[AlexHunter]

Hey there, Fanbutch! How 'bout them... Braves? O.o

It seems people have already stated my sentiments: the definition of butch is subjective and up to personal interpretation - this would mean that for me, it's an umbrella of presentations.

I've recently been incorporating more bright colors into my wardrobe... and I'm proud of it! Black, white, gray, and the occasional green or red were the only colors I wore for years. It's been exciting to wear colors like burgandy and indigo and yellow and, yes, even pink. When I was younger, I was absorbed with the idea of being society's idea of an acceptable "butch," but - to quote Ivan E Coyote (in "A Butch Roadmap") - "(We) are a rare species, not a stereotype."

I love clothes shopping. In fact, I love it so much that I've actually used it in place of something therapeutic during times of tragedy. I don't think this makes me less butch. It's not my primary method of consolation, but even if it was, it wouldn't revoke my butch card. I (like most of us) was raised being forced to wear "girl clothes" ; as soon as I could buy "guy clothes," I... think I went buck wild and never went back.

I'm going to take things a step further and say I like wearing my clothes on the tighter side. I'm rather slim and slightly tall; baggy clothes look ridiculous on me. I am assumed male most of the time and have been told people either think I'm a hipster, a rock band singer, or a twink when I'm in my casual wear. I like to incorporate the formal with the casual as much as possible.

So yeah, I preen. I watch what I eat and cut my own hair, too. I also own a remodeling business, drive a big truck, am on the hunt for a motorcycle, know a little bit about vehicular restoration and repairs, drink beer and shots almost exclusively, am sexually dominant, usually dislike "rom coms" (but I definitely dig the term you invented), always felt more like one of the guys than one of the girls, shave my face, bind, sometimes pack, and only date femmes.

The last paragraph represents things that might make other people call me butch - NOT the exact traits or sentiments of butches who are not me. I define myself as butch because I feel it is a term that suits me, both in its meaning of masculine and its place in queer history. I also define myself as butch, in part, because of the dynamic I like sharing with femmes.

What I'm trying to say through sharing my personal experience is: be your own definition of butch. If "butch" is a term you want to claim for yourself, do it. Own it. Rock it proudly and look damn good doing it... bright colors and all.