Erica, originally uploaded by cassandra.jean.lewis.

A reader asks…

I may be starting a new school in September for my A-levels. It is a private school however, and it seems as if their uniform rules prohibit girls from wearing trousers. For obvious reasons this would make me feel extremely uncomfortable. I need some sort of official sources to back me up. I have heard about a new Equality Bill for 2010 which says that ‘requiring pupils to wear gender-specific clothes is potentially unlawful’ however I cannot find a copy of the actual report.I was wondering if anyone had any information on gender/transgender discrimmination laws in the UK? Could anyone help me out? I only want to feel comfortable at school.

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

A reader recommends…

There are so many unique genders here at genderfork! This survey is for trans and gender-variant people, supplying data to authors of a book that will be a guide for such people and their loved ones and allies.

The personal stories and information about each genderforker will greatly add to it, in fact, it would be incomplete without people like us. Not to mention how freaking fun talking about yourself is. Moderately long survey.

» Recommend something. «

Libertango, originally uploaded by Archie, Fatally Sweet.

Jules wrote…

The more I think about my gender, the less convinced I am that I actually have one.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Kit Yan (recommended earlier) of Good Asian Drivers performs impassioned, political spoken-word pieces, as well as silly stuff.

“Strong” submitted by Blood Clottia, the model.

“Roller derby saved my soul…”

closetta recommends…

Philippe is gorgeous. Rather than having no gender, shim has the best attributes of both, and thus is attractive to all. Also shim seems to be having lots of fun, and be relaxed even if in the public eye.

Another reason for liking Phillippe is that shim has made shis gender ambiguity into both a positive business attribute, for a highly succesful fashion business – and made it sher USP, while avoiding any tackyness. It’s all done in the best possible taste. And my goodness, I envy Phillipe’s youth, beauty, and confidence!

» Recommend something. «

You can call me… Skye

I identify as… a daily drag king, butch boi, genderqueer, and rebel.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I’ve lived with she/her for 21 years, but would prefer zi/hir. I get “sir’d” a lot though.

I’m attracted to… female masculinity.

When people talk about me, I want them to… speak about revolution, genuine love, and real passion.

I want people to understand… that the gender binary should be challenged and obliterated.

About Skye
Sometimes I feel like just going somewhere. Without a map or anything… just drive. I feel happiest when I’m learning and can occupy my mind with information. I realize that every moment is different than the last, and things can change in an instant. I wish for only one thing in this life, and that’s to always love with my heart completely open. I hope I’m succeeding and not holding back. I know that there are really only two things I need to accomplish: to understand myself, and to understand one other person. It’ll take a lifetime to complete. I’m not afraid to live in the dark, because even if not knowing holds fear, it also holds hope. I am, however, afraid of that moment when you hit the switch but the light hasn’t come on. Or before your eyes focus anyway. That moment, when you don’t know what’s there, but you know that you’re going to find out. Sometimes its better to know. I spend a lot of time thinking… Thinking about what I’ve learned, what I’ve left to learn. Where I’m going and where I’ve been. But most importantly, who I am and who I want to be.

On the lighter side, I eat spaghetti-o’s with a fork.

Continue reading »

Gender Studies – Androgyny1 ( male side ), originally uploaded by Monika Malkowska.

Poy wrote…

GOT EARNESTLY READ AS FEMALE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER LAST NIGHT (granted it was at a dark bar and they hadn’t heard me speak yet but SHUT UP SHUT UP). Have been smiling all day.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Manly Man, originally uploaded by Alinuh.

“taking a seat” submitted by Catherine, the model and photographer

elliB recommends…

Amos Mac is a trans photographer who focuses on the genderqueer and trans communities and who has an ftm magazine and website called Original Plumbing. The ‘girl-on-girl’ culture web magazine that I intern at, Autostraddle, did a great write up and interview with Amos.

» Recommend something. «

You can call me… Dorian.

I identify as… a male-expressive polyamorous genderqueer artswhore… today, i think.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … it doesn’t matter, but ‘he’ is most commonly used.

I’m attracted to… androgyny, deep thinkers, curves and angles, self-confidence, sex-positivity. sexiness is really hard to pin down, so all applicants are welcome.

When people talk about me, I want them to… listen and participate fully.

I want people to understand… that assumptions fall far short, and acting or commenting on them can be hurtful.

About Dorian
i’m in my senior year of uni studying modern language, performing arts, philosophy, and a lot of other things too numerous to mention. i have a tendency towards randomness and really enjoy awkward pauses. a big fan of deep conversation or comfortable silence, i try to be open to new people, experiences, and ideas. my personal bubble is a safe zone, so if you need someone to talk to, feel free. friendship is very important, but we both have to mean it. <3

» Define yourself. «

Suppositori b, originally uploaded by Matthew Brindle.

Someone wrote…

It never occurred to me that the reason I couldn’t figure out my sexual orientation was because I didn’t know my gender.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

“mod grrrls” submitted by Eric, the model. (on right)

, originally uploaded by Ponygraph.

Someone wrote…

People think they’re being invasive when they ask me questions some might consider “personal”— questions about my body, my gender, the way I look, think, etc. They don’t seem to understand I love being able to tell people there’s a different way of existing out there. Not everything is black and white, just “this” or “that.” There’s a “Thiat” and a “Thast” and every combination you can possibly dream up.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?