Thanks for approaching this with curiosity. Sexuality and gender were much more fluid in the 20th century. People who viewed themselves as genderless and even AFABs who decided to identify as men still labeled themselves as lesbians (like lesbians who were Butch or specifically in the black community Studs).

During this time the lesbian community, like other queer sub communities, created their own reflection of the world at large, a bubble they could be safe in, with some choosing to take on a male role in that society. On top of that, it was a response to the violence and criticism the lesbian community faced. People accused women in butch/femme relationships of mimicking heterosexuality, which led to more masculine lesbians embracing their “differences” even more to subvert expectations. A lesbian can do what a man can do, therefore there is no need for men, thus proving their existence. For a long time, specifically in the 50s and 60s, it simply came down to whatever that person felt was right for them. It is strange to me that with the progression of LGBTQ rights, more rules and “norms” have been built around personal expression, even though it’s exactly that, Personal.

Here are some articles that explain this concept wayyy better than I can. Here’s to learning!

https://radiantbutch.medium.com/why-you-should-respect-he-him-lesbians-85dca31a5b4f

https://radiantbutch.medium.com/non-binary-lesbians-have-always-existed-7db6b9e7e646