Stud/ Butch

Stud/ Butch, are two terms that share the same meaning and are used to describe a masculine lesbian. The definition of a Stud is “a human male viewed as very successful with women.” This same concept has become adapted in the lesbian community amongst women who are Studs. Studs/ Butches, are known for “having a way with the ladies,” and being able to “sweet talk,” or “gain” the attention of other lesbians and sometimes of heterosexual women as well. Generally, most women who identify as being a Stud/ Butch lesbian prefer to wear men’s clothing. In contrast to Femmes who can be confused as heterosexual women, Studs/ Butches are easier to identify. Since these women assume the more dominate role in a lesbian relationship, Studs/ Butches, are viewed as the “male” figure and provider for their partner or family. Studs/ Butches are women who are strong, masculine and aggressive. Their affirmed identity challenges social constructs of gender, and the parallels between masculinity and femininity.

The women who identify and relate to either label influence the difference between the terms of Stud/ Butch. Stereotypically, Stud is used to describe a Black, Hispanic, Asian and any other lesbian who is a minority. The term Butch is used to denote white lesbian women or non-minorities. Though the terms make distinct racial reference they both suggest the same meanings, beliefs, actions and roles these women play in lesbianism. Studs/ Butches are women who feel more “comfortable” either dressing like a boy/ man or wearing loose clothing. A number of these women have similar interests as men including: watching sports, hanging with buddies and being a superior performer in the bedroom. These characteristics draw attention to diverse lesbian behavior. However, they do not limit these interests to any other women besides Stud/ Butch lesbians.

Lesbian women who identify as Stud/ Butch, challenge social norms or constructs that implement gender. Society tries to shape the identity of women. Thus, gender predetermines, women’s interests, actions, beliefs, lifestyles, sexual experiences, and appearances. Most Stud/ Butch lesbian women do not meet the social standards that define a woman or a female. Stud/Butch women are lesbians who are attracted to women. They are more masculine, and are mainly dominate and in control of a relationship. Some Stud/ Butch women prefer to watch sports than romantic dramas, or cooking shows. Also, most lesbians who are masculine choose men’s clothing over women’s clothing. Considering these representations, evidently, Stud/ Butch lesbians deconstruct the idea of gender in their own community. Though masculine lesbians avert the idea of gender they still realize they are women. Studs/ Butches do not try and become men; instead they are more connected with masculinity than femininity, even though they possess both traits.

*Stud/ Butch lesbians are defined as masculine women who are sexually attracted to other women. They challenge the cultural definition of femininity and express their own ideas of masculinity. In researching for this blog I noticed that many Studs/ Butches feel completely comfortable in men’s clothing. Many Studs/ Butches try and “act” or “look” hard because they feel as if they have to maintain a dominant and intimidating appeal in order to gain respect and get attention from other lesbians. Also, lesbians who identify as Stud/ Butch create gender roles that are more masculine than feminine.

Work Cited:

Interview-

K. Smith, Interviewed by N. Smith, Tape Recording, Norton MA, November 3, 2009

Internet Source-

Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved, accessed November 3, 2009

www.dictionary.com

Video Clip-

Bedroombullyboi, Sexiest Doms/ Studs/FTM’s

2009, Youtube clip, One True Media, 04min

Image-

Studzlife101, Pookz and DZ

Youtube Images, One True Media