Labels

Many lesbians did not identify with the butch or femme label; some found it to be limiting in terms of their personal expression and relationships. Alison Bechdel, a lesbian graphic artist, did not fully identify with the butch label herself, but much of her work reflects various attitudes and opinions from the community at the time. This comic shows the diverse nature of the lesbian community while acknowledging the many roles and stereotypes that exist within it.

“Butch & Femme”

Alison Bechdel, 1986

Pins, 1980-1995

Courtesy of the Lesbian Herstory Archives Pin Collection