Masculine-presenting
To be masculine-presenting or butch is basically about challenging the traditional binary female gender role and expression. The term "butch" is sometimes used to describe a non-binary gender on its own, as a large number of LGBTQIA+ people have a complex relationship with gender.
The basics and some history
Most likely, the term butch derives from the word butcher, because red meat is associated with masculinity. The contemporary concept of butch gained a formal identity in the 1940s-1950s American underground working-class lesbian bars, where the "butch-femme" (feminine-presenting woman) dynamic mirrored the expected gender norms of mainstream society. In fact, according to some commentators, butch-femme is nothing but a replication of the traditional heterosexual relationship.
Other people argue that butch-femme actually challenges heterosexual relationship patterns, although it somewhat resonates with them. However, a large number of lesbian women are in butch-butch or femme-femme relationships.
Being butch is not just about presentation and the way a woman dresses. It can also be about lifestyle, having more "masculine" interests, such as motorcycles, as well as taking on traditionally masculine roles and jobs - blacksmith, mechanic, etc.
Flags and symbols
There’s a multitude of butch pride flags and symbols. The most popular flag that has seven horizontal stripes whose colors are different shades of orange, was created by Tumblr user butchspace in 2017.
The most popular butch symbol was designed in 2014 by a group of non-binary people from Brazil. It was inspired by the male symbol, the only difference is that the butch symbol has longer prongs.
What pronouns are normally used?
There are also lots of gender-neutral pronouns in use. The most common set of such pronouns is "they/them/their".
But there are a few neopronouns you might or might not have heard of, which have been becoming increasingly popular among LGBTQIA+ people: "ze/hir/hirs", «ey/em/eir", "xe/xem/xyr", etc.
If you want to overcome your doubts and know for sure what set of pronouns your masculine-presenting friend or coworker prefers, it’s totally okay if you ask them this question politely.
Coming out as a butch
Every butch’s coming out story is different. But all of these stories do have something in common - there’s always a bit of anxiety before opening up to others. Coming out is also liberating, without a doubt - it’s the first step to live openly and authentically.
Sadly, things can get extremely hard for some women who decide to come out as a butch. Or, in some places, coming out could even mean putting yourself in great danger. Throughout your coming out process, it’s normal to feel from scared, confused, vulnerable, uncertain to brave, proud, and empowered. Here are some tips that will help you have a successful coming out journey:
- Be prepared to different people’s different reactions - they could be warmly accepting, neutral, or cold and judgemental;
- Make a coming out plan - who, when, and how to approach first, next, and so on;
- Being patient is important - just like it took time to many of us to figure out our sexual orientation and/or gender identity, it may take some people time to accept this information;
- Remember that you are not alone - if you need extra help, your sources of support can be an LGBT hotline, a counselor, or other LGBT people who already live openly.
What are some ways to support masculine-presenting coworkers, family, or friends?
Undoubtedly, humanity has made enormous progress with regards to recognizing LGBT rights as human rights - there’s a multitude of organizations fighting for LGBTIA+ equality in the realms of employment, healthcare, education; as of 2020, same-sex marriage was legal in 37 U.S. states.
But we can never lose sight of how much work still needs to be done.
A considerable number of masculine-presenting women are still at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation; many young butches report feeling unsafe at school because of their gender expression.
You can help reduce this discrimination and stand up for butches’ rights by taking these steps:
- Listen to them with empathy and warmth, always take them seriously;
- Support businesses that have inclusive policies towards their LGBTIA+ employees;
- If your masculine-presenting friend or family member feels unsafe at school or in the workplace because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, do the best you can to put an end to this bullying;
- Keep looking for more information about masculine-presenting women by checking out LGBTQIA+ websites, watching videos, finding any other resources, and spread that information.