Based on historical context within lesbian culture, a shaved head was often adopted as a visual marker associated with a specific identity.
Historical Context and Identity
Historically, certain hairstyles, including shaved heads, buzz cuts, close crops, or dramatic undercuts, served as a visual shorthand within the lesbian community. This styling choice was notably associated with the butch identity.
The Butch Identity
In traditional lesbian culture, "butch" is defined as a woman who presents in a typically 'masculine' manner. The adoption of hairstyles like shaved heads was one way for individuals to express this aspect of their identity publicly.
Therefore, according to this historical perspective, lesbians might shave their heads as a way to signal or embody a butch presentation, which is a form of expressing gender presentation within queer female culture.
- Key Association: Shaved head ↔ Butch identity
- Butch Definition: Woman presenting in a typically masculine manner
- Function: A visual or cultural marker within the lesbian community