Why can't women just be band members? It's not called male punk, yet as soon as a woman is thrown into the mix, it suddenly becomes "female punk." Labeling them as such does a disservice to all of their hard work to make it as musicians. Becoming a success in the alternative music industry is already a horrendous uphill battle and then throw not having a penis into the mix...
Since its inception in the 1970s, women have had large influences on the anarchy that is punk music and its subculture, unlike heavy metal and rock, which were utterly dominated by the patriarchy. According to rock historian Ellen Reddington, "It would be possible to write the whole history of punk music without mentioning any male bands at all -- and I think a lot of [people] would find that very surprising." Punk was a time for women to break stereotypes, and that's what they did.
So what happened?
Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders said, "That was the beauty of the punk thing: [Sexual] discrimination didn't exist in that scene," but fast forward about 40 years and you see women being confined by their gender. People are taking a widespread genre and pushing women into a tiny corner of all its chaotic glory. Lauren Denitzio of punk band Worriers, along with many others, is fed up. 
If you were to Google search "punk bands," guess what comes up. Just guess. You nailed it: all male-fronted groups, from the Ramones to Green Day, from Sex Pistols to Misfits and so on. Over 50 bands come up at the top of the search and not a single one has a leading woman. In order to see get any results including women, you have to physically type the word "female" into the search bar. This isn't a problem in just punk music, and it's growing old. It's tiring for both the rockers themselves and their fans as well. We're taught to feel offbeat or shameful for liking women-led groups -- that if a song features thrashy instrumentals and a female voice, it's inadequate compared to thrashy instrumentals layered with a male voice.
Punk is punk. Music is music. Artists are artists.
In 2016, we're expected to be progressive, but this notion of "female punk" and "femme punk" is nothing less than regressive.
Unfamiliar with the scene? Here are three punk bands to check out:
1. Bikini Kill (1990-1997)
An accidental frontrunner of the Riot grrrl movement, Bikini Kill was known for their radical feminist lyrics and anthemic lyrical venom. They offered gender-minded politics, queer agitation and steadfast commitments to DIY roots. The band was made up of four members: Kathleen Hanna (vocals), Billy Karren (guitar), Kathi Wilcox (base) and Tobi Vail (drums).
2. The Runaways (1975-1979)
Now, I'm sure you've heard of Joan Jett, but what about her first band, prior to Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The Runaways? It wasn't until their second album, "Queens of Noise," that they were lumped into the punk rock scene in 1977. Although short lived, the band went on to pave the way for many female artists and bands, as well as influence Courtney Love, the Germs, Taylor Momsen, White Flag and so on. Their sound was raw and made up of undeniably authoritative vibes.
3. Sleater-Kinney (1994-2006, 2014- )
Another key part to the Riot grrrl movement, this punk rock trio is a force to be reckoned with. Like Bikini Kill, they formed in Olympia, Washington's fertile punk scene, and are known for their feminist ideologies and liberal political views. Front woman Corin Tucker said that her harsh vocals were always intentional in order to suit Sleater-Kinney's message and to ensure the listeners' unwavering focus.
(If it made you uncomfortable that all three bands are women-led but the list wasn't preceded by saying so, then you're part of the problem, and need to reread this article.)
