among the books
100/365: 1981-1982, originally uploaded by bloody marty mix.
Posted by AgentRusco on September 30th, 2010 at 04:00 pm
100/365: 1981-1982, originally uploaded by bloody marty mix.
Submitted by Kari, the model and photographer.
I identify as genderqueer and within the last year or so I’ve been trying to find ways to appear more androgynous and to become more comfortable with my outward appearance. I still feel a lot of anxiety about doing so. This was just a rainy day around campus and I was trying to capture that feeling a bit.
You can call me… Shonne Elijah, or just Shonne I guess.
I identify as… an Ambigender, androgyny-loving, rebellion-driven, metal-head, drama nerd, mulatto of the North West.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … call me what you like. “She,” “He,” “Ze,” “Ve,” whatever. Doesn’t matter to me.
I’m attracted to… androgynous people. Feminine men, butch women, other ambis. I’m attracted to people who don’t make their sex obvious by the way they dress. Also, I like people with a good sense of humor and an accepting disposition.
When people talk about me, I want them to… not try to label me, and stick me in a specific box. I want them to talk about my personality, not what they think my sex is.
I want people to understand… gender is not defined by sex. Being physically male doesn’t make you a man and being physically female does not make you a woman. I cant choose to be male or female or a man or a woman, but I can choose to accept who I am inside. Don’t try to decide for me and don’t restrict yourself to what the media, your friends or family think a man or woman should or shoudn’t be.
About Shonne Elijah
I’m an acting freak that doesn’t limit myself to playing only male or only female roles. I’m from Seattle, Washington but I’m not going to tell you my current location. I’m pretty much a loner at school so, being a lonely teen, I confide in the internet to get my feelings out and my opinions expressed.
Anyway, the reason I’m putting this up here is because all my life people have tried to force me into one line or the other, boys’ line or girls’ line. Parents, friends, teachers, counselors, strangers. I guess it never could occur to them that not everyone can pick a line. I sometimes say it’s like asking me to pick to be black or white. I was born a mix of both. If they cant deal with that, then it’s their problem.
» Define yourself. «
Androgyny, originally uploaded by o p h e l i a..
Someone wrote…
I need to take a vacation from gender.
What’s your experience?
C’est la vie #9, originally uploaded by arnaud delrue.
jean c. recommends…
This is a great book about the mysterious, mystical, and constructed nature of gender identity. Written in French by Tahar Ben Jelloun, a Moroccan author, it tells the story of a female child who is brought up as a boy, Ahmed, because his father, after having seven daughters, needs a son. Ahmed (for whom varying pronouns and names are used in different parts of the book) questions his identity and his existence, observes the world around him, and tries to figure out how to live his life, first retreating, then going out into the world.
The story (somewhat magical-realist) is told by different voices and in fragments of narration — each of which presents different variations on the meaning of the story and on the facts themselves. No “truth” or “conclusion” is ever really reached, which very much hit home to me with my own gender identity. There’s no definable conclusion, just a varying group of stories that have more or less validity at any given time…
Also, I felt a shiver of recognition and kinship with the passages describing Ahmed’s intimate aloneness with his body. This is a complicated and sometimes confusing book to read, but really worth it.
You can call me… Liz, Lizzish, or Zish… but I’m starting to prefer the last one.
I identify as… Queer as all get out, genderqueer (genderweird!) polyamorous, kinky, taoist, and obsessed with the gray areas. I am a creature of few preferences and diverse tastes.
As far as third-person pronouns go, … The lady ones aren’t bad, but I’d love it if people used they/them a bit more.
I’m attracted to… People of all sorts. Dimples and spectacles. Handsome geeky types, cute spacey hippies, and anyone whose appearance makes it clear they’ve got a lot to express. Strong opinions and creative talents are a must.
When people talk about me, I want them to… see my creativity and my passion, and maybe want to Just Be Themselves for a little while.
I want people to understand… that it’s better to make a mistake than to live forever with regret.
About Zish
Lately I’ve been managing a kid’s store, being good to my friends and lovers, and generally loving and living it up in Philly. Working on finding the perfect hippie peace space to move into. Working on educating myself and finding just the right words to describe me.
» Define yourself. «
IMG_7471, originally uploaded by Sway Photography.
Someone wrote…
My outfit doesn’t express my gender. I like to keep it simple. If I need to express myself and my gender I will do so when the time comes. I don’t need that much attention.
What’s your experience?
taller-de-drag-king-2, originally uploaded by María AA.
{24} Alone he glows, originally uploaded by Brent Weichsel.
Anonymous asks…
What are some good ways to begin to explore my gender, not necessarily in terms of changing my wardrobe?
Please post your response in the comments below.
» Ask Genderfork «
You can call me… Ophelia Rising (that would be first and last name) ;)
I identify as… Asexual androgyne – born female, still have all my female parts and take no hormones, as mentally, I am no more male than I am female. I don’t want a penis; likewise, I try hard to ignore my vagina. ;)
As far as third-person pronouns go, … Ze is OK. Hir works, as well. Tho I don’t identify with “she” or “he,” as to me, these symbolize gender which I can’t identify with.
I’m attracted to… honesty, compassion, intelligence, wisdom and wit. Physicalities matter nothing to me, as I am “mentally” asexual and have no desire for a sexual encounter.
When people talk about me, I want them to… wonder what planet I come from, for I simply can’t be from earth!
I want people to understand… I am, like all others, a soul in a body. My body does not define who I am, but simply acts as a means of transport while I’m here on earth.
About Ophelia Rising
To be or not to be; that is the question.
I am everything and nothing – male/female, beautiful/ugly, shy/outging, saint/sinner, humble/egotistical and I’ve been known to be happy, sad and angry all at the same time. I am, and more importantly, I am not.
» Define yourself. «
Someone wrote…
The day I realized bras are optional was glorious.
What’s your experience?
A reader recommends…
I’m surprised to have waited this long to mention the luminous Prince Poppycock. I’ve been amused, enamored and confused by this marvelous creature long before I ever started to have an interest in genderfuck beauty.
Part randy dandy, part rock star, part drunken courtesan, Poppycock instantly owns the audience with but a glance and a wiggle of bedazzled pantaloons, and that’s just the beginning. His operatic prowess, glamorous costumes and ostentatious prose leave not a heart unstirred. A masterpiece of self-transformation, the Prince is also recording artist John Quale, but I’m secretly hoping Poppycock will take over completely one day, to reign supreme in a glittery victory of feathers and gold spandex.
lessons, originally uploaded by missarkansassy.
You can call me… Eli.
I identify as… queer, genderqueer (campus leader social activist cyclist vegan musician art history student).
As far as third-person pronouns go, … she/ her. i love it when i get mistaken for male though.
I’m attracted to… many varieties of female types, transmen, potentially queer men(?), lovers, activists, environmentalists, big hearts.
When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about how i influenced them to be more themselves and to reach for their goals.
I want people to understand… boxes are usually just good for storage, that gender diversity is beautiful and that anything could change your life if you let it.
About Eli
twenty-something director of her campus GLBT center, burgeoning arts administrator, musician/ art historian/ and artist wannabe, eli spends her days biking to her legal paper-sized list of commitments, gladly throwing free time away to spend time with you.
» Define yourself. «