“Love is a universal emotion that transcends borders, languages, and cultures. While the feelings associated with love may be alike, how it is expressed can vary greatly from one culture to another. These expressions of love are shaped by traditions, values, and social norms, creating a rich tapestry of romantic gestures and customs.” - Abdul Jamil Nasir
I’ve seen so many posts on how other LGBTQIA people express love and how butches specifically are more than just their aesthetic and how they’re caretakers as well. Love and caring for others isn’t a singular monolith that everyone has to subscribe to, regardless of who they are. Black love and black joy are expressed differently and the black LGBTQIA version of caretaking and nurturing is expressed differently as well.
Black love is historically a symbol of strength, passion, resilience, shared pain, resistance and joy. Black people express our love and joy differently. We tend to be more animated, more passionate and use different pitches in our tones that others may not be used to or agree with.
As a stud I show up differently as a caretaker and have the same nurturing qualities, but it’s expressed differently through a black lens.
A stud can show that they care through shared humor and joy. We might talk shit to each other and play argue with you, but we really love you.
As a stud I am chivalrous. I will hold open your doors, pull out your seat, offer you my jacket, make you feel safe and protected.
Studs can also be caregivers. If you’re sick, don’t even bother getting up. I’m not only going to take care of you, but you’re not getting some Campbell soup, I’m making your food from scratch.
Stay in bed baby, I got you. 😉
We are nurturing in nature, being systematically oppressed and having society against us. We know what it’s like to want to grow but feel stunted by circumstances out of your control.
A stud will uplift you and encourage you to be the best version of yourself, though some of us may express it differently and even with tough love.
Butches are not the only ones that are loving and caretaking.
Let’s normalize conversations that foster inclusivity of studs without automatically labeling them as negative or associated with toxic masculinity simply due to their race or gender identity.