Lesbian Labels

In the Lesbian community labels are used to classify various types of Lesbians. These labels are based on appearance, preference, relationships, physical ability and sexual attraction. The labeling system for lesbian women challenges both masculinity and femininity in more ways than one. Although some lesbians prefer not to label themselves, different members of the community and people label them within society.

The following list is a few common Lesbian Labels that are used and exchanged within the system of labeling.

Lipstick Lesbian- A Lipstick Lesbian is a term used to describe a Femme who is attracted to another Femme lesbian. Within a Femme on Femme relationship, both women are equally considered feminine. The term lipstick is used as a symbol of representation of female identity and classification. Since wearing makeup is considered a female characteristic, considering most men do not wear makeup, the term lipstick is used as a general reference to lesbian femininity.

Soft Stud/Butch- A Soft Stud/Butch is a lesbian who is viewed as masculine but possesses feminine qualities. Though it is common for her to wear men’s clothing she may also choose to wear makeup, get her hair done, enjoy fashion and prefer romance. The general distinction of a Soft Stud/ Butch is between her attitude and appearance. Her attitude may be more masculine, however, her appearance and pleasures may be considered more feminine.

Aggressive Femme- An Aggressive Femme Lesbian is a Femme or feminine lesbian who plays the more dominant role in the relationship. She likes to be in control of everyday situations but is willing to become submissive to her partner. The term aggressive is used to describe her actions, most commonly denoted in the bedroom. The sexual connotation of the term aggressive in a lesbian relationship is used to refer to a woman who likes to initiate sex and sexual activities. Most Aggressive Femmes are attracted to Stud/ Butch lesbians and play dual roles within the relationship, challenging the “typical” qualities of masculinity and femininity.

Bulldyke Lesbian- A Bulldyke Lesbian is super masculine lesbian. The term of bulldyke refers to a bulldog. A lesbian is classified to as a Bulldyke when she no longer identifies with her feminine identity. Lesbians who have short hair; large muscles and other masculine qualities are Bulldykes. Evidently she assumes the dominant role in a lesbian relationship and is protective over her partner.

Bulldagger Lesbian- A Bulldagger Lesbian is an older term used to describe a Black or African American lesbian in prison. The term was used amongst women in prison as a derogatory name for black women. Often, Bulldagger Lesbians formed relationships with each other in prison and both women shared a dominant role. This relationship is now viewed as a Stud on Stud or Butch on Butch relationship where both women also assume dominant roles.

*While writing this blog I discovered that a labeling system is used in lesbian society. Creating labels is a form of social control because it allows people to be classified and grouped into categories according to how society defines them. In the lesbian community these labels are used to make distinctions between different types of lesbians. The lesbian identity as a unit is more complex than realized. Within the lesbian identity there are different sub-groups or categories lesbians classify themselves as, and within these sub-groups are inner groups that further define which type of lesbian a women is. These labels limit self-expression because lesbians have to conform to what their label suggests and how their label defines their classification.

Work Cited:
Internet Source-
Lesbian Labels, Myspace Blog, ©2003-2009 MySpace.com. All Rights Reserved, accessed November 5, 2009
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=167549542&blogId=243883286

Internet Source-
Gay Wallet, Team Bloggers, © 2009 Created by SistersTalk, accessed November 6, 2009
http://www.gaywallet.com/forum/topics/bulldyke-lipstick-lesbian