Introduction
A myriad of identities influence how others and society see individuals. Accepting a gender identity or sexual orientation that is different from what society expects can lead to several difficulties. To understand these obstacles more thoroughly, I would like to reflect on the significant systemic and interpersonal barriers I would face if I were butch while retaining the existing aspects of my identity.
Relationships & Community
A butch gender identity would likely upset some of my closest relationships—at least at first. Certain individuals in my family and church would likely react negatively toward me if I were butch, as some of them reject this aspect of human sexuality. Socially, I would probably be the focus of stares and looks in many public places because of my butch demeanor. Butch individuals often have to deal with persistently invasive questions about their body and sexuality.
The combined effects of homophobia, sexism, misogyny, and racism would likely cause me to become exhausted and overly cautious about my physical safety. On the other hand, being butch would possibly allow me to discover a new sense of kinship with LGBTQ people. I lack friends, and the community might offer the validation, encouragement, and adopted family that I would not find elsewhere.
Institutions & Systems
Societal structures generally support the social construction of sexuality as binary and promote strict gender norms. As such, they would discriminate remarkably against my butch identity. Due to prejudice, it is possible that I would experience workplace harassment or even lose my job in bus driving and retail.
Another possibility is that schools, social services, and the legal system would challenge my suitability to be a parent. In the medical field, providers often have little knowledge of gender and its variety of presentation (Benoit et al., 2020). The medical system does not provide butch and transgender people with compassionate treatment, so my needs in the medical field as a parent of four children would likely be unmet.
Compound Marginalization
The combination of being butch as well as African American and working-class would expose me to distinct and compounding kinds of trauma, injury, and marginalization throughout my mid-adult years. Misogyny, which punishes and objectifies masculinity in women, is common in society. American culture often demonstrates more stringent standards surrounding conventional femininity as women become older, and my age renders me more vulnerable to prejudice. Due to society’s ongoing uneasiness with Black masculinity, gender non-conformity, and presumed queer sexuality, my butch status would make me a target for disproportionate policing. As such, my race and butch identity are points of junction where this discrimination manifests itself.
Another important aspect here is class, as I have fewer financial means to shield me from some of the adverse effects of a stigmatized butch identity. If I were the victim of workplace harassment because of my gender presentation, I would find it difficult to resign and find another job, as I need an income to support my children. My financial resources also limit my potential ability to access LGBTQ-affirming healthcare professionals and increase my reliance on inadequate public health systems.
Conclusion
To conclude, being butch would mean overcoming severe interpersonal and systemic barriers that have their roots in inflexible cultural standards related to gender, sexuality, race, and class. I can imagine facing overt discrimination from the essential organizations that influence every person’s lived experience; my interpersonal relationships could also be threatened. This reflection allows me to appreciate my position and empathize with individuals who identify differently.
Reference
Benoit, I. D., Kordrostami, E., & Foreman, J. (2020). Senior sexual and gender minorities’ perception of healthcare services: A phenomenological approach. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 14(4), 1002–1010.