Word of the Gay: "Fellagirly"

"Fellagirly" was coined by comedian Elvira Kurt to denote queer females who have a blend of butch and femme qualities.

Word of the Gay: "Stone Femme"

A "stone femme" is a very effeminate woman who assumes the passive role in a relationship between two women.

Word of the Gay: "Femme Fatale"

"Femme Fatale" is lesbian terminology for a woman who is extremely attractive.

Open Forum: Butch or Femme?

The queer community has been known to showcase a variety of characteristics; among those being butch, femme, or neither. Are there masculine or feminine aspects to your personality, identity, physical appearance, or the dynamics of your relationships?

How do the labels butch and femme define you, or do they? What significance do identity politics play on you as a member of the queer community?

Word of the Gay: "Straight Acting"

"Straight Acting" is when a gay person is not exhibiting any mannerisms that appear to fit an LGBTQ stereotype. For example a gay man who tries to fit in by avoiding seeming effeminate, or a lesbian who tries to avoid seeming overtly masculine.

Word of the Gay: "Futch"

"Futch" is neither feminine nor butch, but somewhere in between.

Word of the Gay: "Fairy Lady"

A "fairy lady" is a lesbian who takes a more passive role in the relationship.

Word of the Gay: "High Femme"

A "high femme" is a term for extremely feminine individuals.

Word of the Gay: "Kiki"

When butches and femmes ruled the lesbian bar scene, "kikis" was a derogatory term for those who didn't fit into one of those categories.

Word of the Gay: "Ladyboy"

A "ladyboy" is either a male-to-female transgender, or an effeminate gay male who adopts a feminine appearance. The term is popular in Thailand, outside of that country the word is deemed offensive to MTF's.

Word of the Gay: "Chapstick Lesbian"

A "chapstick lesbian" is a woman who exhibits some masculine traits but does not fully fit the role of a butch woman. Some expressions of a "chapstick lesbian" may include but are not limited to short hair, male clothes, and a masculine attitude.

Word of the Gay: "Stem"

A "stem" is a term used to describe lesbian or bisexual women who fall somewhere in between stud and femme.

Word of the Gay: "Twinkle Toes"

"Twinkle toes" is a term used to describe a feminine man who is gay or perceived to be. It is an insult, used to disparage men who are considered "light in the loafers".

Word of the Gay: "Lipstick Lesbian"

The term "Lipstick Lesbian" is used to refer to lesbian or bisexual women who exhibit feminine traits. These women typically enjoy make-up, fashion, and other stereotypically femme behaviors.

Word of the Gay: "Nelly"

"Nelly" is a term used to describe what is considered unmanly or effeminate. It is a term that is sometimes used disparagingly against the gay community or within the community to describe an individual or group of people.

Word of the Gay: "Femme"

"Femme" is a term used in the queer community to describe feminine traits an individual exhibits. The term is very popular among lesbian/bisexual women, but also has its place among gay/bisexual males. There is a growing movement of young people who dislike the terms "femme" and its masculine counterpart butch because they feel that they embrace gender stereotypes and are limiting in nature.