"Butch" and "Femme" - Truly Antiquated Terms or More Marginalization?

[AtLast]

My experience as of late with more lesbian groupings has been positive in terms of my being a butch. Nothing like what I remember in the 1970's when a butch or femme was given a lot of flack from political lesbians. Interesting, as I do have a lesbian couple living across the street from me that trips when seeing me in a tux or suit. But, they are the exceptions. I actually feel more marginialized within the B-F community much of the time.

Something that has occured to me is that I am simply comfortable with myself and butch presentation. I engage with people no matter what group is present. Sure, I see a few of those glances at times, but, I look past these and talk with people and leave the chips behind. What I find is that a look is just that, a look and when someone finds that I am just like every one else in terms of communication, interersts, goals, experiences, etc., we don't have to remain stuck in labels, but relate as human beings.

Yes, we have gone through a lot of crap through the years, however, I am not going to assume or pre-judge what someone else that does not know me might do or say. I just don't navigate the world based upon a defensive stance. If something comes up, I'll deal with it then.