, I will reflect on findings in chapters two, three and four and will present an overall analysis. I aim to conclude by answering the main and sub questions annotated in the introductory chapter. Any recommendations for further research will also be offered at this point along with a brief reflection on the research experience.
Chapter Two
How Has the Butch Lesbian Emerged in History and in Existing Research and Theory?
2.1 Introduction
“She is ‘mannish’ but not at all stylish and at the same time she is definitely a woman. Therefore she has to be ugly – in other words, butch…”
are the words used by Sue O’Sullivan in her 1994 publication “Girls Who Kiss Girls and Who Cares”.3 O’Sullivan reflects on previous decades and offers her observation of how a masculine lesbian is perceived by others in society. Almost twenty years on and I, as a masculine lesbian, am intending to determine whether such negative stigma still surrounds butches. To fully understand what makes a butch lesbian and how they have come to be viewed as ‘ugly’, undesirable and perhaps misunderstood, it is relevant to reflect on beliefs dating as far back as the eighteenth century up until present day. In doing so, it will be possible to understand how historic perceptions of masculine females may have led and contributed to the current marginalisation and oppression of butch lesbians.
3 O’Sullivan, S. (1994). `Girls who Kiss Girls and Who Cares?'. In D. Hamer & B. Budge (Eds.), The Good, The
Bad and The Gorgeous: Popular Cultures Romance With Lesbianism (pp. 78-95). London: Harper Collins Publishers.
14 | Page Choosing to focus on the time frame of the eighteenth century through to present day, it is anticipated that a strong foundation of knowledge will be provided prior to reaching a conclusion as the LGBT community has experienced immense movement during this time.4
The literature and theory utilised in this review will mainly be of European and American descent. The reason for this is that European and American theorists have been innovative in terms of developing and understanding homosexuality.5 Moreover, as the majority of participants to the research are native to Europe and the US, the decision was taken to review theories and literature that would be most relevant to their backgrounds and the findings of this research.
2.2 What is a Butch?
Butch is an adjective that can be used to describe a person’s gender or gender performance. To be a butch lesbian, you would usually be a female who is attracted to the same sex and one who adopts a certain image or demeanour that is traditionally considered masculine. Of course, being butch is not that simple. Over the last few decades and particularly since the years of the sexual revolution, various new labels have started to emerge and be used by the lesbian community. Being just a few to mention; ‘stud’, ‘tomboy’, ‘he-she’, ‘dyke’ and ‘stone butch’ are labels that have been associated with and in some cases, used to criticise masculine lesbians.6 Remarkably, although some of these terms have been used to demean lesbians, many have still chosen to identify themselves with reference to one or more of the labels. Bearing this in mind and for the review of literature and for participants of the research discussed in this thesis, those identifying as a lesbian who is considered masculine, will be referred to primarily as butch.
2.3 How Was She Criminalised, Pathologized and Excluded from the Normal?
4 Morris, B. J. (n.d.). History of Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Social Movements. Retrieved June 15, 2017, from
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx
5 Morris, B. J. (n.d.). History of Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Social Movements. 6 Alison, R. (1967). Lesbianism Its Secrets and Practices. Los Angeles: Medco Books
15 | Page Prior to the nineteenth century, anal sex acts otherwise referred to as sodomy or buggery were punishable by death in many parts of the world. Viewed as a crime regardless of whether it took place between two men or a man and a woman, this sexual act was deemed intolerable and categorised as a perversion along with matters such as rape and bestiality.7 In 1861, the United Kingdom abolished the death penalty and instead announced a life imprisonment for any people who engaged in such acts and likewise, Germany criminalised homosexuality between males just a decade later. Following on, in 1885, the United Kingdom outlawed oral sex between men but failed to include women in this amendment. Stating that women would not commit such acts and therefore denying the existence of lesbianism, Queen Victoria refused to include females into the legislation.8 For this reason, it has often been claimed that as lesbianism has never been officially criminalised in the UK or in America, they have not been subject to punishment in the same way as gay men. However, reciting instances of punishment, Rictor Norton discusses the prosecution of women cross-dressers who were penalised on grounds of fraud or vagrancy.9 Additionally, it is noted in Norton’s findings that a woman was publicly chastised in the seventeenth century, as a punishment for engaging in sexual acts with another female. And, in the same era, it was reported that after impersonating a man, a woman was sentenced to receive whips and carry out ‘hard labour’ as criminal punishment.10 The impersonation of males was a phenomena that really emerged in the eighteenth century, with masculine women being labelled ‘female husbands’ when they adopted a traditional male role and set up home with a feminine female.11 Whilst cross
7Oaks, R. (1978). "Things Fearful to Name": Sodomy and Buggery in Seventeenth-Century New England.
Journal of Social History, 12(2), 268-281.
8Seidman, S., & Fischer, Nancy. (2007). Introducing the New Sexuality Studies: Original essays and interviews. London: Routledge.
9Norton, R. "The Nature of Lesbian History", Lesbian History, 1 August 2003, updated 12 June 2008
http://rictornorton.co.uk/lesbians.htm Retrieved June 17, 2017
10 Donoghue, E. (1993). Imagined More Than Women: Lesbians as Hermaphrodites, 1671-1766. Women's
History Review, 2(2), 199-216 and Norton, R. The Nature of Lesbian History.
11 Derry, C. (2017). ‘Female Husbands’, Community and Courts in the Eighteenth Century. The Journal of
16 | Page dressing and lesbianism were not listed as official crimes in Europe or the US, female husbands were seen as criminal fraudsters and were at times, mocked by others in society.12
Progressing from an era during which homosexuality was classified purely as an immoral crime and sin, German theorists such as Karl Heinrich Ulrichs and Richard von Krafft-Ebing widened the discourse regarding homosexuality, to include medical and psychological factors.13 As a result, the nineteenth century saw homosexuality begin to be considered as biologically innate and this progress was some of great significance, as the homosexual emerged from being a blameful criminal to a ‘sick’ individual.14 According to Ulrichs, a writer frequently deemed the pioneer of the modern gay rights movement,
“(…) sexual orientation is a right established by nature. Legislators have no right to veto nature; no right to persecute nature in the course of its work; no right to torture living creatures who are subject to those drives nature gave them.”15
Sharing views such as these, the intention of Ulrichs was to promote gay rights and end the criminalisation of homosexuality in Germany. Between the years of 1860 and 1870, Ulrichs published a series of pamphlets detailing his theories of sexuality in an attempt to spread awareness and to win support from those in the medical profession.16
In years to follow, Krafft-Ebing; a German Psychiatrist often dubbed as the father of the modernisation of sexuality, worked to offer a new perspective on sexuality. Introducing homosexuality as a topic to be explored within his realm of matters considered to be ‘perversions’, Krafft-Ebing deemed homosexuality to be a ‘degenerative sickness’ and
12 Donoghue, E. Imagined More Than Women: Lesbians as Hermaphrodites and Norton, R. The Nature of
Lesbian History.
13Leck, R. (2016). Vita Sexualis: Karl Ulrichs and the Origins of Sexual Science. University of Illinois Press
and Krafft-Ebing, R. (1947). Psychopathia Sexualis: A Medico-Forensic Study. New York, NY: Pioneer.
14 Chauncey, G. (1982). From Sexual Inversion To Homosexuality: Medicine And The Changing
Conceptualization Of Female Deviance. Salmagundi, (58/59), 114-146.
15 Barash, D. P. (2013). Homo Mysterious: Evolutionary Puzzles of Human Nature. New York: Oxford
University Press, pp. 94-95.
16Duhaime, L. (n.d.). Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, 1825-1895 (Germany). Retrieved June 18, 2017, from http://www.duhaime.org/LawMuseum/LawArticle-1125/Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-1825-1895-Germany.aspx
17 | Page further, categorised masculine lesbians as ‘gender inverts’.17 According to Krafft-Ebing, the inverted female is “the masculine soul, heaving in the female bosom”, insinuating that the female has been born in the wrong body and one who should have been a male.18 This
foreshadows the coining of Gender Dysphoria, formerly known as GID (Gender Identity Disorder), which is now a diagnosis given to individuals who feel conflict between their assigned gender and physical identity.19
Whilst the move from criminalisation to medicalisation of the homosexual can be seen as progress and perhaps an end to law enforced punishment, it should be noted that patients were still treated as ‘abnormal’ and the ‘other’.20 Moreover, the ‘medicinal’ treatments undertaken by homosexuals was far from pleasant; with lesbians and gays being involuntarily admitted to psychiatric hospitals up until the 1970s, only to face brutal aversion therapies such as electric shocks and lobotomies, in an attempt to cure them of their sexual deviances.21
Voicing his theory of the treatment of sexuality in the last few centuries, French philosopher Michel Foucault determined that through the historical normalisation of discourse, sexual orientations and desires that stray from the binary have been repressed and therefore viewed as improper.22 Thus, the lesbian who does not display traditional, ‘normalised’ characteristics associated with female gender and sexuality, becomes subject to discrimination and othering. Referring to these socially constructed norms in conjunction with the important of power and knowledge, Foucault introduces ‘bio-power’, which he describes as,
17 Oosterhuis, H., History, & RS: FASoS MUSTS. (2012). Sexual Modernity in the Works of Richard von
Krafft-Ebing and Albert Moll. Medical History, 56(2), 133-155.
18 Taylor, M. (1998). ’The Masculine Soul Heaving in the Female Bosom’: Theories of Inversion and The Well
of Loneliness. Journal of Gender Studies, 7(3), 287-296.
19 Smith, S., Junger, J., Derntl, B., & Habel, U. (2015). The Transsexual Brain – A Review of Findings on the
Neural Basis of Transsexualism. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 59, 251-266.
20 Plummer, K. (2002). Sexualities. Critical Concepts in Sociology: Sexualities and their Futures. London:
Routledge, pp. 23
21 Hart, G., & Wellings, K. (2002). Sexual Behaviour and its Medicalisation: In Sickness and in
Health. BMJ, 324(7342), 896 and Scot, J. (2013, June 28). Shock the Gay Away: Secrets of Early Gay Aversion Therapy Revealed. Retrieved June 17, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-scot/shock-the-gay-away-secrets-of-early-gay-aversion-therapy-revealed_b_3497435.html.
18 | Page “an explosion of numerous and diverse techniques for achieving the subjugations of bodies and the control of populations…”23
In other words, and to offer an example, as the homosexual body was one deemed not useful for society; a ‘technique’ to control and take power of the population was to criminalise homosexuality. This, according to Foucault, is accompanied by another strand of power; being that of disciplinary. Disciplinary power is a second form of bio-power, which looks to control the individual and their body.24 To put this theory into perspective, if a lesbian feels guilty or shameful of her identity, then she has internalised heteronormative discourse and is therefore a subject of disciplinary power. Furthermore, if a lesbian ‘exercises’ heteronormative expectations then she has internalised external discourse, again evidencing disciplinary power.25
Thinking back to my own motivation for writing this thesis, the theories of Foucault appear highly relevant as I, myself, felt embarrassment and shame when being categorised as a butch lesbian. Likewise, a fellow lesbian also discussed in the introductory chapter displayed feelings of discomfort and expressed her rejection of the butch label. This being the case, it can surely be said that ‘de-normalisation’ of the homosexual still has an impact on lesbians in the current era. Similarly, although criminalisation and medicalisation are no longer enforced, the effects of past bio-power has shaped perceptions that have remained through generations.
Having outlined some history of how the homosexual came to be known from as early as the eighteenth century, I will now proceed to review literature that was influenced by the likes of Kraft-Ebbing, and will offer further insight into the ongoing oppression of the butch lesbian.
23 Foucault, M., & Hurley, R. (1998). The Will to Knowledge. London: Penguin Books, p. 140. 24 Foucault, M. (1995). Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. New York: Vintage Books. 25 Browne, K. (2015). Lesbian Geographies. Gender, Place and Power. Farnham: Ashgate.
19 | Page 2. 4 What Has She Survived? The Butch in Life and in Literature
2.4.1 Radclyffe Hall and Great Britain
Portraying the theories of sexual inversion that had been coined in years previous, British author Radclyffe Hall produced the infamous ‘The Well of Loneliness’; a lesbian novel published in 1928.26 The novel follows an English woman named Stephen Gordon and her homosexuality, then referred to as sexual inversion. Stephen, carrying not only a name that was considered to better suit a male, appears to act boyish and carry traits traditionally deemed masculine, from a young age. Falling in love with Mary Llewellyn, the pair are subject to prejudice and rejection from society as a result of not conforming to heterosexual norms. This, as depicted by Hall, is not an unusual occurrence for ‘inverts’, who she portrays as being naturally inverted thus supporting the claims of Krafft-Ebing, and reasserting that homosexuality and gender role reversal is something a person is born with.27 Albeit, at its time of publication and for many years later, the subject of sexual inversion and lesbianism were of course highly condemned and viewed as abnormal and this being the case, Hall faced criminal charges of obscenity along with much more harsh criticism from reviewers and the press.28 Nevertheless, The Well of Loneliness remains in print and, deemed one of the most famous lesbian novels of all time, still supports the idea that lesbianism and masculinity is innate to those identifying as butch. Moreover, the novel reasserts the long history of troubles and discrimination faced by women who failed to conform to the heterosexual norms imposed by society.
After reading The Well of Loneliness, it could be argued that as people who reject the traditional female gender roles and stereotypes, butch lesbians are more inclined to be subject to abuse from wider society as opposed to femme identifying lesbians. This argument is
26 Hall, R. (1928). The Well of Loneliness. Garden City, N.Y: Sun Dial Press.
27 Taylor, M. (1998). ’The Masculine Soul Heaving in the Female Bosom’: Theories of Inversion and The Well
of Loneliness.
28 Macnamara, S. (n.d.). The Silent Novel in Radclyffe Hall's Ground-Breaking The Well of Loneliness.
Retrieved June 20, 2017, from https://blog.hrc.utexas.edu/2017/06/13/the-silent-novel-in-radclyffe-halls-ground-breaking-the-well-of-loneliness/
20 | Page justified in a study conducted by Bernard E. Whitley, who concluded that from the array of categories in the lesbian community, the butch is most likely to face discrimination and further, that the display of gender role reversal often leads to instances of homophobia.29
This, along with the theories of inversion and therefore ‘abnormality’, from the likes of Krafft-Ebing, shows that the criticism and discrimination of masculine women has been present for centuries. It is therefore appropriate to continue the timeline of events with regard to the emergence of the butch lesbian while also remaining aware of their segregation from not only heterosexual society, but perhaps from fellow homosexual communities too.
2.4.2 The United States Butch: 1930 Onwards
Published in 1993, ‘Cherry Grove, Fire Island’ by American Anthropologist, Esther Newton, provides a thoroughly researched narrative that recounts the history of a popular gay and lesbian resort located a short distance from New York City. In the piece, Newton reconstructs the camp, sometimes wonderful and sometimes harrowing moments that were experienced on the island between the years of 1930 and 1990. In addition, the book outlines the depths of division that were identifiable within the LGBT community, in terms of race, class and gender expectations.30 In an article titled ‘Just One of the Boys’, Newton proceeds to recount the different types of lesbians who attended Cherry Grove in the post war era, with ‘ladies’ and ‘dykes’ being allocated not only different labels but also differing levels of respect and acceptance within the community.31 The dykes, who are otherwise referred to as the butch lesbians, are identified from the offset as lower class, less wealthy women who entered the scene during the 1960s. As quoted in Newton’s text, dykes had a “hard defensive look... [a] beefy body that says fuck you to men... [and a] dyke slump.”32 Further, it is noted the ladies
29 Whitley, Bernard E., Jr. (2001). Gender-Role Variables and Attitudes toward Homosexuality. Sex Roles: A
Journal of Research, 45, 691-12), p.691-721.
30 Newton, E. (1993)Cherry Grove, Fire Island: Sixty Years in America's First Gay and Lesbian Town. Boston: USA. Beacon Press.
31 Abelove, H., & Barale, M A. (1993). Just One of the Boys: Lesbians in Cherry Grove. The Lesbian and Gay
Studies Reader (p. 528). New York, NY Routledge.
21 | Page had no intention of socialising with the dykes, which led to a decrease in attendance and a change in clientele in years that followed. Albeit, whilst it was the case that the butch lesbians were somewhat looked down upon, Newton acknowledges them as being equally resourceful, with their abilities to ‘fight’ for public space being imperative in this pre-stonewall era.33
In works such as those offered by Newton, it is noted that as a culture, lesbianism and more specifically, butch lesbians really became visible in the era that ensued the second World War. According to Lillian Faderman, it was at this time that butch-femme dynamics formed and whilst it was not deemed socially acceptable by many at this time, lesbians began to openly embrace and display their identities and sexual orientations.34 Likewise, Newton recounts butch/femme relationship dynamics being ‘critical’ in bars during the 1950s and 1960s, with butch lesbians often viewed as erotic figures by those identifying as feminine. Taking into account traditional heterosexual roles that were highly present in society during this era, it is noted that masculine lesbians were mirroring the male in a relationship; usually being a ‘tough guy’ and the ‘bread winner’.35 This, along with the assumption that a butch lesbian must be paired with and attracted to feminine women embodies the notion of heteronormativity; being the idea that because a butch presents herself in ways associated with males, she must also adopt the normative roles that society envisions for a heterosexual male. Bearing this in mind, the question is posed of what comes of the butch lesbian when she fails to fulfil these expectations – what happens if a butch lesbian is not attracted to femme women, but to fellow butches? Though butch/butch relationships have always and do still exist, there is a lack of consideration for them in terms of literature.36
Having reflected on texts that were produced as early as the 1930s and taking into account the history of the homosexual in terms of criminalisation and medicalisation, it needs not be reiterated that the butch lesbian has faced much social scrutiny over the years. However, the topic of labels and expectations is one of great relevance to the discussion of
33 Abelove, H., & Barale, M A. The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader (p. 533).
34 Faderman, L. (1991). Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in Twentieth-Century
America. Columbia University Press.
35Faderman, L. Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in Twentieth-Century America. 36 Califia, P. (1994). Butch desire. In L. Burana, Roxxie & L. Due (Eds.), Dagger: On Butch Women (pp.
22 | Page the butch lesbian and her place in society. Thus, it will now be useful to place focus on her position in society and her survival of ongoing labelling and oppression.
2.4.3 Surviving the Hetero and Homo Norms
In studies conducted by Heidi Levitt and Katherine Hiestand, it was revealed that butch lesbians feel pressured as a result of such heteronormative expectations and can even feel shame when they don’t conform to the roles that society has historically assigned to them.37 Similarly, a research project conducted by myself in the last twelve months allowed me to reach the same conclusion, with one butch identifying lesbian declaring that she felt inadequate and confused about her identity because she did not completely fit the heteronormative stereotype.38 It is for this reason, apparent that with labels come expectations and with expectations, certainly come pressures. Moreover, the pressure admittedly experienced by butches evidences Foucault’s depiction of disciplinary power.39
Whilst the pressures faced by butch lesbians can be discussed in conjunction with heteronormativity, it is also useful to highlight the issue of homonormativity. Notable in works such as that of ‘Cherry Grove, Fire Island’ with ladies avoiding dykes, right up to present day; with butches reporting instances of abuse from fellow lesbians, it is without doubt that the butch has been considered an outcast from the LGBT community as well as from wider society.40
Returning to past times like those of the ladies and the dykes and proceeding to the era of the sexual revolution, it is useful to highlight that with the rise of feminism in society, butches were rejected from the lesbian community as they were considered to be mirroring the heterosexual male. Furthermore, it was during the 1960s and 1970s that feminist lesbians
37Hiestand, K., & Levitt, H. (2005). Butch Identity Development: The Formation of an Authentic
Gender. Feminism & Psychology, 15(1), 61–85.
38 Williams, J. (2016). Too Straight for the Gays and too Gay for the Straights. Unpublished manuscript.
University of Amsterdam.
39 Foucault, M. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison.
40 Newton, E. Cherry Grove, Fire Island: Sixty Years in America's First Gay and Lesbian Town.
23 | Page argued that one could only be a lesbian if you were, yourself, feminine or feminist. Impeccably and emotionally written, Leslie Feinberg’s ‘Stone Butch Blues’ sets the scene of the masculine Jess Goldberg, who is trying to ‘fit in’ to society and the lesbian community during this time. Albeit, this proves difficult and Jess faces years of abuse, torment and marginalisation from others while she strives to exist and come to terms with her identity. When reflecting on the approach taken by radical feminist lesbians, it is noted that butches were pushed out of the community...
“(…) they drove us out, made us feel ashamed of how we looked...they said we were male chauvinist pigs, the enemy.”41
Though in the case of the novel, much of those discriminating were doing so out of homophobic behaviour and ‘gender policing’, it must also be reiterated that these frictions were apparent within the lesbian community, thus reaffirming the presence with homonormativity.42
The oppression discussed in Stone Butch Blues merely reflects some stigmas still attached to the butch lesbian in today’s society, particularly that surrounding FTM (female to male) transition. With studies showing that more butch identifying lesbians are transitioning and changing their identity to male, it could be argued that the shunning of butches from both the hetero and homo communities along with heteronormative expectations, are forcing some lesbians to give up their female, lesbian identity.43 As noted in the journal by Atticus Lee, if we assume that a butch lesbian is pretending to be a man, we are contributing to socially constructed gender and sexuality norms that depict all “all gay men to be effeminate queens and heterosexual women to be quiet-rinse dishwashers.”44 Therefore, when the masculine female does not fit this heterosexual stereotype, she becomes the ‘other’ and is perhaps left
41 Feinberg, L. (1993). Stone Butch Blues: A Novel. Ithaca, N.Y: Firebrand Books. (p. 11)
42 Detloff, M. (2006). Gender Please, Without the Gender Police. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 10(1-2), 87-105. 43Lee, A. (2009). The Role of Butch/Femme Relationships in Transgender Activism: A Co-Dependent Mutualism. Stanford Undergraduate Research Journal, 8(3), 18–23.
24 | Page feeling confused and conflicted by her female identity. However, when the butch lesbian transitions and identifies as FTM, they are not cleared of scrutiny. Historically labelling FTMs as “treasonous deserters”, lesbian feminists are also known to disagree with and further reject FTMs from the community.45
Whilst the topic of transition should be approached sensitively and with the upmost respect, some suggest that butch lesbians are pushed towards transition rather than being naturally inclined to change their identity.46 Similarly, studies have revealed an increase in FTM gender reassignment taking place in adolescence or young adulthood as opposed to that of middle age, which has historically been the case.47 This alone, could potentially present the argument that visibility and acceptance of the butch lesbian is decreasing. Albeit, if viewed from another angle, it could be said that modernity has simply provided butch lesbians with more options. This perspective is adopted by Rochella Thorpe, who reflects on a ground-breaking study that she conducted in the 1990s.48 Interviewing forty-eight women who lived as lesbians between 1930 and 1970, Thorpe found that 10% would transition if they were still youthful. Stating that transition is not treason or betrayal, Thorpe defends butches and FTMs and labels them ‘survivors’. Further, it is suggested that we, as a lesbian community, have not ‘lost’ butches to transition, because they were never ours to ‘have’. Rather, butches have historically fallen under the lesbian umbrella because transition and gender reassignment was not then an option for them. Likewise, Thorpe responds to the question, “where have all the butches gone?” with the suggestion that lesbians who would have historically been labelled butch are now identifying themselves with other labels.49
2.5 Conclusion
45 Rubin, G. (1992) “Of Catamites and kings: Reflections on Butch, Gender, and Boundaries.” In Nestle, J (ed) A
Persistent Desire: a Butch-Femme Reader. Boston, MA: Alyson Publications (p. 466-482).
46 Weiss, J. (2007). The Lesbian Community and FTMs. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 11(3-4), 203-211. 47 Thorpe, R. (2015) Where Have All the Butches Gone? Retrieved June 5, 2017, from
https://www.pride.com/lifestyle/2013/09/05/op-ed-where-have-all-butches-gone
48 Thorpe, R. Where Have All the Butches Gone? 49 Thorpe, R. Where Have All the Butches Gone?
25 | Page Having reviewed the history and emergence of the butch lesbian in terms of theory and research, it is interesting to highlight the stigma that appears to have surrounded butch lesbians; dating back as early as the eighteenth century, with masculine females being mocked, deemed a sexual invert and therefore a biological abnormality. Moving on from scientific approaches, it is also possible to identify discrimination faced by butches in the early twentieth century, when reading texts such as that offered by Hall, Newton and Feinberg. When returning to studies conducted in more recent years, it would be justified to argue that although the acceptance of the LGBT community has hugely progressed in many parts of the world, the taboo that has historically surrounded butch lesbians appears to have remained unchanged.
Whilst the review of literature and theory undoubtedly offers insight into the oppression faced by butch lesbians, if viewed from another angle, it can be concluded that the butch has survived marginalisation and discrimination for centuries and perhaps continues to do so. Returning to the words of O’Sullivan, it is now that we must understand that the butch is not ‘ugly’, she is not ‘mannish’ and she does not lack style.50 Rather, she rejects gender norms that have been socially constructed and she refuses to be ‘normal’. The butch lesbian challenges what it means to be a lady loving female and she challenges hetero and homo norms. She is a survivor.51
In order to gain clarification and determine how the butch lesbian is perceived in society today, it is now that I will present and analyse the findings of both The Butch Survey and interviews conducted with several butch lesbians. Keeping in mind the points identified in this literature review, it will be possible to establish just how heteronormative today’s society is in terms of butch expectations. Furthermore, through the recording and analysis of butch individual’s experiences and perspectives, it is anticipated that up to date accounts will provide clarity on the existence of the butch lesbian in the current era, therefore allowing an informed conclusion to be reached.
50 O’Sullivan, S. Girls Who Kiss Girls and Who Cares.
51 Queen, C. (1994). Why I Love Butch Women. In L. Burana, Roxxie, & L. Due (Eds.), Dagger: On Butch
26 | Page Chapter 3
The Butch Survey: How Do People Perceive the Butch Lesbian Today?
3.1 Introduction
In order to gauge the level of awareness, negativity and heteronormative perceptions still present in modern society, with regard to the butch label, the decision was made to create a short survey using the online platform, Survey Monkey. The survey would later be cascaded using Facebook, with various people sharing to their own network thus resulting in a snowball effect and a pool of varied respondents taking part.
The survey was short and simple. By asking the respondent to disclose only their gender, age group and their opinion of what butch means when associated with lesbians, it was anticipated that the responses given would be the person’s true and initial thought, with no further questions swaying or influencing their answers. With this in mind, the aim was to identify any trends that could aid the conclusion of whether negative stigma still surrounds butch lesbians. Furthermore, it would be possible to ascertain whether certain opinions and perceptions are predominantly belonging to a particular age group or gender.
3.2 Data Collection
In total, 85 responses were given to the survey. Of the 85 individuals who responded; 56 were female, 20 male, 7 non binary, 1 trans masculine and 1 transgender. When being asked to stipulate their age group, the majority of respondents selected ages 25-34, almost a third of respondents selected the youngest age group; being 18-24, and the remaining 24.71% of people were split between three groups that ranged from 45 to 74 years old. Though the respondents were not asked to reveal their nationality, it can be assumed that the majority, if not all, of the respondents are of European or American descent. The reason for this
27 | Page assumption is because the survey was initially shared to my personal network which consists purely of these nationalities. Taking the snowball effect, with others sharing the link via their own networks, it could be the case that other respondents of other nationalities have participated. Wanting to collect and gauge responses from a random selection of people, nationality was not deemed a necessity in this part of the research. Rather, the 85 respondents will be used to represent members of wider society, regardless of their nationality.
3.3 She Must Be Manly
Upon receiving the responses, the first approach taken was one that focused on identifying trends in the language used to describe butch lesbians. Perhaps the most prominent trend out of all responses was the referral to the words ‘male’, ‘manly’ and ‘masculine’. Out of the 85 responses, 63 contained such words that were used to describe a butch lesbian. Though there are plenty of instances (see survey responses in appendices) that contain references to the words male, manly and masculinity; I will present a few that can be analysed and used to outline the presence of heteronormativity and stereotyping in today’s society. With one male respondent stating that a butch lesbian is,
“Manly [with] more "male" qualities over "female" qualities.”
he insinuates that a butch has more male qualities as opposed to that considered female, and therefore somewhat denies her of her femininity. Similarly, a female respondent reveals an opinion that takes a biological stance;
“A butch lesbian is a woman with the mindset and mannerisms of a man. They have a male core in their brain and tend to think more masculine than feminine. On the opposite ends of the spectrum are femmes, who maintain a more female mindset.” By believing that butch lesbians have a “male core” in their brain again strips the butch of her femininity and assumes that she is less of a female than someone who perhaps presents themselves differently. This particular notion is identifiable in other responses, with some assuming that butches are more,
28 | Page “(...) in touch with their masculine side more than their feminine side.” and are “masculine in appearance/tough-looking.”
Keeping with the vision of a butch being masculine in appearance and demeanour, a further male respondent added that a butch,
“(...) attempt[s] to look more manly, in clothing, appearance, attitude and behaviour…”.
Interestingly, another male from the same age group supported this idea. Whilst it’s the case that many responses to the survey, including those aforementioned, can be viewed as problematic, these opinions are particularly troublesome because they are suggesting the butch lesbian wants to resemble a man. Thinking back to the words of Lee, if we assume that a butch wants to be a man or be manly, we are reinforcing gender norms and rejecting anybody who does not fit the binary.52 Similarly, it could be argued that opinions such as these are based on heteronormative presumptions which are therefore pressuring and marginalising lesbians and resulting in them giving up their female identities and transitioning. It is also useful to highlight that this viewpoint was visible in responses that didn’t use the words male, manly or masculine. With at least two respondents answering with “not feminine”, it is again reiterated that butch lesbians are disassociated with femininity.
3.4 The Butch in Love
The abovementioned quotes were easily linked to the presence and issues of heteronormativity and this pattern continues in other ways when reviewing the survey responses. Continuing with the view that butch lesbians adopt male traits, some respondents commented on the role of a butch in a lesbian relationship. One younger female stated that a butch is,
“The one in the relationship who acts masculine…” while a male of the same age asserted that she is,
52Lee, A. (2009). The Role of Butch/Femme Relationships in Transgender Activism: A Co-Dependent
29 | Page “The more dominant female in the lesbian couple.”
Furthermore, another female in the youngest category stated that a butch, “…prefers to date femme women.”
Each of these responses and indeed any responses that gave reference to relationship roles, all asserted that a butch lesbian is “the male partner in the relationship” and moreover, that a butch would be paired with and attracted to feminine identifying women only. These opinions can be classified as heteronormative because they are assuming that a lesbian relationship must mirror heterosexual dynamics. Further, they evidence the belief that if a woman physically presents herself in ways that are considered masculine, she must also have a masculine personality and therefore take the “more dominant” role in a relationship.
With a female in the older category stating that a butch is, “The male partner in the relationship”
it could be argued that there is a resemblance to outlooks and dynamics that were especially common between the years of 1950 and 1970, when it is noted that butch/femme relationships were ‘critical’ in the lesbian community.53 Being aged between 65-74, this particular respondent did live through this era. So, it could be argued that she has retained an outlook that was popular at this time, therefore creating a possible link between this opinion and her generation and age group. Albeit, if returning to the other responses previously quoted in this segment, it is relevant to state that each person shares the same viewpoint and they have lived through different eras and generations. Bearing this in mind, it may be concluded that whilst perceptions and beliefs surrounding butch/femme dynamics were on the rise in earlier decades, they have continued to remain in wider society in years to follow.
Reciting the findings of those such as Levitt and Hiestand along with the results of a research project conducted by myself, it should be reiterated that the expectation of butch/femme relationships can often be damaging to the butch lesbian; as it is not always the case that masculine presenting lesbians are attracted or compatible with their opposites. Therefore, when a butch does not conform to the stereotype, she can be left with feelings of
30 | Page inadequacy and confusion.54 Similarly, it could be contended that those who deviate from the butch/femme dynamics are likely to experience negative reactions and be subject to homonormative views from others in the lesbian community. Thus it will be relevant to explore the perceptions with regard to butch/butch relationships when reviewing and analysing the interviews in the section to follow.
3.5 How to Be Butch
3.5.1 Looking Butch
The quotes already offered in this chapter do reveal some instances in which people perceive butches to act or appear a certain way, usually being linked to male traits or attire. When reviewing the collected responses, it became apparent that clothing choices, physical appearance and personal interests were a very common theme. In terms of clothing and physical appearance, people believe that a butch is,
“More athletic, muscular with really short hair” and likewise, one who wears
"(...) men's" pants and loose fitting tops.” A further participant shared her view of butches being,
“Thicker girls, short haircut, wearing "male" clothing aka basketball shorts, cuoff t-shirts, cargo shorts, has a deeper voice.”
This trend continues with females between the ages of 25 and 34 stating that,
“(...) a 'butch' lesbian is a very masculine female, in every way. Walk, dress, hair, mannerisms.”
and one who is,
“A real hard ass.”
54 Williams, J. Too Straight for the Gays and too Gay for the Straights and Hiestand, K., & Levitt, H. Butch Identity Development: The Formation of an Authentic Gender.
31 | Page Without doubt, an image that is commonly conjured of the butch lesbian is one who wears clothing that is aimed at the male sex. This is not inaccurate and does indeed reflect the image of many butch lesbians. For instance, if entering the words, “butch lesbian” into a popular search engine, the first one hundred images returned consist of women who have short hair, some wearing tank tops with bound chests, riding motorcycles and in some cases, are overweight or “thicker”; as suggested by one of the respondents. Images A and B give insight into some of the images that are offered.55
A. B.
With these images being a mere couple out of hundreds that represent and signify the butch image, it could be contended that views such as those evidenced in the above quotes are justified. However, by automatically assuming that butch means “short hair[ed]”, “thicker”, women who tend to be “brave” and a “real hard ass”, society are reinforcing the labels and stereotypes that restrict and affect many butch lesbians who do not fully fit such moulds.
Interestingly, two answers to the survey reveal a perception of butches who choose “traditional American dress” and “[a] leather coat/ 50's greaser.” Perhaps a coincidence, or perhaps not but these respondents are both in the older age categories and both provide a very distinct description which seems to resemble the butch figure who was present during the 1960s, as depicted by Newton.56 Again, it could be assumed that those from the older generation have retained the image of the butch who began to embrace her identity in years following the second world war. Albeit, with an 18-24 year old who imagining a butch lesbian to have,
“Short hair, motorcycle jackets [and be] brave [and] outspoken.”
55 (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2017, from http://s1.zetaboards.com/L_Anon/topic/8013125/18/ and MainelyButch.
(2015, March 02). Butch Lesbians Don’t Exist….Huh? Retrieved June 5, 2017, from https://mainelybutch.wordpress.com/2015/03/02/butch-lesbians-dont-exist-huh/
32 | Page it is difficult to presume that butch appearance stereotypes are only present amongst those in older age groups.
3.5.2 Butch Hobbies
Not only is a butch expected to physically present and dress herself in a way considered masculine, it is also believed that she is inclined to have ‘masculine’ personal interests too. This is something that has shown to be believed by younger respondents. One female, aged 25-34, stated:
“I usually assume 'butch' lesbians don't have the same interests as me (a straight female) such as fashion, romance novels or movies, baking, or other types of 'girly' things. Since the appearance is more masculine, associated to the male, I would assume the person is more interested in 'male' areas and dismissive of female likes, interests, and so on.”
Meanwhile, two further females of the same age group suggested that a butch is,
“Good at DIY.” and has “…an interest in "masculine things" like cars and power t tools.”
These particular quotes again reiterate the presence of restrictive stereotypes that are possibly founded on heteronormative concepts. With all three of the above respondents belonging to a younger age group, it is impossible to claim that stereotyping of the butch stems from older generations. The first quote listed above is of particularly interest as it again justifies the argument that butches are often stripped of their feminine identities. Assuming that a butch female does not enjoy the same interests as a feminine female insinuates that by choosing male intended clothing, a butch automatically enrols herself in hobbies and interests that are presumed only appealing for someone of the male sex. This heteronormative view is also identifiable by others, with the assumption that “cars and power tools” are to only be embraced by men. This, therefore proves the restrictions that are implemented by society. What if a woman prefers to wear male intended clothing but she does in fact enjoy baking
33 | Page and reading romance novels? Likewise, what happens when a butch lesbian is not good at DIY and has no interest in cars?
A further presumption was offered by a Non Binary person aged between 25 and 34 who stated that,
“Sometimes they will realize they are actually trans men.”
It may be the case then that if, as predicted, a butch lesbian does enjoy power tools and cars and does not show any interest in hobbies presumed to be for “straight women”, she feels inclined to identify as male and therefore realise that they are a trans man. This argument that could potentially go unjustified as there are of course many FTM individuals who genuinely need to identify as male. However, it may be the case that some feel forced to identify as male because they can relate to the expectations attached to their butch label.
3.6 Conclusion
Before proceeding to review and conclude on each of the themes discussed in this chapter, it is important to highlight that some responses were more informed and less heteronormative, therefore promoting a positive perception of the butch lesbian. One younger female stated that butches are:
“Lesbian girls that don't act and dress and behave feminine, according to the norms of this society considering femininity. A more masculine girl.”
This person reiterates the masculine associations to the butch but recognises that gender norms are socially constructed. Similarly, another female answered:
“Butch? To me it means a woman who likes to dress a bit more masculine, without undermining her femininity. Butch women appear stronger on the exterior, but people need to learn not to judge a book by its cover and automatically presume they want to be men. It's simply a style, as it wearing croc shoes. Not to everyone's taste but it shouldn't stop people from wearing them.”
Finally, a third female shows the acceptance for a butch lesbian to exist without having to transition to the opposite sex by describing a butch as,
34 | Page “(...) a woman [who] styles and behaves masculine but doesn't have any desire to become male instead of female.”
Each of these answers shows a consideration for the butch lesbian and her right to be feminine and/or masculine should she so wish. Therefore, these particular respondents do in some ways, evidence that not every person in wider society carries perceptions that can be considered negative or heteronormative.
Though some can positively describe a butch lesbian, others do not agree. Of the responses provided, two people asserted that the word butch is insulting and should not be used to describe anybody. Perhaps this opinion is justified if reviewing some responses that could be taken offensively. With two of the youngest participants depicting a butch as,
“[a] redneck version of lesbian. Purposely trying to look like a man.” and one who is
“(...) angry and ha[s] a lot of attitude towards others.”
it is certainly possible to understand why people may view the word butch as a negative label. With someone referring to the word ‘redneck’, we are instantly taken back to the events described in “Cherry Grove, Fire Island”, where ‘dykes’ were viewed as a lesser class member of the community.57 More responses that could be equally as offensive are those implying that a butch lesbian identifies as she does because she “(...) can’t get a man.” Furthermore, one female implies that a butch is “frumpy”; thus reiterating the “dyke slump” that Newton refers to.58 Lastly, more than one respondent has asserted that a butch lesbian is aggressive, angry and unsociable which contributes to the formation of a negative stereotype. When reviewing the responses, is interesting to once again highlight the age categories; being that most of the insults and more negative perceptions have been given by the youngest people to complete the survey.
Having created and cascaded The Butch Survey with the intention of determining the types of perceptions present in modern society, it has been possible to uncover and reveal the
57 Newton, E. Cherry Grove, Fire Island: Sixty Years in America's First Gay and Lesbian Town. 58 Abelove, H., & Barale, M A. Just One of the Boys: Lesbians in Cherry Grove.
