I identify as… A kinky, queer, fabulously high femme that’s perpetually rocking 4 inch heels.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … I prefer female pronouns.
I’m attracted to… Intelligence. Wit. Sarcasm. Androgyny. Gender fuckery. Non-conformity. Radical ideas. Boys. Girls. Boy-girls. Girl-boys. D) None of the above. E) Everything in between. People.
When people talk about me, I want them to… not make assumptions about me. Just because I might look like the feminine girl next door doesn’t mean that I am.
I want people to understand… that it’s okay to think outside the box. In fact, it makes you a lot more interesting when you do. It’s okay to challenge the status quo and the patriarchal norms that are in place for us. In fact, you probably should. I can’t change the world by myself, you know.
About Britni
I’m perpetually overdressed and radically unique. I’ll probably make you uncomfortable at some point by talking about things that are completely inappropriate by society’s standards. And I’m bloggin’, NSFW-style, over at Oh My God, That Britni’s Shameless.
Having set a world record, 18-year-old South African runner Caster Semenya is being subjected to extensive “gender testing.” Misrepresentations of intersex notwithstanding, this controversy has brought the idea of non-binary gender to MSNBC, the AP, and NPR and The Nation Magazine. What do you think can be done with our current binary-gender/sex-based sports segregation to achieve fair competition? For instance, David Zirin suggests on NPR separation by muscle mass or weight class.
I actually don’t think anyone will love this. Rather, like me, I think many people will be baffled, maybe angry or disappointed. I wish I didn’t have to put this in the “you will like” box, but I didn’t see another contact – sorry if I missed something. However, I think it’s really important to share this. The lengths the world is going to determine someone as a gender one way or another is now so serious that it’s ruining careers. It reminds me of Kate Lynn Blatt, who was told by her employer that she needed to produce a picture of her genitals and a letter from her doctor to prove she was a “woman” or she would lose her job. Since Genderfork has really helped me explore the construct of gender and sexuality, especially my own, I could think of no better place to share these recent gender-dichotomy issues.
-Taylor
I thought this was an interesting story of gender questioning/ambiguity in the world of sports, which unfortunately happens too often. This South African runner who lives as female and apparently has female physical parts is being scrutinized because she might be “male” on some biological level. Why does being really good at physical activity automatically make people question your femininity? And where do intersexed people fit in the world of sports? Are they automatically excluded?
The best part is this quote from the article:
“Even genetic testing cannot confirm male or female. In fact, it is so complex that to do proper gender testing, you have to take a multi-disciplinary approach, and make use of internal medicine specialists, gynecologists, psychologists, geneticists and endocrinologists. I am afraid that dropping your pants is not proof at all.”
Makes me wonder why we even bother if it’s that complicated!
I identify as… I try not to identify as anything; labels are restricting.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … I think, due to my size and appearance, it would be hard to avoid anything female-oriented.
I’m attracted to… Everyone. Mostly feminine men, or masculine women. Or people who transcend these labels altogether. People who are inexplicably attractive in their own right.
When people talk about me, I want them to… Focus less on my sexuality, there are more interesting things about me. Or at least treat it as less scandalous or negative. I was most flattered recently when a friend who I don’t know very well said that he had noticed that I am not overly female or male but rather I ‘dance to my own little tune.’
I want people to understand… Gender is mostly social, not natural. We weren’t born with it, it’s taught to us. Hence the reason people like us often feel uncomfortable with the labels ascribed to us.
About Bek
I’m a 19-year-old student (BA Sociology major) and disability worker. My favourite activity at the moment is criticising our society’s values, and aiming to get people to think differently about things that are perceived as natural or normal, largely gender and sex. Basically I’m an argumentative bitch.
You can call me… Rapper Steph (stage name) or Franklin
I identify as… Genderqueer, gender-neutral androgynous dyke.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … he/she works. I prefer he (she and “girl” feel really awkward), but no one ever identifies me as a he. But I don’t really care what you call me.
I’m attracted to… feminine, female-bodied people. androgynous people. intelligence, confidence, humor, happiness and a beautiful smile
When people talk about me, I want them to… refrain from judging me based on my skin color, gender identity, sexual identity, stature, politics, etc. These are all very important to me, but do not, in any way, denote what kind of person I am, because I am more than any and all of that combined.
I want people to understand… that no matter what, I am a human being, and I deserve to be treated like one. It’s really simple.
About Rapper Steph
I am an up and coming hip-hop lyricist, performing under the name Rapper Steph (myspace.com/Rappersteph). I am part of Base Trip Records, a student-run record label based out of Boston University, where I’m a senior, studying International Relations. I like a wide variety of music, planes & airports, and driving.
I identify as… A Homo sapien owning XX chromosomes.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … My friends and family refer to me by the female ones. If you’re just meeting me you’ll probably mistake me for a boy. That, however, is not necessarily a mistake. I’ll be whoever you feel comfortable with.
I’m attracted to… Cute girls with intelligence, and wit. I’m currently looking for my own Hermione Granger.
When people talk about me, I want them to… Laugh, and don’t worry what may, or may not be located in my pants.
I want people to understand… Everything is not always black and white, and that I have feelings too.
About Easley
I’m just a normal person who enjoys things such as: scuba diving, playing the saxophone, and photography.
Post Secret A movement? A place for conversation? A place full of wonder and imagination?
PostSecret is a great movement. If you haven’t heard about it, I’d be surprised, because it has swept most of the internet by storm. The site draws the curtain back from the stage of humanity and gives glimpses of real life, from real people, to real people. Often dealing with controversial subjects, it really is a breath of fresh air.
And well, we’ve already had a few personalities from over there make appearances here, so there must be some mutual interest being addressed.
Has someone ever asked you a question that feels invasive? Has a complete stranger ever made assumptions about your life? Do people tell you that your name and pronouns put a strain on their lives? Red and Charles answer some of these challenging questions!
I identify as… a bit of a fruity boy on my slow way to appearing less female.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … i like it when people mess up and say “shhhh-he”.
I’m attracted to… my incredible partner; gypsies, academics, musicians, bohemians; intelligence, sincerity, cynicism, shyness. mostly men and those in between or without the binary, but women are so beautiful.
When people talk about me, I want them to… talk TO me instead.
I want people to understand… how complex/simple gender really is; that people are so much more than their appearances.
About Danika
i’m albertan, think turtles are really groovy, and want to live in a farmhouse out on the prairie someday.
Today I was about to enter a public restroom just as the attendant was exiting, when she caught sight of me and promptly planted herself in front of the door, barring my way and pointed further down the corridor.
I looked at the sign to make sure it was the women’s, and it was, and then I looked at her in confusion for the longest time, wondering what on earth she was doing.Then I remembered, silly me, I look like a male, and I said loudly and gleefully ‘I’m a LADY!’, whereupon she stood aside with an embarrassed smile. I couldn’t stop laughing for quite some time after.
Most of the time I’m insecure and horribly worried about people giving me evils for the way I look, but for one glorious moment I had forgotten all about myself and had instead learned to laugh at the absurdity others are capable of.
These are hip, casual designer clothes meant to be worn by anyone and everyone! It’s amazing to see someone in the design world, especially at the higher end of the industry, doing something that really breaks gender barriers. The clothes are modern, wearable, and totally cool.
