What does "stem" mean on TikTok? The standard term is prominent in the short-form content platform's thriving women loving girls neighborhood.
We all know what STEM way: It's an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. According to Southern Illinois University, STEM training "is an interdisciplinary approach that helps students succeed in college and in their future careers" and contours "hands-on, problem-based learning."
However, on TikTok and in the LGBTQ community, a stem is one thing solely other. The math is not mathing, because neither numbers nor equations are involved in this definition. It's time for some queer education.
What does "stem" mean on TikTok?
On TikTok, "stem" most often refers to a label prominent in the girls loving ladies (WLW) group — which encompasses "women and woman-aligned individuals who experience sexual and/or romantic attraction to other women and woman-aligned individuals."
According to a glossary definition through queer dating app Her, stem is a blend of stud and femme. This begs the query, what do "stud" and "femme" mean? Stay with us.
A stud lesbian is usually a Black or Latinx butch lady or non-binary individual. Studs are recognized for gravitating towards a masculine aesthetic (Lena Waithe is an ideal instance). The term dates again to the Nineteen Sixties.
“Black ladies ceaselessly get learn as butch whether they are butch or not,” author and professor Roxane Gay informed The New York Times. “Black women basically don't seem to be seen, so Black butchness tends to be doubly invisible. Except for studs: They’re very visible.”
“People have a tendency to assume when you’re a Black butch, you’re a stud and that’s it,” she persevered. That isn't at all times the case; now not everyone makes use of the label.
The New York Times creator Kerry Manders brilliantly described butch and stud identities as "a defiant repudiation of the male gaze."
Reply to @rosea_moncur what’s a stem ⁉️ Im satisfied you asked 🙃 #stemlife #lgbtqeducation #stud #stem #fem #nolabel #lgb #makethisviral #viral #reply
♬ original sound - Marshay Source: TikTok/@ohshayshecuteOn the different finish of the spectrum, a femme lesbian totally embraces her femininity and usually dons female attire (think of well-known queer ladies like Glennon Doyle and Sarah Paulson). An out of date but identical term is "lipstick lesbian.” As comically put by Her, a lipstick lesbian is "a gay woman who would choose prime heels over Birkenstocks."
The term "stem" is not reserved for everyone.
Today, a stem lesbian is often considered a "comfortable butch." So, yeah, she may have a killer collection of snapbacks and Pendleton flannels, but she also has the viral Makeup By Mario foundation and a gel manicure.
And while white queer women and non-binary people often call themselves "stems" or "studs" on TikTok [eye-roll], both terms were exclusively created for Black and Latinx communities. Personal use of those terms by white individuals is considered appropriation.
Reply to @tollumstarboi I like 🐱 that’s it cause I’m tired of explaining 🙄 like I’m not right infront yall
♬ original sound - Yaadiie 🇯🇲🤪 Source: TikTok/@yaadiianaWhite queer women and non-binary people should opt for labels like "butch" or "futch" (if they so wish) — the latter of which is a blend of butch and femme. We'd put queer icon and César Award winner Kristen Stewart (Spencer) in the futch category. Of course, we don't know if she actually identifies this way.
It's important to note that these labels exist to help queer individuals find themselves and their communities — they're not intended to box people into outdated binaries.
There are femmes who build furniture and studs who wear eyeliner, for instance. So, go on, explore your queer identity and play around with gender expression. While you do that, we'll be binging all six seasons of The L Word. We're coming for you, Shane!
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXSramam6Ses7p6wqikaKhfrLWiwIydpp6rXajBprmMppyapl2ptqzAzqQ%3D