Soft Butch - What is it? What does it mean?

Terminology

Soft butch on its own is defined by Word Sense dictionary as a noun referring to a butch lesbian.  

“A lesbian who exhibits some butch traits (short hair, men's clothing, etc.) without wholly fitting the masculine butch stereotype.”

The word butch is among the slang words that are associated with a tough young man or a lesbian who has masculine expression. Adding the word soft means that a gay woman can exhibit strong masculine characteristics with some strictly feminine as well. 

Soft butch can also refer to sexual behavior in the relationship. Some soft butches romantically express themselves during sexual contact as tops. Others prefer to switch roles with their sexual partners. Some exhibit typically feminine sexual behavior. There are women who date high femme girls who do not like sexually expressing themselves as a stereotype associated with butch lesbians.

History

The word butch as we know it its own made its first appearance at the beginning of the twentieth century. At that time it was fitting the masculine stereotype associated with toughness. This common stereotype associated with butch lesbians became popular in the 1940s.

Even though the label depicting one's level of masculinity and femininity was frequently used in the lesbian community, soft butch did not appear until the early 2000s. 

The term referring to the distinctive way soft butch women showcase masculine norms while presenting in some strictly feminine ways appeared on the website Urban Dictionary in 2003.  

Other Terms

There are many terms and gender identities in the lesbian community. Some are quite similar in meaning to soft butch. Some may even be derogative but reclaimed by the lesbian community. 

Chapstick Lesbian

One of the terms that is frequently used as a synonym for soft butch. Chapstick lesbians are a bit more on the feminine side dressing in comfortable, sensible clothing whereas soft butches generally prefer to wear clothes from the men’s section. They also tend to date ultra fem girls.

Stone Butch

Some butch lesbians who primarily display masculine characteristics may identify as stone butch. This means they receive sexual contact in relationships but have somewhat of a conflict with one's gender. Stone butches do not like their sexual organs touched. They often get pleasure from providing sexual gratification for their partners. 

Hard Femme

A term known in the lesbian community to refer to a lesbian that loves to rock dresses but likes to challenge masculine norms. Hard femmes are typically women who do not like to wear the pants in relationships yet can have many characteristics with masculine stereotype associated with very political and hardcore views. 

Flag and Symbols

There is no official soft butch flag. Many soft butches generally use the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag. Some use a soft butch flag that was created in September 2020. The colors have no specific meaning but seem to be a softer version of the generally accepted butch flag.

Soft Butch flag by @plurgai

There is no soft butch symbol but some soft butch women may use a female butch symbol. 

Female butch symbol

Pronouns

Soft butches typically identify as women who have a more prominent expression fitting the masculine stereotype. Soft butch's sexuality is lesbian. Though a woman who has masculine mannerisms may reflect a masculine stereotype associated with being butch, she will often use gendered pronouns like she/her. Some may prefer to use gender neutral pronouns like they/them. 

They may be cisgender, transgender, genderfluid, agender or non-binary. Soft butches may express their masculinity in a variety of ways. It is best not to assume the pronouns a person likes using. State your pronouns first and ask what pronouns a soft butch lesbian prefers. 

Am I a Soft Butch?

There are many subcultures within the LGBTQ+ community. If you feel the term soft butch fits you well then you may identify as a soft butch lesbian. 

Many soft butches like having feminine traits, but prefer expressing themselves in a masculine way. There may be people who feel comfortable with having manly traits like short hair and clothes but performing traditionally feminine roles at home. 

Being soft butch does not require anything specific in terms of your identity. If you like your hair short, rock great masculine styles, but enjoy being a bit feminine the label may fit you well. 

Many people identify as butch in reference to their gender expression, but some view it as an identity on its own under the non-binary or genderfluid umbrella.

Supporting Soft Butches

According to social and economic studies soft butches are lesbians that need visibility and recognition. There is an International Butch Appreciation Day on August 18 which celebrates all butches. Show your support by marking the day on social media, joining LBGTQ+ organizations, raising awareness at work and school.