I’m a straight woman, but if kd tipped me the nod, I’d be there in a hot minute.
But I think women who refuse to fulfil the requirements of feminine stereotyping challenge social norms. They make women uncomfortable because their appearance makes it clear that performing femininity is a construct, and a time-consuming and often uncomfortable one.
They disturb men because their appearance says they’re not interested in dressing up to attract men. If they’re lesbians, it’s even more a fuck you to patriarchal ideas of a woman’s role. People willing to step outside of convention norms in dress and behaviour always attract criticism.
Women who choose to step out of socially acceptable standards of presentation are a symbol of rebellion. For the patriarchy they’re outside the circle of the campfire, beckoning women to freedom.
“Pssst! Come over here. You can run without falling off your heels and spend your money on chocolate and liberation instead of waxing”.
Social convention is like vaccination, it only really works if everyone does it, so those who don’t participate are policed and punished.
I think Neurotrash, is right. What is acceptable for gender categories has narrowed over the last couple of decades. Instead of Colette being gloriously and stylishly herself, nowadays she’d only be acceptable if she declared herself a man.