#221 This butch is a peach

Jen was checking out the produce when I asked her the question. It took her a second to register (as it always does, being apropos of nothing), and then she said yes. I saw her later with her partner and baby. Adorable family.

The 2012 San Francisco Dyke March

The dyke march was a lot of fun, although doing butch sightings involved quite a bit of walking backwards in heels to talk with the marchers as they marched and ask to take their pics.

There are many portraits following this post, but first, a couple more pics that say so much about what makes me happy.

#218 Maggie at the San Franicsco Dyke March 2012

I'll admit it, Maggie caught my eye as I was marching up the street. She was sitting on a car, all craggy faced and laughter. Appealing. Old School. When I came back down the street later and she was still there, I couldn't not ask her if she ID'd as butch.

#217 Camille at the San Franicsco Dyke March 2012

I think Camille was a little surprised when I ran up to her to ask if she ID'd as butch (they often are). But she kept her cool and let me snap this pic. I love a butch who plays along!

#216 Suzanne at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

Suzanne told me something that was clearly untrue about herself; she said she wasn't photogenic. I beg to differ. Hello handsome Suzanne. Thanks for being sighted.

#215 Dee and Sid at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

I literally had to walk up to Dee and Sid as they were kissing and interrupt to ask for a pic. I guess I could tell they'd be amenable. What a hot couple and what a fun interaction. I'm pretty sure they went right back to kissing after our mini photo-shoot.

 

#214 Queer Rebels KB and Celeste at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

What an incredible couple! When I approached them, they were so welcoming. Happy. Delighted. It felt like a 30 second love fest.

KB and Celeste are the directors of Queer Rebel Productions

"Showcasing LGBT artists of color. Connecting generations and genres. Honoring our queer legacies with visionary art for the future."

I can't wait to start supporting their work!

#213 Tania at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

Tania was quite lovely - offering a stunning profile pose. I think she really brings out the rainbow in that flag.

#212 No Name Given at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

This butch was willing to have her photo taken but declined to give me her name. We'll just have to imagine what it might be.

#211 Raquel at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

I ran up to Raquel, leaving my place in the march to ask her if she ID'd as butch. She doesn't prefer labels but was happy to be included in Butch Sightings. Thank goodness.

#209 Laurie at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

Laurie is a friend of a friend and kindly offered, many times, to give my young daughter a piggy back ride (after we got separated from the rest of our family and were trying to feel confident and cheer up). My daughter didn't take her up, maybe next time.

#208 Kelley at the San Francisco Dyke March 2012

Kelley stopped marching long enough for me to snap her pic.

#144 Mel at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha, who is doing her best to make sure Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Butches, went to a premier last night and, thanks to her, we finally have some non-coastal US butch representation on the site! Way to go Pasha.

Here's what she has to say,

"FINALLY! I have pictures to post. All of these were taken at the preview showing of Fertile Ashes, which is a movie produced and directed by my ex-partner and my 20 year old son. The movie is a 30 minute narrative based on real-life events in the GLBT community in the Twin Cities in 1972. The main character is a butch bar owner. My ex was inspired to write the script by stories told to her in recent years by the woman who was partnered with the real butch bar owner in the early 70's. This picture is of Mel, who plays the main character Joey, in the film. All the main characters are played by GLBT actors/actresses, and the four main characters played by people who identify as butch and femme."

#143 Kim at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha says,

"This is Kim, who plays Joey's friend and co-worker at the bar in the movie. I have seen Kim around a lot, but never really talked to her. I asked her if she identifies as butch. She said, "not really, I am more of a tweener." Then, when I told her about Butch Sightings, she absolutely wanted her picture taken and posted."

#142 Jill at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha had some great encounters last night. She says,

"This is Jill, who I had never met before, but I knew she was a friend of acquaintances of mine. She was sitting one seat down from me during the movie. I asked her if she identifies as butch and she readily said yes, and was fine about getting her picture taken. I talked to her some more later that night, and she said she might send me a note. She then admitted she had seen me on match.com and noticed in my profile that I really like butches. That made me feel shy."

#141 Lou at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha says:

"This is Lou, who is a friend of Jill's, and was sitting one seat further down. When I asked her if she identifies as butch, she said, 'Even my name is butch.'"

#140 Nita at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha says:

"This is Nita, who is a friend of Jill and Lou's. She was an extra in the movie. She was telling me a story about something that happened at the Michigan Women's Music Festival this year to honor butches and butch identity, as a response to some people feeling that butch identity is becoming less common."

#139 Marker at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha knows that X marks the spot. She says,

"This is Marker. Marker had a small role in the movie. Marker identifies as queer, but when I asked if Marker wanted to be photographed for Butch Sightings, I got a definite yes. When talking about not identifying as a butch, Marker spoke about gender becoming a much more fluid concept, and said there is less of a need for gender-labeling words, ending by something like, "That's a good thing, right?" I agreed, but Marker's words were striking when juxtaposed with what Nita had just been saying (see above)."

#138 Polly at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha knows how to find them! She says,

"This is Polly. I have to admit I know Polly and know she identifies as a butch. I just loved that she had on an Occupy MN shirt. Polly has been an activist for many decades, and lived in NYC in the late 60's and has many great stories."

#137 Seven at the Fertile Ashes premier

Pasha, again, who says:

"This is Seven. Seven is dating Tawnya 'Sweetpea' Konobeck-Essen, who plays one of the main femme roles in the movie. When I asked her if she identifies as butch, she chuckled and say she guesses so. This picture is so dark, I almost didn't post it, but Seven is SO handsome."