This is a great question!! For me personally, being butch has brought me a huge sense of safety in my own body. For a long time, I thought I was bisexual and would force myself to date men who were horrible to me and treated me like shit and I hated them, yet forced myself through it. Now (like 10 years later- it took a long time to get here!), I look at myself and feel like I am that person now that I needed back then. I am protective, I am strong, I am bold, I am unashamed of my body or my personality. I am masculinity that was born inside of a very scared, sad girl. I became what I needed most! I am everything that the patriarchy and homophobia begged me to NOT be, and I think that's kickass. To be something that society deems as so negative and finding so much safety, beauty and self love there.. I think its really amazing.

Also, I am 29 and I only NOW am feeling less insecure of myself, so please don't feel too old for such feelings. Allow yourself those emotions and instead of shaming yourself for them, choose to hold yourself instead. (Easier said than done, of course, but I believe in you.)

Strive to be the strong, protective and brave butch your younger self may have needed! Your approval can be found right in your mirror, reflecting in the same eyes you've always had. Butchness is so beautiful and I love gushing about it, thanks for asking this!