GENDER WITHIN LESBIAN SEXUALITY: BUTCH AND FEMME PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

In this article, we examine descriptions of sexuality from “butch” and “femme”-identified women, providing an understanding of how these genders influence sexual relationships. We describe how constructivist and essentialist tensions are intertwined as both sets of women argue that some aspects of their lesbian genders are intrinsic to their sense of self, while other aspects are socially constructed. In the analysis, lesbian sexuality and these gender identities appeared to interact in three main ways, by creating a system of sexuality that (1) validates discredited gender experiences, (2) recognizes the different types of power affiliated with butch and femme gender, and (3) affirms and asserts political values.