I identify as… An andro (sometimes genderqueer) nerd dyke.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … I used to prefer feminine pronouns, now I don’t mind either way, as long as I’m being addressed respectfully.
I’m attracted to… nerdy sex positive dykes of all stripes. Must have verve.
When people talk about me, I want them to… engage my intellect.
I want people to understand… I refuse to be anyone but myself. My gender isn’t theater.
About Candace
I’m an elementary educator/graduate student/world traveler/activist/sneaker and New Era cap enthusiast/genderqueer/nerd/vegetarian/victim to wanderlust with ENTJ tendencies. (There’s more to me than these labels…I hope.)
I identify as… T-girl of rather mature years that has had to deal with Gender Identity Disorder from earliest childhood on.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … I don’t really care, it’s just an interpretation of my appearance.
I’m attracted to… everything that has grace and beauty. Also humor, weirdness, and intelligence together in one package.
When people talk about me, I want them to… just shut up :-) seriously… I would like them to be honest and prudential or to at least talk with an open mind and little judgment.
I want people to understand… to love yourself for who you are is one of the hardest things to do in life.
About Celinepettitejean
Artist, over 40, living in Germany.
I identify as… a female-bodied human being who sometimes feels male, sometimes genderless, sometimes just doesn’t care, but most-always feels that a more androgynous (at the very least) or male body would be more comfortable.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … I like to avoid them. “She” is tolerable because it’s what pretty much everyone knows me by since I’ve only really talked about my feelings on my gender with one person… I’m flattered when “he/his/him” are used, but that only happens with complete strangers.
I’m attracted to… My girlfriend.
When people talk about me, I want them to… try not to make assumptions about me despite how I may look or who I may be dating, and avoid using the term “lesbian.”
I want people to understand… that some people aren’t happy with their born gender, not everyone fits a label, and a lot of people don’t appreciate the labels they are given.
About Matt/Sarah
I’m a student at the moment, hoping to go to a good college to work on becoming an illustrator. I started questioning my own gender about a year and a half ago, so this is still new and a bit difficult to talk about because I’ve only opened up to my girlfriend. No one else who knows me is aware of my feelings, hence my desire for some anonymity.
I grew from a Polly Pocket-playing girl into a boxer-rocking man and I find nothing strange about it. Maybe it’s because I still dress-up the occasional doll.
Freak Show by James St. James tells the story of a young drag queen thrown into a conservative high school. This book breaks gender stereotypes in several different ways. It’s a great read, especially for teenagers or young adults interested in genderqueer subjects. Billy Bloom, the protagonist, is referred to using both male and female pronouns throughout the book.
By running for homecoming queen, Billy’s classmates really learn about discrimination, judgment, and even gender stereotypes. James St. James, who is a fantastic writer, teaches the reader that gender doesn’t have to fit into a certain label. Read this book.
I identify as… A fantastically pansexual male trapped in a female body.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … the use of masculine pronouns is very much appreciated.
I’m attracted to… People who are intelligent, caring, and understanding.
When people talk about me, I want them to… be polite.Really. I don’t care if you mention my gender identity as long as you’re respectful about it.
I want people to understand… that just because I’m not fully out of the closet yet, doesn’t mean I’m not genuine. It simply means that I’m not in a place where I can be out and about without losing a lot that’s important to me.
About Evan
I’m 18, currently studying studio art at my state school. Eventually I want to be a tattoo artist; aside from that I love music, writing, and all that artsy stuff. I’m currently living in Rhode Island, but I can’t wait to move somewhere more exciting.
I wish people would realize how much it hurts me for them to say I would look better with long hair, or how much it hurts when they beg me not to cut my hair again. I just can’t explain to them what it means to me to make my exterior look more like how I perceive my gender. It’s something you can’t really understand from the outside.
I identify as… Androgynous. I refuse to wear women’s clothing, even in the depths of my operatic or otherwise theatrical experiences. I love my ties, slacks and suits. Overall I am a Jessie.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … I prefer feminine pronouns but don’t get offended if someone mistakes me for male as long as they’re nice about it or willing to accept their mistake.
I’m attracted to… Feminine women.
When people talk about me, I want them to… Focus on the quality and depth of my character instead of my inability to fit into either male or female fundamental molds of gender.
I want people to understand… Nothing is black or white.
About Jessie
Jessie is a 21-year-old second-year graduate student in vocal performance at Kansas State University. She is currently planning her Kansas wedding to her fiancé and then moving to New York City to pursue a doctoral degree in musicology.
When I look at my body in the mirror, my stocky frame, my hair, my small breasts, my strong chin, I feel like my body is telling me something it took a long time for my brain to understand. Physical sex and gender don’t always mesh, but sometimes they do.
