It's good to know we're still still around.
From where I currently live and work (Philippines), butches have gotten more visible in the corporate world and other professional arenas, with few/some/lots of gray hair, and younger butches (the whole range of feminine/masculine-of-center) still in high school or uni. This wasn't always the case even as recent as 10-15 years ago. A few lesbians that I've met through the years have been terrified of being found out about who they want to love, lest they get booted out of their jobs (the academe, medical field, banking industry, etc). I found it insulting that butches were seen fit only to work on menial jobs. I'm happy to say that things ARE better now, but of course, it could still be better.
I know that where I am right now, the LGBTQ is still a long way off in being accorded Equal Rights in this country. But I heave a big sigh of relief and enjoy the feeling of triumph each time our lives are put in a positive light.
I do get the "nod" occasionally, from butches my age (40+) and because of its rarity, I get thrown off/surprised, then I nod back. Maybe I've conditioned myself to avoid eye contact with other butches based on numerous experiences in the last couple of years of getting a "back off from my girlfriend" stare in clubs. That's what I DON'T GET. The protective/aggressive stance of the younger butches around their partners, as if a femme cannot stand for herself.
Anyway, that's my two-cents here. Now I'm gonna go hang out at the femme zone - lots of interesting stuff there!
