She Strengthens

Unpacking the Complex Identity of ‘Dyke’

A Word with a Rich History

The term ‘dyke’ has been a part of the LGBTQ+ community for decades, but its meaning and connotations have evolved significantly over time. From its origins as a derogatory term to its modern-day reclamation by lesbian feminists, ‘dyke’ has become a powerful symbol of identity and community.

The Origins of ‘Dyke’

There are two leading theories about the origins of the word ‘dyke.’ One suggests that it originated from the term ‘bull dyke,’ which was first used in print in 1921 to describe a female prisoner who had fallen in love with another woman. The other theory proposes that ‘dyke’ is derived from outdated terms like ‘hermaphrodite’ and ‘orphodite,’ which were used to describe individuals with ambiguous primary and secondary sex characteristics.

From Derogatory to Declarative

In the 1950s, ‘dyke’ became a common slang term for women who loved women, particularly those who were seen as ‘rough around the edges’ and boyish. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that lesbian feminists reclaimed the term, transforming it from a derogatory insult to a declarative statement of identity and pride.

Reclaiming ‘Dyke’

According to Rae McDaniel, a licensed clinical counselor and gender and sex therapist, reclaiming ‘dyke’ was a way for lesbian feminists to tap into the power that the word was originally intended to take away. Today, ‘dyke’ is more than just a definition – it’s an active way of being that encompasses a radical and political identity that undoes gender and speaks to sexuality.

Beyond Sexuality: The Power of ‘Dyke’

For Ana Valens, a sex journalist and leatherdyke, ‘dyke’ is about more than just attraction to women. It’s a sense of belonging to a community of queer women who share politically left-wing ideas about what it means to be queer in a heteronormative and cisnormative society.

Dyke ≠ Lesbian

While ‘lesbian’ is defined simply as a woman who loves women, ‘dyke’ encompasses a broader identity that includes bisexuals. Erica Smith, a sex educator, notes that identifying as a dyke is a way to nod to the fact that you prioritize people other than cisgender men in your life and community.

Can You Be Both Bisexual and a Dyke?

Absolutely, says McDaniel. Language is limited, and sometimes we need to use more than one term to capture our truth. Plus, ‘dyke’ has always included bisexuals. In fact, the mission statement of the San Francisco Dyke March explicitly includes bisexuals, trans* individuals, and others who have been marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community.

Gatekeeping ‘Dyke’?

The impulse to tell a bisexual dyke that they can’t identify as a dyke is identity gatekeeping, a practice that has been used to exclude transgender, nonbinary, and bisexual people from spaces. But as McDaniel notes, someone else identifying as an identity you hold does not threaten your own identity. Instead, it’s about creating inclusive spaces that welcome complex, multifaceted humans who hold multiple identities.

Conclusion

In the end, ‘dyke’ is more than just a word – it’s a symbol of power, community, and identity. By understanding its complex history and evolution, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming space for all LGBTQ+ individuals, regardless of their gender, sexuality, or identity.