Butch.world started as an exploration of the butch identity across differing locations, primarily with a goal of exploring and amplifying the queer South. Butch voices, particularly non-urban and southern butch voices, are often ignored. Butch.world sought to rectify that by amplifying butch voices of all kinds through oral storytelling.

Butch.world allows users to listen to butch stories on their own through interactive media and archiving. Exploring an open world environment, bucth.world forces the user to encounter butch people. Initially, “Butch-ered” used open world gaming systems and dialogue ttees to compare Knoxville, Tennessee and New York, New York as a basis for depicting the nuances of the butch identity. Now, butch.world is looking to extend its reach.

The project, founded by Noelani Fishman (www.noelanifishman.com), began as a foray into the intersection of queer archiving, art, and participatory design. Noelani is a butch designer from Knoxville, Tennessee, currently residing in Brooklyn, New York. 

The project is currently expanding into community organizing efforts, looking into broader conversations with archiving, and expanding its reach. Ultimately, butch.world is a community project focused on uplifting butch stories in whatever way possible. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out!