It’s funny to think that if I could travel back to my shy, closeted high school self of over a decade ago and whisper about writing an article explaining “What Is A Stud,” my past self would probably tell me to be quiet first, then ask for more details online. The early 2000s were a transformative period, especially online. The internet was becoming increasingly social, with new websites, forums, and online communities appearing daily, revealing queer worlds that I could explore from the relative safety of home. While I eagerly consumed any queer content I could find, I still felt a sense of disconnect, largely due to the scarcity of representation of Black queer women, particularly those who identified as masculine. There were figures like Queen Latifah and Da Brat, who I suspected might be queer, and movies like Stranger Inside with characters like Treasure, played by Yolanda Ross, that resonated somewhat. However, these artists weren’t openly queer at the time, and Treasure was fictional, reinforcing that feeling of being adrift.
Everything shifted when I started high school in 2003. Suddenly, I was surrounded by openly queer, masculine Black women. Having gone from knowing no queer people at all, regardless of race, to seeing a whole group of studs in my high school hallways was astonishing. I was quietly in awe of their unapologetic confidence. Studs are often easily identifiable within the queer community, and consequently, they unfortunately face a significant amount of prejudice. But before diving deeper, let’s clarify what exactly a “stud” lesbian is.
Kris’s Definition: Unpacking the Term “Stud”
Stud (stəd) — In queer culture, particularly within the Black lesbian community, a “stud” refers to a Black masculine-identifying lesbian. It’s important to note that while all studs are Black, not every Black masculine-identifying lesbian necessarily identifies as a stud. The term is racially specific, born from the experiences of Black lesbians to distinguish themselves and their gender roles from those of their white counterparts within the broader lesbian community.
Slang // Synonyms: Masculine of Center (MOC), AG (Aggressive), Staddy, Studsband, and “diet stud” (a more personal, nuanced identifier).
Example Usage: “She was initially drawn to her captivating selfies, but what truly made her stay was the undeniable stud aesthetic – that unique blend of style, charm, and confident demeanor.”
The essence of a stud encompasses mannerisms, charm, swagger, and a distinct style. Studs, who often navigate multiple layers of marginalization, are influenced by the Black cisgender heterosexual men in their lives and the wider Black community. This influence underscores why “stud” is a racially specific term. The Black community has historically been a blueprint for creating rich culture even when facing societal devaluation and misunderstanding of those who deviate from the “norm.” This context is crucial in understanding why it’s vital to prevent the co-opting or erasure of this inherently Black identity by non-Black Masculine of Center lesbians who lack the lived experiences of being a stud. This issue arises both in real-life interactions and in virtual spaces like TikTok hashtags.
Many studs may have absorbed and shaped their understanding of masculinity (and femininity) within the safe havens of their families and communities. Weekend gatherings, family reunions, church events, and even clubs – these were spaces where Black individuals could express themselves fully. These environments showcased how Black men interacted with Black women and with each other. Young, observant studs absorbed these interactions, witnessing masculinity in action – from charming interactions with women to displays of dominance and playful banter among men. These observations, both positive and negative, provided a foundation for creating a distinct queer identity that resonated authentically with who they were in the world.
Identifying a Stud: Evolving Styles and Traits
Historically, the criteria for identifying as a stud were quite rigid. It often revolved around perceived “toughness,” success with women, and a distinct sense of style. In the smaller queer circles of the early 2000s, common markers for studs included:
- The latest and most fashionable streetwear.
- Iconic sneakers like Jordans or Foams.
- Sharp suits and button-up shirts, reminiscent of church attire.
- Specific hairstyles: brush cuts, waves, fades, or locs.
- Snapback hats and durags.
- Other fashion trends prevalent in early 2000s Black masculine culture.
While some of these identifiers persist among younger studs today—Jordans remain timeless—style and presentation have significantly diversified and expanded. Contemporary studs, daddies, and Masculine of Center individuals, such as Danielle Cooper, Young Ezee, DJ Dapper, Miriam Hyman, and Lena Waithe, demonstrate the broad spectrum of stud aesthetics. However, a consistent element often found on a stud’s profile is a designer sports bra, tank top, or boxer brief selfie, often accompanied by a lip bite, a squint, or a deliberate head tilt.
The Stud Renaissance: Embracing Evolution
The internet, with its inherent contradictions, has facilitated the growth and evolution of the queer world, including the stud community. We’ve moved past the notion that cisgender heterosexual masculinity should dictate our understanding of masculinity. This is a significant leap because, fundamentally, why should we allow cishet men to define us? Much credit is due to Gen Z, who have brought fresh energy to the community by embracing self-expression at a younger age. This generation has made new identities and perspectives on masculinity more visible.
This evolution has extended to older generations of studs, prompting them to shed toxic masculine traits. There’s a growing embrace of feminine qualities, open emotional expression, and a challenging of traditional lesbian relationship norms. Witnessing stud-on-stud relationships and studs starting families is becoming increasingly common and celebrated. All of this is happening without the fear of losing one’s masculine identity.
It’s truly a stud renaissance, and it’s a beautiful and empowering movement to witness.
A woman with short hair and a tank top, showcasing stud style and confidence.
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Kris Chesson
Kris Chesson is a writer and community builder with roots in Virginia, DC, and the Bay Area. She shares, centers, and celebrates her experiences as a Black Queer individual. Beyond writing, Kris is an Account Manager at HER Social App and co-hosts the Bad Queers Podcast. She enjoys diverse cuisines, documentaries, and time with loved ones. Connect with Kris on Instagram @kris.chess and Twitter @kidnamedkris.
Kris has contributed 2 articles to our publication.
