A Preface: This post is a response to some of the discussion and debate on Feministing and other sites about Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi--e.g. are they butch/femme? Is Portia a lipstick lesbian? femme? feminine? I what follows, I hope to shed some light on what these labels mean for me and other femme-identified queer women. You can also check out this post on my blog.

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Yes, I adore lipstick and never met a MAC lipgloss I didn't like, but please, don't call me a lipstick lesbian! I'm a femme.

What's the difference, my pretty? Is there one? Clearly, it depends who you ask.

Here are my definitions of these terms, which are based on my own experience and how I have observed others using them. Obviously, much more could be (and has been) written about these categories-their subtleties, changes over time, regional differences, etc. What I've written is not intended as the last word! Please share your own thoughts on what these terms mean to you and how you use them (or don't use them). Feel free to add/suggest other words you think should be on this list.

A Very Short Glossary of Queer Femininities

Lipstick lesbian--Media term used to describe feminine lesbians during the heyday of "lesbian chic" in the 90s. Some lesbian/bi/queer women have adopted the term, making it a part of gay/lesbian culture. Usually refers to stylish, feminine lesbians who are attracted to others who look like them. Separate from butch/femme dynamics. Sometimes emphasizes more naturalized notions of gender (e.g. "I like women to be women.")

Femme--Lesbian gender marked by feminine gender expression or identity. Not dependent on dress or other external signifiers (E.g. you can wear a tuxedo and still be a femme.) May or may not be a "bottom" or a "top" in a sexual situation; may or may not partner with butches. For some, a form of queer gender performance. Spans from "high femme" to more androgynous forms of gender expression, such as tomboy/sporty femmes.

High Femme-- Typically, a highly stylized form of femme identification (e.g. ultra femininity) performed in the context of butch/femme cultures and dynamics. May or may or may not wear dresses, heels, and/or makeup. No particular personality traits. May be passive and demure or confident, independent, strong, etc. Not necessarily a "pillow queen," and not equivalent to lipstick lesbian.

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