"So what is a Butch?" I constantly hear

Initial thoughts turn to physicalities

Freshly buzzed hair

Strong features

Attitude

An air of prowess

And that walk…

If that’s all there is to the definition of butch then I fill those shoes

Hidden beneath my surface lies a different story

Vulnerability

Passion

An aching to be held

Fear of pain

A tender heart

And more love inside than I know with what to do

So where does all this feature in my world of Butch?

Showing my weakness is a sign of strength

Exposing my fears takes courage

Baring my soul to the one I love a big heart

I suddenly feel like an extra in ‘Friends of Dorothy’.

So why hold onto a word?

BUTCH

A grand total of five letters

Combined holds a variety of meanings

Many hide behind the label

A fear of their fragility being exposed to all

If only people knew how fragile we really are.

Would this world of butch dissolve?

Would heads stop turning as we’re mistaken for boys?

(However, never mistake by the Grrls they know exactly what we are)

Boi’s nod to one another as they pass in the street

Giving that knowing prolonged, ‘hey, me too’ smirk

So maybe I am butch on the outside

All Boi in the inside, who knows..

Still working on that one