THE FEMININE VIEWPOINT

By Alison Hunter

"When I read descriptions of butch and femme I felt confused, because I knew I didn't fit those categories."

"The minute I walk into a bar, I get this 'Now-I-wonder-which-she-is" stare from the girls."

"Can't lesbians just be women? Do they have to be aggressive or passive?"

These and other pertinent questions brought into the discussion of lesbian partnerships at ONE's Midwinter Institute this year, stimulated the interest and attention of some 15 earnest young women faced with such issues in their everyday living. That the answers were not conclusive is hardly surprising; but it is important that the women were able to meet and discuss and strive for the answers to this important topic.

A butch is considered to be the aggressive, more masculine type of lesbian, the femme a more passive homosexual woman. In the butch-femme custom which exists in many strata of lesbian society, a partnership is usually considered to be formed of one of each type. This includes, however, many variations of the butch and femme roles. In some cases, the butch feels she must be the sole support of the household, must always take the aggressive role sexually and always dress as masculinely as possible. In other situations, the outward appearance is the same, but the butch

by and about women

is something of a gigolo being supported by the femme. Then, too, the separation between the two can be less extreme, with both members contributing financial support, sharing the housework, etc.

If a homosexual woman reads most so-called sociological studies of lesbians, patronizes the bars or has been in the armed forces, she may see this butch-femme custom very strongly marked. The individual may get the feeling that she must take one role or the other. If taking one role comes easily, then well and good. But is this as necessary and prevalent as would be led to think?

Definitely not, was the conclusion at ONE's Midwinter Institute. In part of the discussion, it was observed that many women feel neither butch nor femme. They feel one way toward one individual, another way toward some one else. Or they may have mixed feelings toward one person.

Should women like these force themselves into one role, thus warping or suppressing some of their individualistic qualities? Certainly not. If it's easier to take a butch or femme role-not for purposes of belonging in a group, but because it coincides with the person's inner feelings, then the woman should do so. However, if role-taking appears artifiicial and is a decided strain, it should be avoided. In other words, the answer is just "doing what comes naturally."

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