Lesbian type
Stem
Stud plus femme, with roots in Black lesbian communities
What is a stem lesbian?
A stem is a lesbian or sapphic person whose style blends stud and femme, and the word is a mix of those two terms. It comes from the same Black and Latina lesbian communities in the US as stud. A stem might wear a fitted cap and lashes, or switch between streetwear and a dress.
Signature traits
The stem look
- Streetwear with a feminine touch
- Fitted caps with lashes or lip gloss
- Sneakers one day, heels the next
- Braids, locs, fades or long styles
- Hoodies, crop tops and jewelry mixed freely
Stem in love
Because stems live in both stud and femme worlds, they are often described as flexible and easy to connect with in different ways. A stem might enjoy being pursued on one date and doing the pursuing on the next. Stems date studs, femmes and other stems. As with every identity, the label describes style and energy, not a fixed role, so the best guide to any stem's love life is the stem herself.
Where the word comes from
Stem is a portmanteau of stud and femme, and like stud, it comes from Black and Latina lesbian communities in the US. It grew as a way to describe women who did not fit neatly into the stud or femme roles that were common in those social scenes. Because the term is tied so closely to stud, many in the community see it as part of the same cultural vocabulary and ask that non-Black people use other words for themselves. For that reason, this site's test does not assign stem as a result.
Myths about stem lesbians
A common myth is that stem is just another word for futch. Both describe a blend of masculine and feminine, but stem comes from stud culture specifically, while futch comes from the broader butch and femme vocabulary. Another myth is that stems are undecided or confused. Like any in between identity, stem is a complete identity, not a waiting room. A third myth is that stems must split their style perfectly in half. Some lean more stud, some more femme, and it can shift.
Why the test does not assign stem
Stem comes from the same cultural vocabulary as stud. Our test measures style and energy, not culture or community, so it would not be right for it to assign a word with such specific roots. If you are not part of those communities and your results show a mix, futch is the closest fit.
Stem vs futch
- Both describe a blend of masculine and feminine style.
- Futch blends butch and femme, from the wider lesbian vocabulary.
- Stem blends stud and femme, from Black and Latina lesbian communities.
- Some people relate to both words. It is up to each person to choose.
What stem style can look like
There is no single stem uniform. Some stems wear streetwear with long nails and lashes. Some switch between a fresh fade and baggy jeans on Friday and a fitted dress on Saturday. The common thread is comfort in both stud and femme worlds.
Using the word respectfully
- Use stem for people who claim it.
- Do not label someone a stem based on their look. Let them tell you.
- If you are not from the communities the word comes from, choose a word like futch or androgynous for yourself.
Stem in the community
Stems are part of a rich scene of Black and Latina lesbian culture that includes studs, femmes and everyone in between. In that world, stem gave a clear name to people who never wanted to choose one role, and many wear it with real pride.
If you want to learn more, start by listening to stems themselves.
Who stems often click with
Stem FAQ
What does stem mean in lesbian terms?
Stem combines the words stud and femme. It describes a lesbian or sapphic person whose style and energy blend the two, and it comes from Black and Latina lesbian communities in the US. A stem might mix streetwear with feminine touches or shift between stud and femme looks.
Is stem the same as futch?
They are similar but not the same. Both describe a blend of masculine and feminine presentation. Futch blends butch and femme and comes from the broader lesbian vocabulary. Stem blends stud and femme and comes from Black and Latina lesbian communities, so it carries that culture with it.
Can anyone call themselves a stem?
Because stem is tied closely to stud, many people in the community ask that non-Black people use other words for themselves. Respecting that is a simple, kind choice. If you feel a mix of masculine and feminine and are not from those communities, futch or androgynous may fit you well.