In the non-lockup world, why would a lesbian desire a partner that was on the masculine side?

Years ago when I saw this special by Diane Sawyer, on women in prison, I got the thought as to if the same held true outside the walls, if lesbians desire partners that were on the masculine side. There were not a whole lot of lesbians that came through the salon the years I worked there, and I could not sense any leaning off appearances they might have had. The limited exposure I did have with any that come through it was more like one took the role of wearing the britches (being in charge), and the other wearing the panties (being the minor partner); “Butch” and “Femme” I believe they referred to it as. There are a few people in the neighborhood that have done time and none of them would ever admit to being on “swipe” (having a homosexual relationship). The special was surprising to me how many women, even those not confirmed lesbians would opt in to being sexual with another woman. I wonder does having the other woman look masculine make it easier to believe that they are with a man and not another woman?