Im butch, and i love other butches, but theres this one particular look i just cant handle. I used to be friends with this one butch lesbian who was abusing one of my other friends while actively encouraging me to stay with my abuser and now every time i see someone that looks like her i get sent to hell. Idk what to do bc i know a lot of butches already have to deal with stigma and tons of other shit, and i know most arent like her, but i cant help the extreme paranoia i get around some of them
I think some classic exposure would help most with this. You have to keep in mind that not every person like that would ever hurt you in that way, and many people have extremely varying personalities. Maybe find some online or in real life, say hello to them, talk to them a bit, just small talk is the most you'd have to do to help some. I feel like talking or greeting them pleasantly or meeting some online would help replace the bad memories with something more positive, so that the image of a particular butch wouldn't make you feel anxious anymore, but rather relating it with someone nicer and kinder to you.I hope this helps, love.



















