I lived in a relatively lesbian suburb, close to a clearly lesbian bar that was eventually closed down/ lost their licence after too many fights / too many police callouts. Observing the interaction, I formed the opinion that butch lesbians were mean for the same reason some men are: treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen. They bullied their women. And their women were mean for the same reason some women are: lacking physical strength they exercised power by words.