butchfemme is inherently political not because every butch or femme is an activist, but because the identity itself emerged as a response to political and social conditions imposed on lesbians.
its history didn't begin with self-expression. it began with survival.
butch not only in the way that i present
not only in the way i am perceived
but in the way in which i move through the world
the way the weight sits on my broad shoulders
within the arms that pull my femme closer to my chest at night
and in the bent knees that kneel to her altar in the morning
butch in the way i throw a punch
but gently guide a fly back out through the window
in the way i walk on the outside of the sidewalk
in the way she knows that i will open every door
butch in the way i am a protector for every femme
not only mine
webbed in the way i lace up my boots
and itβs combed through my hair
a gift thatβs entwined with my soul
β r.m. (@smutmutt_)
pride is remembering that generations of lesbians fought for the right to exist openly. every butch, every femme, every lesbian walking freely today is part of that legacy.