Stud/ Masc Appreciation Month (happy September 2023 Stud/ Masc appreciation month)

Happy Stud/ Masc appreciation month September 2023! Check out the Stud Model Project. They have a $2.99 subscription. The feature is of model/artist @twitch_daize @studmodelproject https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5oFiSpxzx/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== What is a Stud? A Stud is usually a Masc presenting afab Black/African American person. Not always LGBTQ+ for the “masc”’ identity and traits, but to my knowledge, a “stud” is an LGBTQ+ masc afab person. Not all LGBTQ+ masc afab Black people identify as studs. Some might identify as the classic term “tomboy.” Others might identify as “stem” and embrace their femme sides as well. There are so many ways to identify, these are just a few! There are also gender non conforming people, non binary people, gender queer people… etc etc. The controversy usually arises as people differentiate between “butch” and “stud.” I’ve noticed some Latinx people identify as studs or being identified as such. The term “stud” appears to be more of a cultural representation of afab masculinity where Caucasian/ White non minority ethnicities are often referred to as “butch” and not as a “stud.” There was a lot of controversy in 2022 on social media platforms as lgbt content was on the ride and more and more people were coming out and embracing themselves proudly! On tik tok and ig were many controversial conversations to discourage Caucasian/White masc afab people from using the term “stud” to identify themselves. Why? Stud culture is different from Caucasian/White masc afab culture. Embracing different racial experiences, hair styles, lingo, accessories, clothing fits and types of clothing, etc. I understand this still may remain a controversial topic. And it is VERY often that Black culture once it becomes an interest in the mainstream, people who are not ethnic minorities want to embrace it as “cool” or trendy and people enjoy the aesthetics and culture behind it but without the experience of being fully treated as a Black stud, other ethnic groups (with some debate about how Latinx people fall into this category) the other ethnicities are encouraged to refrain from referring to themselves as such. I believe many Latinx people have overlapping shared experiences to the Black community. My intention is not to create a racial debate. Masc afab people are definitely also celebrated during this month of appreciation in September 2023! It is for us all! Masc is a much larger and less nuanced identity. The term “stud” embraces the Black experience of afab masculinity for those who choose to use that term. It separates out a subculture from the major large umbrella of “masc.” During this month we can talk much more about this.