Model Drew Roth. Photographer AnomalousNYC.

You can call me… Nexus

I identify as… Genderqueer, pansexual, androgyne, two-spirit, bio-male with a strong female spirit, and Goth. I am both male and female and neither, as well and then a blend of both.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I answer to he, she, they, we, his, her, but usually to masculine pronouns as these are what I’ve heard most often. I am no longer embarrassed when I am mistaken for a woman, and I actually like it so long as it is not meant as a vicious attack. But never refer to me as “it.”

I’m attracted to… intelligence, honesty, beauty, compassion, art, design, men, woman, and any gender. We are sexual creatures, and I embrace that fully.

When people talk about me, I want them to… I want people to say that I am a kind, considerate, intelligent sensitive, caring, warm human being who believes above all in the power of Love. If you see me and don’t understand me that’s all right, I don’t mind talking about who and what I am with someone who is genuinely interested. Please don’t call me a freak because I’ve heard that enough already.

I want people to understand… I’m am just another human being in this vast diverse creation, and I’m just trying to be me. I believe we should treat each other as we want to be treated. Accept me for who I am.

About Nexus
I am into family, art, design, fashion, photography, nature, gardening and things that are good for the ecology of the planet. Some might consider me a health nut who is reinventing himself.

» Define yourself. «

Submitted by jill Chisholm, the photographer.

Submitter is the model and photographer.

“I’m just in deep thought, wondering when will all beings, no matter their gender, (gender presentation), orientation, etc. be free to live without fear of harm, unemployment, lack of health care, etc. There have been some strides in the past years, but there is still so much more that is needed…”

You can call me… Shannon1981

I identify as… a genderqueer homosexual.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … it doesn’t matter, just as long as you are respectful. Usually female is fine though. That is what I am used to anyway.

I’m attracted to… butch/stud women. They should be sensitive, kind, intelligent, witty, and funny. They should also like to cuddle and kiss.

When people talk about me, I want them to… realize I am a human being with feelings, and that I have been through a lot, and had many hurtful things said to and about me. I hope that is enough to make them not want to hurt me more than I already have been.

I want people to understand… I am a work in progress, forever evolving. Bear with me. I got a late start, but I am finally coming into my own.

About Shannon1981
I am a computer-networking major at a tech school in SC. I will graduate and seek Microsoft Certifications in LAN Management and software development. I want to move to a gay mecca- San Francisco,WeHo, Atlanta- where ever I can find a job in a place that is more queer friendly than SC. Also seeking a long term relationship with a nice stud/genderqueer female.

» Define yourself. «

Submitted by Sarah Goodwin, the photographer. Modeled by Laura Smith.

Submitted by LaQuisha Redfern, the model. Photograph by Alex Efimoff.

“LaQuisha is a persona I’ve developed over the years. Although I usually present as male, in my heart of hearts I know my gender identity is more than a little complicated. I call it ‘drag’ for ease of communication, but it runs deeper than that.”

You can call me… Neil. That’s the name I chose for myself 15 years ago now.

I identify as… a few ways. Mainly, I am male. I am also a post-op transgender male, as I was born female and have had gender reassignment. Sometimes I think of myself as a transgender woman in a transgender mans body. I like to express this by dressing quite androgynous, and I like a lot of feminine things.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I rather be referred to as “him/he.” I do get mistaken for female sometimes, which is strange if I’m sporting a beard!

I’m attracted to… Women with androgynous faces, but curvy bodies. Natural beauty. Androgynous minds. People with both male and female traits. Scruffy little men with something dainty about them.

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about Neil the person, there are many many more interesting things about me before being an FTM comes into it. I want people to be respectful, but also ask questions rather than assume things about me. Also, I should be the only one who tells you about my transgender past, not someone else.

I want people to understand… transgender people don’t have to fit into their gender role. Just because you assign your body to be male doesn’t mean you have to be butch. People would ask me, “Why do you think you are male? Do you like playing football?” Being male just felt right, it shouldn’t mean I had to stop playing with dolls as soon as I realized.

About Neil
Neil is a “professional amateur,” he makes music under the name 17 Dogs, writes a UK horror fanzine called Necronomicon, and runs a small business making clothes for Asian ball-jointed dolls. He is due to be killed by a sea monster in a short horror film set in Whitby, UK.

» Define yourself. «

Sam asks…

Anyone out there in the Genderfork Community have recommendation for doctors in California? I already have a great doctor for hormones, but I’m getting closer to wanting chest surgery. I’ve looked through the usual suspects like transbucket.com, but it seems the best docs on there for top surgery are on the east coast and, not being a student and without insurance that will cover this (what insurance does, sheesh), traveling and lodging would only incur more fees to those I would already be scrambling to pay. However, I have enough connections in California that I could stay most anywhere with a friend or fam, so this level of travel isn’t a problem.

Thanks and keep on keeping on.

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

Photo by Piskieface

Submitted by Christy, the model.

You can call me… Cricket/Theo/Noam/Ada/Omi/Naomi, or really anything that isn’t insulting.

I identify as… a genderqueer gentleman. A monogamous pansexual. A hairy feminist. A vegetarian hippie. A tree-hugging, pamphlet-waving environmental activist. An obsessive-compulsive intermittently plagued by panics and tics. A cartoonist, poet, songwriter, and all-around quirky artist type.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I’m accustomed to female ones, wouldn’t mind male ones, think neutral ones are nice in theory, but tricky in practice, and love being called “sir.”

I’m attracted to… free thinkers, open minds, eclectic eccentrics, legumes and fresh garden vegetables, ukuleles, and all-around outliers in the grand social experiment of life.

When people talk about me, I want them to… be friendly, curious, respectful, and maybe just a bit puzzled about who and what I am, so that I have a chance to teach them some new words and ideas.

I want people to understand… that I’m more afraid of them than they are of me.

About Cricket
About to enter college, happy but nervous. In a long-term relationship with a heterosexual, but decidedly non-heteronormative cisguy. Planning on becoming an NPR broadcaster, journalist/photographer, musician, political cartoonist, sex ed teacher, and/or environmental scientist.

» Define yourself. «

photo by boyprincessmomo

Submitted by Joe, the model and photographer.

“It’s just half of me you see. Void the spaces and see the other half, if you are open enough.”

A safe house in Phoenix, AZ. As part of TransMentors International, the program is looking for help expanding to more locations (contact).

Submitted by mac morrison, the model. Photograph by Roxanne Mitchell

“This photo was taken for AGLIFF film festival. I have always been uncomfortable in front of the camera, maybe because I always felt like I didn’t want to be judged. But this photo actually captured the real me.”

Submitted by Jagger

A short by TGI Justice Project, a group whose “mission is to challenge and end the human rights abuses committed against transgender, gender variant/genderqueer and intersex (TGI) people in California prisons and beyond.”

You can call me… Claire, for now.

I identify as… Genderfluid.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … anything you want. Preferably, “they” would go with how I present for the day. If I look like a boy, use male pronouns, and vice versa. I dress as a girl more frequently, however. I’m lacking in boy clothes.

I’m attracted to… everyone. Cis-males, cis-females, FTMs, MTFs, and those who identify as androgynous or genderfluid.

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about my personality, not my clothes.

I want people to understand… that I am a flexible person. Just because I dress one way one day, doesn’t mean that I want to present as that gender forever.

About Claire, for now.
Resident of New York state, enjoys learning, people, and Starbucks beverages.

You can find me on tumblr at: numeroclaire.tumblr.com

» Define yourself. «

Submitted by D. the model