Why do lesbians feel that they have to role play?

I see your point and agree. We can all be dominant or passive. Hopefully in the ordinary individual, both parts of the personality interplay. Like any relationship, when one stumbles, the other takes over and is the strong one. I was speaking more about women who actually play outdated roles from the last century, and refer to themselves as male/female. And the rules that they create around this bizarre mockery.

Yeah, sad thing isn't it? They play these stereotypes in Sydney and in New Zealand. I am not sure what it is about. We are all individuals and inclined to dress as we feel comfortable and act accordingly. Surely there would be no joy in playing a role, when lesbianism is about being oneself and enjoying the unity of other women who believe the same. Why do we let ourselves be segregated further by outdated stereotypes that never worked originally, especially by other women.

You got me thinking about it, and it occurred to me that this may actually be an expression of the success of the Gay Pride Movement. Back in the mid-20th century, they needed these roles to affirm their lesbianism, and ID each other, things like that. It fell out of favor with our generation, we were all busy freeing ourselves from all that rubbish and working on changing our collective image, politics, etc. Now, everyone is free to be (more or less), and it's safe to trot out the old roles, if that's what you want to do. Kinda cool, if that's what's happening. For me, it was never really a choice - I was a bouncing baby d*y*ke and looked the part. Still pretty butch, I look like a smacked a*s*s in a dress and makeup! My honey is what I call sporty, butch but with a better sense of style. Good discussion, thanks for sparking the old thought train!