Are butches really a dying breed?

[Dub]

For me, I didn't claim the identity of Butch until I was 40 years old and that's mostly because of the idea that I didn't want to be labeled, and therefore, stereotyped. It wasn't until I attended Butch Voices in 2010 where I learned about some of our history and finally felt like there are others out there whom I could relate to that I proudly embraced the Butch identity.

Where I am in the US (the Pacific Northwest), it seems as thought the younger generation would rather define themselves as Genderqueer these days. I wonder, though, if they knew more about our history whether they would feel the same as I and claim that identity as part of themselves.

Growing up, I didn't have any Butch role models so finding them later in life helped me find that part of me. Does that make sense?

So, what I'm trying to get at is, perhaps there are Butches out there who just haven't come to yet claim their identity. At least that's what I'd like to believe rather then the think about us dying away.

[Femminator]

I was pretty darn happy to see several baby butches at the new coffee shop in the library by my house. One is half owner with her father, she is maybe 24or so. I don't believe that Butch is dying, I just think that the younger gen does not use that term much anymore. Kinda like the new 'Steampunk' dressing of the 00's, is actually the old New Wave dressing of the 80's . Same thing, different word.

[laruss]

Originally Posted by Femminator

I was pretty darn happy to see several baby butches at the new coffee shop in the library by my house. One is half owner with her father, she is maybe 24or so. I don't believe that Butch is dying, I just think that the younger gen does not use that term much anymore. Kinda like the new 'Steampunk' dressing of the 00's, is actually the old New Wave dressing of the 80's . Same thing, different word.

I think it might also be cultural. I was talking to a Butch friend at home and she does not identify as Butch, she identifies as Dyke. She has been a part of the Community in my home town for over 20 years and said that Butch is not a common term. I was surprised at this as I have not been a part of that community for long, but I have been a part of many others in different areas of the country and Butch is a term that is very much alive and well.

There are many women in that community that I would identify as Butch, but the term Butch is not what they are using to describe themselves.

I would love to do a poll on personal identities and then cross reference to see how many are involved in other communities and whether that influences their personal identity.

I know I am a huge geek, you don't have to tell me.

[TruTexan]

I think it's a geographical issue that some of us in more rural areas don't see femmes or butches out and about. I think it's more that there are larger communities that we choose to live in like Montrose in Houston, or other areas that are gay friendly possibly. I live an hour outside of Dallas in a small East Tx town that you could say HEE HAW VILLE. Population is less than 2,000. I"m the only lesbian in my town, I've never seen any others, butch or femme. Everyone around here is straight , trust me, I've asked around town. I'm all alone in HEE HAW VILLE and would love to find community here. I don't venture out to Dallas, tooo much traffic to deal with and I don't hang in bars or clubs. I'd rather hang out with folks at home and play card games, watch football together, boardgames, bbq, etc. Lots more fun to me to actually hang out and chat with folks..... than sit around and drink in a bar, get drunk and try to dance which is not my thing. I'm more of a introvert I guess. LOL
Are butches a dying breed....I don't think so....This Butch is VERY MUCH STILL AROUND and KICKING.

[Redsunflower]

What a dreadful thought, this thread is freaking me out.

[The_Lady_Snow]

Originally Posted by Redsunflower

What a dreadful thought, this thread is freaking me out.

Don't freak out!!! There's a few of them at the Winn Dixie right now....

[Redsunflower]

Originally Posted by The_Lady_Snow

Don't freak out!!! There's a few of them at the Winn Dixie right now....

Phew, thank goodness for that, I can breathe again!

[NitroChrys_Butch]

Originally Posted by Dub

For me, I didn't claim the identity of Butch until I was 40 years old and that's mostly because of the idea that I didn't want to be labeled, and therefore, stereotyped. It wasn't until I attended Butch Voices in 2010 where I learned about some of our history and finally felt like there are others out there whom I could relate to that I proudly embraced the Butch identity.

Where I am in the US (the Pacific Northwest), it seems as thought the younger generation would rather define themselves as Genderqueer these days. I wonder, though, if they knew more about our history whether they would feel the same as I and claim that identity as part of themselves.

Growing up, I didn't have any Butch role models so finding them later in life helped me find that part of me. Does that make sense?

So, what I'm trying to get at is, perhaps there are Butches out there who just haven't come to yet claim their identity. At least that's what I'd like to believe rather then the think about us dying away.

I proudly embrace the Butch identify. I have had the influence of a Butch Mentor who has taken the time to explain the history. It should never be forgotten. And, I agree that younger butches don't know the history because they don't want to or they don't realize its importance.

I think it is human nature to stereotype someone and put them in a box with a neat little label. While some might find comfort in that label, for MOST it is limiting. Whatever works. Sometimes, I think there is too much protest about a label. Wear it. Twist it. Flaunt it. Make it your OWN. OWN it ... create the label around yourself.

I don't believe it for a moment that butches are dying out. We are not dinosaurs. Perhaps, people's perceptions are changing and evolving. People evolve. We don't die out. We are adaptable and it may be all that label twisting that is muddying the waters a bit.

I am here. I am proud of the history. I ain't goin' anywhere and neither are My brothers.