Butch lesbians and the struggle with recognition

Abstract

This paper investigates several meanings of (mis)recognition relevant to butch lesbians, using the work of butch writers on gender misrecognition, Judith Butler’s theorisation of hate speech, and Jessica Benjamin’s work on recognition and intersubjectivity. Butch lesbianism or lesbian masculinity is understood as a second-order gender category describing some lesbians’ feelings of ‘masculinity’ and distance from the primary gender categories masculinity and femininity. Using the example of misrecognition in public toilets I highlight how Butler’s and Benjamin’s ideas can enrich our understanding of lesbian identities. Finally, I suggest that (mis)recognition is a fruitful avenue for further psychosocial exploration of homophobia and heterosexism, and relevant to investigations of the ways that the continuing power of gender norms shape lesbian experiences.