Got a Black Masculine Woman: Gender expression and identity are complex and varied, and one facet of this diversity is the existence of Black masculine women. These women challenge traditional notions of femininity and bring a unique perspective to our understanding of gender. Black masculine women often defy societal expectations of how women should present themselves. They may adopt a more androgynous or masculine style of dress, hairstyle, or behavior that aligns with their true selves. This defiance of gender norms can be liberating for them, but it can also come with various challenges. Within the Black community, where stereotypes and expectations of femininity are deeply embedded, Black masculine women may face discrimination or stigmatization.
Everyone, including the Black community (cough cough Black men), needs to do better.
com; the filmmaker SU FRIEDRICH in her own clothing; the artist TIONA NEKKIA McCLODDEN in her own clothing; the actor-model JENNY SHIMIZU in a Raf Simons coat, 5,495, doverstreetmarket. Throughout history, darker-skinned Black women have always been demonized and looked at as men, for the features that they have and the qualities that they embody.
Within the Black community, where stereotypes and expectations of femininity are deeply embedded, Black masculine women may face discrimination or stigmatization. Many societies have long-standing prejudices against those who deviate from gender norms, leading to difficulties in acceptance and recognition. Despite these challenges, Black masculine women contribute to the broader narrative of gender diversity and representation.
The Masculinization of Black Women
Serena Williams, Francine Niyonsaba, Megan Thee Stallion, Michelle Obama. What do all of these Black women have in common? They all have been hypermasculinized by today’s society.
Black women have been consistently hypermasculinized by society and the media. There has been a push back against these comments and narratives in recent years by the Black community. These comments are usually from men who are intimidated and or have been rejected by Black women.
Serena Williams, who is the greatest tennis player of all time, has been consistently harassed and berated for not being “feminine enough” because she is muscular and could compete competitively with any gender.
Francine Niyonsaba, who is the second-highest ranked woman in the world for the 800-meter race, was disqualified for having too high natural testosterone levels in her system. Her options were to either have treatment to alter her hormones, compete in the men’s race, or run a longer race, like the 5000-meter race.
There have been claims that women from African countries have higher levels of naturally occurring testosterone, however, there is not enough scientific evidence to back this claim up. These claims are stemming from the fact that most of the women who are identified for sex testing by athletics officials come from this region. This rule created by the World Athletics Association regulates the amount of naturally occurring testosterone levels in female athletes. This rule is rooted in anti-Black feminism and Black transmisogyny, which is the intersection of transphobia and misogyny as experienced by trans women and transfeminine people.
Dr. Candice Norcott, a licensed clinical psychologist, who focuses on gender-responsive, trauma-informed service delivery and adolescent mental health and wellness was invited to the Red Table Talk where she discusses why black women are hypermasculinized by society. She says that the reason that these comparisons to men and defeminization occur is that we do not fit the default mold, “the default for Black is Black men and the default for women and femininity is white women”. So because we do not fit in this default society begins to make us invisible. An example of this is when you get called the name of the only other Black girl in your class or in your workspace when you look nothing alike.
Throughout history, darker-skinned Black women have always been demonized and looked at as men, for the features that they have and the qualities that they embody. Black women have negatively been seen as strong, competitive, aggressive and loud, all qualities that society says that women should not have. Because our society has been and continues to be run by white men, their views have been systematically placed in our society. They believe that women should be the complete opposite of them in nature, meaning quiet, docile people, who they can control. It is our lack of proximity to whiteness that makes us “non-feminine.”
As subsets of gender and gender expression, femininity and masculinity are both social constructs. How society views and defines these concepts differ across cultures and across history. One large issue with society has when looking at these concepts is that they believe that sex, gender and gender expression are direct correlations of each other when that is not the case.
People need to begin to really reflect on their intentions with their words and how they address and comment on Black women. Most complements made towards Black women, especially Dark skinned Black women are not complemented at all. They are rooted in colorism and racism. Some examples of this are, “I love me some dark chocolate”, “The darker the berry the sweeter the juice”, and “ You are pretty for a Black girl.” When talking about or talking to Black women, you should take a moment to think, am I comparing them to food? Am I talking about their hair in a negative manner? Do my comments perpetuate racist and colorist stereotypes? If they do, then stop and rethink what you have to say. It is not difficult to treat Black women with the respect that they deserve.
Everyone, including the Black community (cough cough Black men), needs to do better.
Indeed, butch fluidity is especially resonant in our era of widespread transphobia. Legler, who uses they/them pronouns, is a “trans-butch identified person — no surgery, no hormones.” Today, the interconnected spectrums of gender and queerness are as vibrant and diverse in language as they are in expression — genderqueer, transmasc, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming. Yet butches have always called themselves and been called by many names: bull dyke, diesel dyke, bulldagger, boi, daddy and so on. Language evolves, “flowing in time and changing constantly as new generations come along and social structures shift,” Bechdel says. If it’s necessary to think historically, it’s also imperative to think contextually. Compounding the usual homophobia and misogyny, black and brown butches must contend with racist assumptions: “Black women often get read as butch whether they are butch or not,” Gay says. “Black women in general are not seen, so black butchness tends to be doubly invisible. Except for studs: They’re very visible,” she adds, referring to a separate but related term used predominantly by black or Latinx butches (though, unsurprisingly, white butches have appropriated it) who are seen as “harder” in their heightened masculinity and attitude. Gay notes that “people tend to assume if you’re a black butch, you’re a stud and that’s it,” which is ultimately untrue. Still, butch legibility remains a paradox: As the most identifiable of lesbians — femmes often “pass” as straight, whether they want to or not — we are nonetheless maligned and erased for our failure of femininity, our refusal to be the right kind of woman.
Their existence allows for conversations about fluidity and the performance of gender, encouraging others to question and challenge societal norms. Moreover, Black masculine women provide powerful role models for younger generations who may be struggling with their own gender identity or expression. By embracing their true selves and unapologetically expressing their masculinity, they show others that it is possible to be authentic and find self-acceptance. It is essential to recognize and validate the experiences and identities of Black masculine women. They enrich our understanding of gender and challenge us to dismantle restrictive gender norms that limit self-expression. By acknowledging and celebrating their presence, we take a step towards a more inclusive and accepting society..
Reviews for "The Importance of Black Masc Women in Leadership and Social Change"
1- John Smith - 2 stars
I found "Got a black masc woman" to be quite disappointing. The storyline lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The humor often fell flat and seemed forced. Additionally, I found the portrayal of the black masc woman to be stereotypical and offensive. Overall, I was not impressed with this film.
2- Emily Johnson - 1 star
I cannot express how disappointed I am with "Got a black masc woman". The film was filled with offensive and derogatory stereotypes. It perpetuated harmful notions about black masc women and failed to challenge any of these harmful biases. The lack of respect for diversity and inclusivity was evident throughout the entire movie. I would not recommend this film to anyone.
3- Robert Davis - 2 stars
"Got a black masc woman" had great potential, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The characters were shallow and seemed to exist solely to fulfill stereotypes. The jokes were tasteless and relied heavily on offensive clichés. The film missed a great opportunity to delve into important issues and instead chose to rely on lazy humor and harmful portrayals. I was left feeling disappointed and frustrated after watching this movie.