Article Summary

Butch/femme differences in substance use and abuse among young lesbian and bisexual women: Examination and potential explanations

 

Within substance abuse research, disparities in substance use, abuse and misuse between homosexual individuals and heterosexual peers has been a primary focus. Lesbian and bisexual women report higher levels of alcohol, marijuana and tobacco use and greater symptoms of substance misuse than heterosexual women, yet they do not report high levels of heavy alcohol use. Gender atypicality has recently become a focus in this research. Butch (male) and femme (feminine) personalities affect lesbian women in many ways. Butch lesbian women seem to be at greater risk for stress, emotional distress and discrimination. They are also at greater risk to use substances such as alcohol and marijuana as coping strategies. Also, since heavy drinking is seen as a masculine behavior, butch women may be more susceptible to alcoholism and addiction.          

In this study, butch and femme personalities were looked at as an influence of substance abuse and addiction. Female and male youths aged 14 to 21 were interviewed, with young lesbian women serving as the focus. All participants were assessed three times over the course of one year by answering several questionnaires. These questionnaires focused on substance use during the past 6 months, the youth’s self-identification as butch or femme, how others label them, their experiences of gay-related stressors and level of emotional distress. The interviewer’s view on the participants as butch or femme was also included. Experience of gay-related stress was operationalized as arguments with other, losing a close friend, or being physically assaulted due to their sexuality. A rate of internalized homophobia (their comfort with their own sexuality) was also assessed. Emotional distress was operationalized as depression/anxiety, conduct problems (skipping school, stealing, fighting, running away, etc.), and social desirability.

The results of this study supported the main hypothesis set by the researchers. Young women with a butch self-presentation were more likely to use alcohol, marijuana and smoke cigarettes and to use larger quantities. Potential theoretical for this finding were also examined. Gay-related stress, both internalized homophobia and external stressful events, was found to be a factor. Also, emotional stress was found to be more prevalent in women with a butch self-presentation. The emotional and gay-related stressors cause the women to use the substances as coping mechanisms. For the women who did not experience stressors, other factors such as sensation seeking personalities and following masculine norms of alcohol consumption accounted for the high prevalence of substance use.

These findings have important research and intervention implications. It emphasizes the need to consider gender atypicality as a factor in substance use and abuse. Interventions with addicted lesbian clients should target butch women and should also address experiences of gay-related stress and emotional distress.

 

 

Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E. W., & Hunter, J. (2008). Butch/femme differences in substance use and abuse among young lesbian and bisexual women: Examination and potential explanations. Substance Use & Misuse, 43(8-9), 1002-1015. doi:10.1080/10826080801914402