Lesbian feminism is illustrated initially in the film as being one of open mindedness, free spirited and accepting. However, that notion is flipped on its head when Amy comes into the picture. Instantly it seems their idea of lesbian freedom is challenged by what they think is Amy’s conformity to the societal expectation of what lesbianism looks like. Despite being challenged, the film makes it apparent, along with Nestle’s article, that the “image” of lesbian femininity was a topic that supported a lot of closed minded ideas during the time of both the film and the article. Perhaps when looking at these in conjunction with one-another, it allows us to examine the other expressions of gender in lesbian relationships. These works push us to examine other ideas of sexiness that may not fill its traditional shoes.

The idea of sexiness being displaced or placed through characteristics rather than gender is what challenges our societal view of what sexiness is. This sentiment is what may make it hard to identify sexiness as a characteristic found in a person one doesn’t or feel they shouldn’t be attracted to because of the idea that what you may find sexy may relate directly to sex. When related to the butch identity my group and I identified butch sexiness as viewed and interpreted by both the essay and the short film as being; autonomy, identity, acceptance of themselves as women and their bravery to do so. The ability to freely express yourself and not fear the repercussions brought on you by individuals from the outside showed a great deal of strength and independence, a certain bravado which is often overlooked when talking about butch individuals. Not only is this sexyness unique, but we believe it is amplified through adversity, as butch lesbians were not only isolated through normal society for being lesbian, but by their own peers for not being the “ideal” lesbian as we see in the film illustrated by Amy. This strengthening of resolve and ability to move forward despite the ostracizing words and actions shows a special kind of strength often not seen.

Butch vs. Femme

Derived from Nestle’s definition of sexiness of both femme and butch, our group discussed the many comparisons between “free” lesbians and feminists in both the essay and the short film. In the opening scene, Lyndsey remarks “I just want to be free…that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be in a relationship”. Lyndsey’s words are heightened when compared with Nestle’s account and take on a special meaning when we look at the film and Nestle’s piece side by side. Nestle often talks about the judgement that were brought upon butch lesbians from both inside the LGBTQ community and from heterosexuals, while the film amplifies and supports these ideas. When looking at the relationship between Lindsey and Amy, Lindsey definitely has the predisposed notion that there has to be a “man” and “woman” in the relationship; but what Amy and the creators of the film challenge us to do is to see that there doesn’t inherently have to be a gender makeup when it comes to butch x femme relationships. By dissolving this standard of having preset gender roles in a relationship it allows for a relationship that is far more complex and deep. It allows for a relationship which focuses on individuality, and more freedom in their own personal expression. It’s this individuality that allows butch femme relationships to stand out beyond gender comformative relationships, and creates a complex attractiveness between those individuals.