Butch is a term that originated within lesbian and queer women communities to describe individuals who express a traditionally masculine gender presentation. It's an identity that encompasses style, behaviour, and often a sense of self that deliberately diverges from conventional femininity.

Here's a breakdown of what "butch" can mean:

Masculine Gender Presentation: Butch individuals often present themselves in ways traditionally associated with masculinity. This can include clothing (e.g., traditionally male attire, workwear), hairstyles (e.g., short cuts), mannerisms (e.g., assertive demeanour, direct communication), and physical attributes (e.g., embracing a more muscular or less traditionally feminine physique).

Lesbian and Queer Context: Historically and primarily, "butch" is a lesbian and queer identity. It developed within these communities as a way for women who were attracted to other women to express their gender in a way that resonated with them, often in contrast to societal expectations of femininity for women, especially in relationships with other women.

Beyond Appearance: While appearance is a significant aspect, being butch often goes beyond just outward presentation. It can be tied to a sense of self, inner identity, and how one navigates the world as a masculine-presenting woman or queer person.

Challenging Gender Norms: Butch identity inherently challenges traditional binary notions of gender and sexuality. It demonstrates that womanhood and attraction to women are not necessarily tied to feminine expression.

Diversity Within Butch Identity: There is a wide spectrum of butch identities. Some individuals may present very traditionally masculine ("hard butch"), while others may have a softer or more nuanced masculine presentation ("soft butch" or "futch" - a blend of femme and butch).

Community and History: Butch identity has a rich history within lesbian communities, representing a form of visibility and resistance in a heteronormative society. Butch women have played important roles in LGBTQ+ history and culture.

Not Necessarily About Gender Identity: While some butch individuals may also identify as transgender or non-binary, "butch" in its traditional context is primarily about gender expression within a lesbian or queer woman identity. It describes how someone presents and identifies as a woman or queer person in a masculine way. However, language evolves, and some non-binary individuals may also identify with aspects of butch identity.

In simple terms, "butch" describes a gender presentation, and often an identity, within lesbian and queer women communities that is characterised by traditionally masculine traits and expressions. It's a way of embodying masculinity while identifying as a woman or queer person who is often attracted to other women.