My Blog is inspired by a trip to Six Flags with a group of friends where the theme of the day was “Out at the Park.” The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community was largely represented and people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds/ cultures, and genders participated in the event. As I waited in line for rides and walked through the park I became both interested and aware of lesbian mannerism, dress, and the way in which they interact with each other. For this blog I am going to focus on Lesbian Culture and the various classifications and identities that are created and distributed to lesbians by communal practices. In particular, why do lesbians classify themselves as either a “stud,” “stem,” or a “femme” and how do they make these distinctions? Why do some lesbians choose to wear men’s clothing? How do lesbians organize gender roles and transfer between characters of masculinity and femininity? Also, how do lesbians relate and respond to other lesbians who share the same identification?
During the course of this blog I am going to try and find answers to some of the questions I have and gain a better understanding of Lesbian Culture. My goal is to obtain multiple perspectives and individual beliefs and reflections on this culture as a way to eradicate social stereotypes and misunderstandings of Lesbian Culture and practice. One of the main sources I am going to reference is the Internet, looking at different youtube clips, videos and posts.
Work Cited:
Observation-
Six Flags New England, “Out at the Park,” Saturday September 19, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Curves+ Muscles= Lesbian Bodies
In some ways the body is related to gender and in many ways it is related to culture and how a person identifies. From an anthropological view the body and peoples understanding of the body is culturally mediated or constructed (Torres, Wheaton College Lecture, October 30, 2009). Therefore, the meaning a person gives to their body is culturally defined. When individuals construct or experience their bodies, the main distinguishable element is the function of gender roles. The male and female bodies have different gender roles that are shaped by society. Female bodies symbolize a women’s femininity and her ability to carry a child. In contrast, a male body is a reflection of male dominance, power and control (Torres, Wheaton College Lecture, October 30, 2009). In the lesbian community, body image becomes a representation of what and how roles are performed. Similar to gender, the image of the female body is challenged within the lesbian identity. Lesbian women create their separate ideas of what the female body should look like and how it should be represented in their own community and societies.
Within the lesbian community the female body has multiple representations. Lesbians with the same label may view their bodies in similar ways and also construct their body to fit that particular image. Since most femme lesbians confirm their femininity in the way they dress and how they act, their bodies conform to their already established identity. As a result, many femme lesbians share the same traits as heterosexual women. In American culture women have to be thin to be considered beautiful. Many women put themselves on extensive diets and participant in numerous exercise programs to help maintain their form and shape. Not to say all lesbian femmes go on diets or exercise, however, their idea of beauty is focused on how “good” a female body looks. A “good” female body is “fit, thin, has curves in all the right places, has sex appeal, has delicate features and soft skin.”
Often, the more masculine lesbians or the Studs/ Butches do not follow the constructed image of the female body. Instead, their appearance is a representation of their “actual body.” Some masculine lesbians appear to be more muscular and into the male construction of the body. Since they assume the more dominant role in a relationship or within the community they have to construct their body around the image of a man because men are more dominant and masculine than women. Although Stud/ Butch lesbians do not feel a need to represent their bodies in the female mold, they do however follow the male mold. In this sense, the “desired body,” or the way they want to exist is an embodiment of male standards and masculinity (Torres, Wheaton College Lecture, October 30, 2009).
*In this blog the body is a way in which culture and cultural structure is mediated through society. Both the female and male bodies are socially controlled and constructed. Culture suggests how the body should look, feel, be represented and culturally as well as socially understood. This blog emphasizes how lesbians create their own forms of female bodies. Lesbian body image deconstructs the ideal female body image and represents the “desired” through the “actual.”
Work Cited:
Interview-
J. Young, Interviewed by N. Smith, Internet Interview, Via Email and Instant Message, December 8, 2009
Internet Article-
Friedrichs, Ellen
Ask.com, “Do Gay & Lesbian Teens Worry About Body Image?” Internet document
http://gayteens.about.com/od/sexuality/f/body_image.htm, accessed December 9, 2009
Within the lesbian community the female body has multiple representations. Lesbians with the same label may view their bodies in similar ways and also construct their body to fit that particular image. Since most femme lesbians confirm their femininity in the way they dress and how they act, their bodies conform to their already established identity. As a result, many femme lesbians share the same traits as heterosexual women. In American culture women have to be thin to be considered beautiful. Many women put themselves on extensive diets and participant in numerous exercise programs to help maintain their form and shape. Not to say all lesbian femmes go on diets or exercise, however, their idea of beauty is focused on how “good” a female body looks. A “good” female body is “fit, thin, has curves in all the right places, has sex appeal, has delicate features and soft skin.”
Often, the more masculine lesbians or the Studs/ Butches do not follow the constructed image of the female body. Instead, their appearance is a representation of their “actual body.” Some masculine lesbians appear to be more muscular and into the male construction of the body. Since they assume the more dominant role in a relationship or within the community they have to construct their body around the image of a man because men are more dominant and masculine than women. Although Stud/ Butch lesbians do not feel a need to represent their bodies in the female mold, they do however follow the male mold. In this sense, the “desired body,” or the way they want to exist is an embodiment of male standards and masculinity (Torres, Wheaton College Lecture, October 30, 2009).
*In this blog the body is a way in which culture and cultural structure is mediated through society. Both the female and male bodies are socially controlled and constructed. Culture suggests how the body should look, feel, be represented and culturally as well as socially understood. This blog emphasizes how lesbians create their own forms of female bodies. Lesbian body image deconstructs the ideal female body image and represents the “desired” through the “actual.”
Work Cited:
Interview-
J. Young, Interviewed by N. Smith, Internet Interview, Via Email and Instant Message, December 8, 2009
Internet Article-
Friedrichs, Ellen
Ask.com, “Do Gay & Lesbian Teens Worry About Body Image?” Internet document
http://gayteens.about.com/od/sexuality/f/body_image.htm, accessed December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Gender in the Lesbian Community
Sex and gender are two diverse terms that have different meanings. A human beings sex is not their gender. Sex is a biological distinction and difference that determines a male and female. In contrast, a person’s gender consists of traits and behaviors that are culturally assigned between male and females (Torres, Wheaton College Lecture, October 28, 2009). The focus of lesbian identity is based on gender considering all lesbians share the same sex distinction. Gender as a cultural construct defines women as feminine, beautiful, assertive, soft, appealing to men and submissive. The lesbian identity challenges these constructions because not all lesbian women fit the cultural and societal forms of femininity. In addition, gender does not function in all lesbian identities because the ideal conception of how gender looks, acts and conforms to society is subverted by everyday practices.
Lesbian identity works to create individual identities that are self and communally constructed rather than socially and culturally constructed. Gender works by how society, the media, different cultures and the government determine what gender should be. People’s identities are shaped by how gender is represented and presented to them at an early age (Torres, Wheaton College Lecture, October 28, 2009). For most lesbians, during the time of sexual development they realize that they do not fit or perform the roles of gender they have been taught. Stud/ Butch lesbians who wear men’s clothing and prefer dominance and masculinity realize this difference in gender.
Since Studs/ Butch lesbians are more masculine than Femme lesbians they are able to challenge gender in multiple ways. Gender states that women are supposed to wear women’s clothing. Clothing stores have two separate departments where men and women can shop beginning with infants and ending in adults. As these distinctions are culturally assigned, it is expected for both genders to follow the construction and shop in their designated section. Gender is also challenged in lesbian relationships. Men have been deemed the more dominant figures and women are viewed as passive and submissive. In a lesbian relationship one woman is dominant and the other is passive, or two women are passive and two women are dominant. Lesbian women create their own cultural practices where they are able to exercise their notion and definition of gender through various ideas, tasks and roles.
*The difference between sex and gender is based on a biological distinction of sex and also the difference in behaviors and traits. Lesbian women challenge the differences in gender because they are not influenced by the way society shapes the female model of gender. Gender as a cultural construct limits the way females are required to act and what roles they are expected to play. As a lesbian, gender roles are reversed or shared so that gender does not become limiting but supportive of ones identity.
Work Cited:
Internet Article-
Plymire, Darcy C.
2000 Review: Teaching Gender in Lesbian and Gay Studies
pp. 174-180
http://www.jstor.org/pss/4316716
Lesbian identity works to create individual identities that are self and communally constructed rather than socially and culturally constructed. Gender works by how society, the media, different cultures and the government determine what gender should be. People’s identities are shaped by how gender is represented and presented to them at an early age (Torres, Wheaton College Lecture, October 28, 2009). For most lesbians, during the time of sexual development they realize that they do not fit or perform the roles of gender they have been taught. Stud/ Butch lesbians who wear men’s clothing and prefer dominance and masculinity realize this difference in gender.
Since Studs/ Butch lesbians are more masculine than Femme lesbians they are able to challenge gender in multiple ways. Gender states that women are supposed to wear women’s clothing. Clothing stores have two separate departments where men and women can shop beginning with infants and ending in adults. As these distinctions are culturally assigned, it is expected for both genders to follow the construction and shop in their designated section. Gender is also challenged in lesbian relationships. Men have been deemed the more dominant figures and women are viewed as passive and submissive. In a lesbian relationship one woman is dominant and the other is passive, or two women are passive and two women are dominant. Lesbian women create their own cultural practices where they are able to exercise their notion and definition of gender through various ideas, tasks and roles.
*The difference between sex and gender is based on a biological distinction of sex and also the difference in behaviors and traits. Lesbian women challenge the differences in gender because they are not influenced by the way society shapes the female model of gender. Gender as a cultural construct limits the way females are required to act and what roles they are expected to play. As a lesbian, gender roles are reversed or shared so that gender does not become limiting but supportive of ones identity.
Work Cited:
Internet Article-
Plymire, Darcy C.
2000 Review: Teaching Gender in Lesbian and Gay Studies
pp. 174-180
http://www.jstor.org/pss/4316716
Studz Life View on Labeling
Work Cited:
Video Clip-
Studzlife101, Labels
2008, Youtube Video clip, 04min, accessed December 4, 2009
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
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
Friday, November 6, 2009
Stemme
A lesbian, who identifies as a Stemme, retains traits from both Femme and Stud/ Butch lesbians. Stemmes are in the center of the lesbian spectrum of classification and identities. Therefore, it is considered natural or common for Stemme lesbians to share the same behaviors as women of two diverse identity groups. Often times, the Stemme identity is viewed as the “transitional” stage of lesbianism, when a lesbian woman goes from being a Femme to a Stud/ Butch, or (on rear occasions) from a Stud/ Butch to a Femme. The way a Femme dresses includes styles from both Femme and Stud/ Butch groups. They may prefer to wear loose jeans and a tight or fitted shirt. These women also transfer in and out of each identity. One way an exchange of identity exists is by wearing boys/ men’s clothing or by wearing girls/ women’s clothing. Another is the attitudes and roles a lesbian plays within a relationship.
A Stemme who is the dominant woman in a relationship or prefers to recognize their masculine identity associates herself more with her Stud/ Butch identity. Although she can also identify as a Femme, she either feels more comfortable as a Stud/ Butch, but still remains feminine. In contrast, a Stemme who is less dominant and inhibits feminine traits and characteristics may choose to identify more towards the Femme side of the identity. Stemme lesbians are not always easy to identify. They are more likely distinguishable when they portray the Stud/ Butch identity. If a Stemme is dressed as a Femme she may resemble a heterosexual woman or another Femme.
Individual identity is subject to change. With experience people grow and sometimes change is required. When lesbians decide to “transition” they change their sub-identity. If a lesbian is a Femme, but no longer wants to identify or prefers to act as the more dominant person in a relationship, it is common for her to become a Stemme before she becomes a Stud/ Butch. Both physically and socially it is easier to become a Stemme when changing identities because a lesbians style, demeanor, and preference have to become assimilated to their new identity. Though this can happen, it is not as common for a Stud/ Butch to transition into a Femme. Evidently the main reason this is true is because Studs/ Butches do not feel comfortable as Femmes. They do not like to limit themselves to women’s clothing and they like to play the more superior and dominant role in a relationship.
*In this blog the characteristic and behavioral difference between a Femme and a Stud is conjoined. The way a Femme or a Stud dresses is not the only way she can be identified. They can also be distinguished by their attitudes, actions and the way they interact with other people. A Stemme is the in-between identity of a Stud and Femme. She is apart of both groups and her identity is subject to change at anytime. A Stemme identity is often referred to as the transitional stage; however, some lesbian women remain a Stemme because they enjoy representing male and female dominance.
Youtube Stemmes, Interviewed by N. Smith, Online Interview, Via Email, November 5, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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
Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved, accessed November 3, 2009
Bedroombullyboi, Sexiest Doms/ Studs/FTM’s
2009, Youtube clip, One True Media, 04min
Studzlife101, Pookz and DZ
Youtube Images, One True Media
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