Rachel Hoskin

This abstract details a recorded interview with photographer Rachel Hoskin discussing "Butch: A Photographic Exploration", an exhibition presented at Te Manawa Museum, Palmerston North, from May 18 to June 18, 2017. During the interview conducted by Jac Lynch, Hoskin examines the public portrayal and perception of Butch women through a lens that juxtaposes their "hard" and "soft" sides. The exhibit featured photographs of Butch women in various poses meant to invite reflection on their societal image and interpretation.

The exhibition was born from an academic research project aiming to analyze shifts in societal perceptions of Butch women from the 1970s through the 2010s. Ten individuals participated, including Hoskin, with the intent of contributing to a broader study on public perception. However, the museum setting attracted an audience already receptive to art, which potentially skewed the perception results. Due to this, the public perception aspect of the study is to be conducted separately.

Hoskin, themselves identifying as Butch, was particularly motivated to understand whether societal views have evolved from negative stereotypes towards a more positive recognition of Butch identity. Despite positive feedback, largely from the LGBTQI community, the true aim was to gauge reactions from broader society. The interest stemmed from growing societal acceptance for young women to transition genders, prompting questions about the potential obsolescence of Butch identity, something that Hoskin found concerning considering their own personal connection to the identity.

The study aimed to assess whether older derogatory terms once aimed at Butch women have been destigmatized or still held negative implications outside the LGBTQI community. Hoskin devised a survey with images from the exhibition, asking participants to rate them on a likeability scale, with additional questions about photographic experience and LGBTQI community connections asked at the end to understand biases in perception. The survey sought to clarify whether prejudices against Butch women persist today.

Participants were carefully selected to ensure self-identification with the Butch label, recognizing the complexity and personal nature of gender identity. The recruitment process specifically targeted those who openly identify as Butch, and Hoskin was considerate not to presume anyone's identification solely based on appearance.

Hoskin hopes that the outcomes from the completed study and the exhibition will bring greater visibility to Butch women and highlight the legitimate choice of living as a Butch woman amidst the societal pressures to transition. It aims to showcase various roles Butch women occupy in society, from corporate professionals to individuals in domestic settings, emphasizing individuality and authenticity.

Finally, the research intends to publish its findings, widen the survey to include other communities, and facilitate accessibility to the survey results. Hoskin's end goal with this project is to assure that Butch identity remains visible and recognized, and to provide options for those who may feel pressured by society to change their identities.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Rachel Hoskin

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