March 19th, 2017

To the butches in my life.....thank you

While looking for journal articles on Queer Femme for my masters research I have come across a lot of research on the butch identity. Today I saw the film below and it got me thinking about the butches in my life....and I need to say THANK YOU.
To watch the film follow the link below:
http://gendertroubles.com/watch-it-now-for-free.html

To the butches in my life:

Thank you for seeing me as the queer woman I am even though others say I don't 'look' like a lesbian (whatever that is)

Thank you for opening the door, walking on the road side, holding my arm as we cross the road, pulling out my chair....all of the old fashioned signs of respect

Thank you for seeing my strength and knowing that I can do things for myself but offering anyway in case today is the day I need you to do them for me

Thank you for looking at me with eyes of desire, not objectification, knowing that I illicit that response in you fills my femme heart (and other places) to overflowing

Thank you for placing enough trust in me to show me your vulnerable side, when you do this you hold me in the palm of your hand

Thank you for being my protector when I need it, never underestimating that  I can stand up for myself in a verbal stand-off and knowing I can cut someone down with a few words or a look

Thank you for being the masculine-of-centre woman that you are, without the misogynistic, privileged and patriarchal outlook that sometimes can go with masculinity

Thank you for being true to yourself, even though society pressures you to be more like me

Thank you for being you even with all misgendering, double takes and rudeness from others

Thank you for loving me in my femininity

I see you

I feel you

I understand you

I respect you

I get you

I love you