This is nudge to stay on the positive track. Good discussions are happening in the thread. Please keep it that way.

Kobi and Jess - you've made your points. Now let it go.

Thanks Malcolm (Moderator)

Old Butch Here
 

Hello

The history fiend in me wants to point out, that in the US at least, 'butch' was a blue collar, working class lesbian. Alot also refered to themselves as dykes. It's not a term you would ever have heard on a college campus, at least not an individual calling themselves such. Being called a butch was an insult-as it still is in some circles.

As for me, I'm blue collar and call myself a queer butch dyke. :)

I have no problem with the younger generations refering to themselves in other ways. Everyone should have to right to label-or NOT label-as their heart needs. I'm certainly not going to tell them otherwise.

No, I dont think 'butch' is a dying group.

Having said all that, I DO have a problem with college/universities lgbtq/queer/gender/womens studies programs who dont teach any damned thing about where we came from, who all those groups and activists are/were and all the SHIT some had to wade through to just survive. THAT seriously pisses me off.

To 'Butch Nod' Or To Not "Butch Nod'
 

I used to give a nod of recognition to lgbtq folks when I saw them around town, but then someone who knew me from meetings told me not too, as she didn't want other people seeing an "Obvious" dyke like myself acknowledging her. Gave people ideas. So now, it's always a debate with myself whether I should or not. Especially after getting a few horrified, offended looks from younger-as in college age-people. sigh...

I'm always over-joyed to acknowledge a butch nod though. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, lol.

It's good to know we're still still around.

From where I currently live and work (Philippines), butches have gotten more visible in the corporate world and other professional arenas, with few/some/lots of gray hair, and younger butches (the whole range of feminine/masculine-of-center) still in high school or uni. This wasn't always the case even as recent as 10-15 years ago. A few lesbians that I've met through the years have been terrified of being found out about who they want to love, lest they get booted out of their jobs (the academe, medical field, banking industry, etc). I found it insulting that butches were seen fit only to work on menial jobs. I'm happy to say that things ARE better now, but of course, it could still be better.

I know that where I am right now, the LGBTQ is still a long way off in being accorded Equal Rights in this country. But I heave a big sigh of relief and enjoy the feeling of triumph each time our lives are put in a positive light.

I do get the "nod" occasionally, from butches my age (40+) and because of its rarity, I get thrown off/surprised, then I nod back. Maybe I've conditioned myself to avoid eye contact with other butches based on numerous experiences in the last couple of years of getting a "back off from my girlfriend" stare in clubs. That's what I DON'T GET. The protective/aggressive stance of the younger butches around their partners, as if a femme cannot stand for herself.

Anyway, that's my two-cents here. Now I'm gonna go hang out at the femme zone - lots of interesting stuff there! :)

Ladies First
 

I still own my butch card... and sis(cis)men are still chasing me. Its no mystery that I kinda fall for the ones that have a womanly quality about them, shrugs.Good thread,interesting to read other peoples thoughts on what a butch is suppose to look or act like.Someone posted that we are like ice-cream flavors..genius :)
If that's true(I mean it makes sense )then i'm black liquorice.

:nothingtoadd:

I hope not. They're the only lesbians I've ever been attracted to.

Deborah