I had to ask AI what the hell is a "stem" friend...
AI Overview
"Stem" in the context of lesbian slang refers to a lesbian whose style and presentation falls between "stud" and "femme," often described as androgynous with both masculine and feminine influences. It can also refer to a lesbian who identifies with both butch and femme traits or who leans towards a softer, less stereotypical butch presentation.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Stud and Femme:
In lesbian communities, "stud" typically refers to a masculine-presenting lesbian, while "femme" refers to a feminine-presenting lesbian.
Stem as a Bridge:
"Stem" emerged as a way to describe lesbians who don't fit neatly into either the stud or femme category but rather blend elements of both.
Androgyny:
Stem lesbians often exhibit androgynous styles, incorporating elements of both masculine and feminine fashion and presentation.
Beyond Binary:
The term highlights the fluidity and diversity within lesbian identities, acknowledging that not everyone fits into rigid categories of masculine or feminine.
Black and Latinx Lesbians:
The term is particularly associated with Black and Latinx lesbians, who may have developed the term as a way to express their unique style and identity.