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Joan Nestle

The Persistent Desire: A Femme-Butch Reader

"The Persistent Desire: A Femme-Butch Reader," edited by Joan Nestle, is a groundbreaking anthology that explores the history, culture, and personal experiences of the femme-butch community. First published in 1992, the book is a collection of essays, interviews, memoirs, and fiction that challenge societal norms and offer a unique perspective on lesbian identity and desire. Nestle, a prominent feminist and lesbian activist, curates a diverse range of voices that reflect the complexity and richness of the femme-butch experience. The book features contributions from well-known writers and activists, such as Pat Califia, Amber Hollibaugh, and Sarioh Yaco, as well as many previously unpublished writers. The anthology is divided into four sections: "Theorizing the Vision," "Loving the Vision," "Living the Vision," and "Imagining the Vision." Each section explores a different aspect of the femme-butch experience, from the politics of butch-femme identity to the personal struggles and joys of being in a femme-butch relationship. One of the strengths of "The Persistent Desire" is its intersectional approach, which acknowledges the ways in which race, class, and gender intersect with butch-femme identity. The book includes contributions from writers of color, working-class writers, and transgender writers, who offer unique insights into the femme-butch experience. Nestle's introduction sets the stage for the rest of the book, offering a powerful and personal exploration of the history and significance of butch-femme identity. She argues that butch-femme relationships have been a vital part of lesbian culture for decades, and that these relationships have been marginalized and erased within mainstream feminist and lesbian communities. "The Persistent Desire" is a must-read for anyone interested in queer studies, feminist theory, or lesbian history and culture. The book offers a rich and nuanced exploration of butch-femme identity, challenging readers to think critically about gender, desire, and power. Nestle's anthology is not only a valuable contribution to queer studies, but also a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the femme-butch community...