Femininities and Femme

Feminine multiplicities have always existed. Within recent years in particular, LGBTQIA+ communities have witnessed the proliferation of queer femininities. Yet, there is a gap in academic attention such that far less attention has been paid to the diversity of feminine embodiments. This entry explores some of these queer femininities and feminine identities, particularly the concept and history of femme. As will be discussed, femme challenges the norms of femininity and womanhood, making it particularly relevant for trans and queer communities alike. Importantly, this entry explores identities specifically related to femininity (gender) and distinct from woman (gender/sex) or sex (female).