My Heart Goes Out To the Families and Loved Ones Of Orlando!!

Let me start by sending my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims of the Pulse Night Club in Orlando.  I'm not going to spend any of my time speaking about the sadistic killer.

 What happened to those young, vibrant, full of life, and had a bright future ahead of them victims, is a senseless act. I stand in SOLIDARITY with the Mother that was just out front texting to her son and couldn't help him.  I stand in SOLIDARITY with the young guy that lost his Mother in the club, cause she had gone there to support her son for coming out. 

I stand in SOLIDARITY with many parents and loved ones and friends, that are mourning the loss of their loved ones, that was taken away from them in the most heinous way. Words can't express the way am feeling, not because it happened at a Gay club!! It could've happened anywhere else, taking the lives of innocent people.  I stand in SOLIDARITY with the LGBT COMMUNITY in Orlando, that are mourning the loss of its members.

While families are preparing to bury their loved ones, we keep you in our prayers..

                             Minelva Maduro..

LESBIAN IDENTITY PART -1(STUD / BUTCH / TOMBOY).

One question that has been asked by many straight women: what is the difference between a STUD and a BUTCH?  So I in return asked them what is the problem with you guys and those LABELS?  Their reply to me is, that's the only way they could understand our sexuality and the LGBTQ Community.  

   I on the other hand, don't like labels, I am who I am, and I like what I like, and there's no other like me.  So after some extensive research and studying, here's my answer and opinion to your question.

   STUD / BUTCH, are two (2) terms that share the same meaning and are used to describe a MASCULINE LESBIAN.  The definition STUD is "a human male viewed as very successful with women." This same concept has become adapted in the lesbian community among the women who are considered to be STUDS.  STUDS / BUTCHES are known for having a way with the ladies, "and being able to sweet talk," or gain the attention of  other lesbians and sometimes of HETEROSEXUAL WOMEN as well.  Generally, most women who identify as being a STUD / BUTCH LESBIAN prefer to wear men's clothing.

   In contrast to FEMMES who can be confused as STRAIGHT women, STUDS / BUTCHES are easier to identify.  Since these women assume the more dominant role in a lesbian relationship, these women are the MALE FIGURE and PROVIDER for their PARTNERS and FAMILIES.  STUDS / BUTCHES are women that are strong, masculine and aggressive.  Their affirmed identity challenges social makings of gender, and the parallels between masculinity and femininity.

   So while i was doing my research, I stumbled upon TOMBOY. Before you guys ask me about TOMBOYS, I will tell you this much, they are not lesbians, but then again they may or may not be lesbians.  A TOMBOY  is a woman that is slightly masculine, but not necessarily overly masculine, and who is usually STRAIGHT.  TOMBOYS are seen as being interested in sports, hardware/mechanics, and other non-girly activities, do not dress too feminine, and may not wear makeup etc... but they are overall seen as less BUTCH than BUTCHES.

   Both STUDS / BUTCHES are lesbians, and they are basically the same, but STUD is generally used for black lesbians, and BUTCH is generally used for white lesbians.  So you see, race plays a roll in these LABELS that SOCIETY has branded us with, so that they could understand and identify us.

   I'm happy to say that, those labels doesn't define who I am today. I am PROUD of who I am, and that is MINELVA MADURO, I live my life for me and not for others. Be proud of who you are, and what you've become.  Do not let society's labels define who you are and the way you live your life;; that is all up to you!!!!

                                             I AM PROUD!!!!!!!
                                              MINELVA MADURO.