More than surface tension: femmes in families

J Lesbian Stud. 2008;12(2-3):127-44. doi: 10.1080/10894160802161299.

Abstract

This article raises questions about the lack of scholarly focus on butch/femme couples and their absence in studies of lesbian couples and family-building. In an era of lesbian marriage and lesbian parenting, femme and butch coupling and family-building remain unspoken topics within family studies, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT)-specific research. Moving beyond a focus on eroticism within the femme/butch couple, questions about how gender expression impacts other relationships dynamics, including the maintenance of long-term relationships, power and intimacy, domestic chores and child-rearing, are raised. The femme role "homemaking" that is, building and maintaining families, especially needs further exploration.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Family*
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Homosexuality, Female* / history
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Transsexualism