Virago
Virago is a genderqueer identity for women. Primarily GNC women who are attracted to GNC men; including feminine women with this same draw.Tap around to learn more!
"Virago" was once an archaic, pejorative term describing bold, strong, and chivalrous women who defied traditional feminine expectations.
Today, the term is being reclaimed by modern women, including both heterosexual women and those with queer experiences related to gender. These women often feel ill-fitted to the societal expectation to perform femininity. Those who identify as "queer, yet heterosexual" can find little room to deviate from these norms without facing discrimination."Virago" is now embraced by women who find comfort in masculinity, reversed gender roles, or other queer-aligned experiences.At its core, this reclaimed identity often describes masculine-aligned
women who are drawn to feminine men and naturally gravitate toward leading or dominant roles in their relationships. However, the identity is broader and also encompasses:Feminine women with similar leading tendencies who are attracted to feminine men.Masculine-aligned women who prefer masculine partners.Viragos are united by a sense of "othered" womanhood and a woman-centered outlook. They often prefer to take on roles like managing household finances or arranging dates, and may be the taller or stronger partner. Regardless of their own masculinity or femininity, they may gravitate toward "dimorphic counterparts"—partners with distinct, complementary traits—for affirmation within their relationship dynamic.
The Virago experience can vary slightly. Generally speaking, if you resonate with several of the following statements, this identity may be a fitting description for you:You're a woman who identifies strongly with masculinity, androgyny, or masculine-aligned traits. This doesn't negate your womanhood, and you find comfort and authenticity in a presentation or in behaviors typically coded as masculine.You naturally prefer to take the lead in your relationships. This can manifest as taking initiative, providing a sense of protection for your partner, managing household finances, or being the one to arrange dates. This serves as one external expression of masculinity.You are often unattracted to masculine men. You may find yourself more drawn to feminine men, androgynous partners, or men who are comfortable in a more receptive or complementary role.You feel your womanhood is "othered." You may feel that conventional femininity doesn't fit you, forcing you to carve out your own authentic way of being a woman, especially if you are heterosexual but do not conform to typical relationship roles.A very common path to this identity is being a lifelong tomboy. Many tomboys—especially those who have grown into adulthood— fall under the Virago umbrella, even if they’ve never had a label for it. This identity is with women who feel most at home taking the lead, protecting their partners, or embracing traditionally "masculine" behaviors within a soft or romantic context.Keep in mind there is nuance!
- HetGnc - Heterosexual Gender Non-Conformity- Tomboy - Typically used for masculine presenting straight women.- Role Reversal - Relationships where gender roles and values are flipped.- Mollis - Opposite of Virago. Feminine men into masculine women.
Q: Can I be Virago if I'm a Bi/Pan/Trans/Non-Binary Woman?
A: Absolutely. Virago is an identity centered on a specific experience of "othered" womanhood and (often) a preference for leading roles. It is not limited by sexual orientation or specific gender identity. Bisexual, pansexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals who feel their experience aligns with the core traits of being a Virago are welcomed.Q: Can Virago also operate solely as a masculine identity for non-lesbian women?
A: Yes. using "Virago" specifically to describe personal gender identity and presentation as masculine, separate from their relationship dynamics functions as a primary label that centers their specific experience of masculine womanhood.Q: What's the difference between Butch and Virago?A: The primary difference lies in the axis of attraction and the inclusion of non-conforming heterosexual women and Bisexual. "Butch" has historically and primarily been used within the lesbian community.
While there is an exact overlap in masculinity, "Virago" explicitly creates space for bisexual queers who present and identify masculinely/genderqueer and heterosexual masculine/andro queer women. In its most specific form, Virago describes a masculine-aligned woman attracted to feminine men, or any woman attracted to men and embraces a specific gendered role attached to it.A: The axis of gender roles and inclusion of heterosexual queers.
In it's purest form a Virago would describe a masculine woman attracted to feminine men or a woman attracted to men but a with reversed gender roles.Q: Am I Virago if I'm a feminine woman into feminine men?
A:Yes!Q: Am I Virago if I'm a feminine woman into masculine men?
A: No. The Virago identity is specifically defined by a deviation from traditional gender norms and roles. A feminine woman attracted to a masculine man typically fits the non-queer standard for a heterosexual dynamic. Virago is meant to describe those who exist outside of it, such as women who are masculine-aligned or those who prefer non-masculine partners, reversed/queer roles, or queer presentation or identity.Q: Do I have to be masculine or hyper-masculine to be Virago?
A: No, not at all. While many Viragos do identify with masculinity, the identity is not exclusive to them. As noted, androgynous women, feminine women, and genderqueer women use this to describe themselves and their draw to heteroqueer relationships. The unifying factor is often the non-traditional relationship dynamic or the "woman-centered" outlook, not a specific personal level of masculinity.Q: I consider myself a tomboy, would the label be for me?
A: Yes, "tomboy" is the path to the Virago identity. Women who identify as tomboyssuch as a preference for masculine presentation, a protective nature, or a desire to lead—find that "Virago" is the perfect term to explain their true selves, especially in the context of their romantic relationships.