Lesbian Body Types: Beware of Stereotypes

If you're a woman attracted to other women, you'll see quite a few terms pop up once you hit the dating scene, such as lipstick lesbian, femme, butch, or bull dyke. Writer Sophie McDowell introduces different body types in the lesbian community, and breaks down these stereotypes. 

 

Many stereotypes fill up the lesbian community. It can be tricky to unpack them all when first exploring your type. There is not as much focus on body type within the lesbian community as there is on other traits. Lesbians don't fit into a single mold or check a box of a particular shape or size. However, there are many terms to describe types of lesbians, such as 'butch', 'femme', and 'lipstick lesbian'. 
 

 

Indeed, in reality, lesbian types have more to do with attitude and appearance, like hair length and clothing choices, than anything else. Let's explore the diversity of lesbian body types. Breaking down the many stereotypes will help you understand the intricacies of the lesbian community and unlock your kind.   

 

Lesbian identity and body image

With lesbian types, there is less focus on body image and no room for body shaming. There are many types of gay or queer women, and the category one falls into boils down to how one presents oneself. There is a lot more room for choice here. For example, more masculine individuals may refer to themselves as studs or butch. Some people may lean into different parts of themselves daily, and their labels may be ever-changing. 

Labeling lesbian body types can be helpful but should be carried out with caution

Sorting lesbians or dykes into 'types' could be perceived as unhealthy, but it isn't meant to be a negative thing. Dating can be nerve-racking, and understanding lesbian identity and body image helps single gay or curious women navigate this world. Knowing how the lesbian community is 'sorted' and being familiar with labels can help someone attract the right person for them. 

 

“With lesbian types, there is less focus on body image and no room for body shaming.”

The beautiful thing about lesbian types is that these identities exist regardless of race, age, socioeconomic status, or other factors. There are dykes of all ages and races. Femmes will remain femmes as they age unless their personality and interests change. Lesbians of any weight can fall into whichever label feels right. There is more room for choice with these types and the freedom to be exactly who you are. 

 

Lesbian types: breaking down stereotypes

There are many different types of lesbians, and it's great to explore your identity. As more people emerge and find themselves, these labels change, and more are created. Let's take a look at some of the more extensive lesbian types. These will likely always be around, but subsets and new types continue to be added. 

 

Butch lesbian, stud lesbian, bull dyke, and masc lesbian

Butch lesbians are also known as studs, bull dykes, and diesel dykes. These women keep their hair short and often have a thicker, muscular appearance. They have the power to be assertive and demanding and they can carry many masculine traits. This lesbian was once the only type presented in mainstream culture, for example, on TV shows and in the movies. 

 

 

Diesel dyke is a subset of this lesbian and refers to those who ride motorcycles or work handy jobs using heavy equipment. These lesbians are always assumed to be in control, but sometimes someone presents as butch but doesn't desire to be assertive, and that's great too. 

 

Lipstick lesbian or femme lesbian

The terms lipstick lesbian and femme lesbian tend to be interchangeable. These lesbians don't fit into the stereotype that has been learned through movies and other representations in the media. Gay women don't fit into a single mold or check a box of a particular shape or size. However, there are many terms to describe types of lesbians, such as 'butch' and 'lipstick lesbian'. 

Obviously, lesbians don't only come in all shapes and sizes, but also ages

 

Lipstick lesbians embrace their feminine side and queerness at the same time. They tend to be comfortable in dresses, and all dolled up. They can navigate the world, passing for straight, which leads to them getting hit on by heterosexual men more often than they'd probably like!

Just because a lesbian enjoys the more feminine side of life does not mean she will stray from this sexuality. This is a common misconception. Labels like "lesbian until graduation" and "hasbian” refer to lesbians that switch sexual orientations after enough experimenting. Femmes are still lesbians; they enjoy a more feminine role, and that's completely fine. 

 

The role of media and representation

The media has portrayed lesbians for decades, from Glee to The L Word. While depictions were not always positive, it's still an essential part of lesbian history. Countless lesbian films honor unique lesbian body types through positive representation.  

 

“Gay women don't fit into a single mold or check a box of a particular shape or size. However, there are many terms to describe types of lesbians, such as 'butch' and 'lipstick lesbian'.”

These days, media portrayal looks different in the best way, but there is still room for improvement. There are more inclusive plot-lines and well-thought-out lesbian characters. These characters can change public minds and positively influence our world. More importantly, they show young lesbians who are still figuring things out that it will all be OK.  

 

Body positivity and self-acceptance

Many people report an improvement in self-esteem after realizing they are lesbian. A lot of this has to do with the pressures society puts on cisgender and heterosexual women. While butch women and gender non-conforming people still feel pressure, it's different. There is more room to embrace who you are and less focus on fitting in with beauty standards. 

 

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A big part of coming out is self-acceptance, which extends to all parts of the body. LGBTQ+ individuals face a lot of scary things and don't entirely avoid society's pressures, but there is more room for self-love and being the most authentic version of yourself. Being attracted to other women and finding rounded stomachs, curves, and stretch marks sexy makes it easier to love those things about yourself, too. 

 

The final FET: Types of lesbians

While it's helpful to understand the many types of gay women, there's no proper way to be a lesbian. Knowing these terms will help you navigate the dating world, whether online or at a lesbian bar. This is not a complete list of terminology, and things within the LGBTQ+ community tend to change often, but this is an excellent starting point. 
 

Whatever lesbian type you fall under or choose to date, it's important to support positive body image throughout the lesbian community. Use these terms for gay women in an empowering way, and never shame another person. Whether you're looking to find someone to live a long, monogamous life with or something a little kinkier, it's time to get out there and embrace the diversity within this community. •

 

Sophie McDowell (she/her) is a Kansas City-based writer and content creator with a BA in Mass Media. As Senior Staff Writer for Catcall Magazine, her passion for intersectional feminism and queer representation shines through. You can find her curled up with a spicy book when she isn't working on a project.

 

Can you think of other examples of lesbian body types in the queer women community? Share them in the comments down below or in our Fetish.com forum.

Images: Shutterstock/William Perugini; shutterstock/Nuva Frames