Dezu asks…

I’m frustrated by my lack of knowledge on intersex issues. What are some quality resources I could access?

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

Submitted by Hobbit Joost, the model. Photography by Dave Lewis

“This shot looks very g-rated, however I like it because it shows how masculine a female bodied person can get through just body building, binding and clothes.”

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Someone wrote…

I feel like I’m in drag when I wear a dress, makeup and heels just as much as I do when I wear a suit and tie. I have fun either way, though!

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by Alexx, the model and photographer

“Presented my true, comfortable self at my college today. Is it so bad that I don’t want to wear tight clothes and dresses?”

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You can call me… Liam.

I identify as… I’m not really down with identities that hinge on gender (as in trans, though I am proud to be a tranny), since that is inherently oppressive. So let’s just say I’m queer.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … he or ze, please.

I’m attracted to… lots of qualities/people/identities, but usually feminine women. What can I say?

When people talk about me, I want them to… get to know me. I’m an open book. And a good read.

I want people to understand… that gender is a fluid system, but also as a system of oppression that needs to be dismantled. Though it is fun to play with, for the time being.

About Liam.
I want to advocate for queer rights for the rest of my life. Gender is the bane of my existence, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I started a Youtube channel (lml127) and a tumblr (jaygats.tumblr.com) to address issues of gender. Really, it all fascinates me and I love to learn- I am so so so lucky that I get to think about all this stuff. 

» Define yourself. «

Submitted by Al, the model and photographer

“I never really take close up pictures of myself, because I feel like it ‘zeros in’ on my flaws. However, here, I feel naked and very real…and very much proud of my gender identity, as fluid and contextual as it can be at times.”

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Someone wrote…

There doesn’t really seem to be a name for my gender identity, so I call myself different things on different days. I wish I could find an actual name so I’d know where I fit in.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by nik, the model and photographer

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You can call me… Rosie.

I identify as… a boy named Rosie.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … she.

I’m attracted to… a lot of people, in a lot of different ways…

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about who/whatever Rosie is to them.

I want people to understand… that all I need is respect.

About Rosie
A Vancouverite who has been playing with gender since birth, but only just realized it now.

» Define yourself. «

Submitted by Tom, the model

“Growing up on a farm, I was scared to be proud of what was causing me so many problems. When I went to university, I started to dress up in bright colours, and wear make up, just to highlight my best features. This photo sums up this time in my life, which was scary, but allowed me to emerge.”

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Someone wrote…

I like my voice, even though it’s feminine, but I don’t like being assumed as female. I wish I could sound more androgynous and somehow still not change how I sound.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by Tallulah ‘Lula’ Róisín, the model and photographer

“I’m a 21 year old female cross-dressing genderbender, and I love it! This is my alter-ego – Captain Bamahoy. His favourite hobbies are listening to 80’s Italo Disco and striking the pose about the house. What’s more funny is that even my alter-ego likes to cross-dress – his favourite outfit is my 80’s wedding dress complete with heels, veil, pink wig and moustache!”

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Anonymous asks…

Is it possible to have a physical relationship while battling dysphoria with one’s own body? I’m worried that even if I find someone I like who doesn’t mind my body, my own fears and discomforts will get in the way.

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

Submitted by Red girl, the model

“I get picked on all the time. No matter where I go it’s always the same: “Are you a boy or a girl?” I am f born and will die a f, yet no one believes me.”

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Someone wrote…

“What I need is a gender-neutral make-over.”

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by Samsa Sykes, the model and photographer.

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Bam asks…

I identify as female since that is what I have been doing my whole life, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to realize that it’s not quite what I want. I don’t want to push people to switch back and forth between male and female pronouns depending on how I feel, and I was wondering what alternatives or compromises I can make with others?

There is, also, the major issue of my parents. They have been very, very supportive of my sexuality. I came out to them as a lesbian years ago, and my parents have been nothing but happy for me. But whenever it comes to my gender, it’s a bit tricky. I predominantly dress as a male. I wear boxers, my pants sag occasionally, and I try to carry myself male. My mother hates it. She insists that I was born a girl and asks me with concern in her voice if I think I’m a man.

How would I go about explaining this to them lightly and in a way they can understand? Even if my parents are understanding, accepting people, the gender thing seems to freak my mother out.

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

Submitted by Lee, the photographer.

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Someone wrote…

If I dress the way I’m comfortable, I end up feeling uncomfortable anyway. I’m female-bodied and attracted to women, and every time I go out wearing masculine clothes I feel like I’m deliberately coming out to random people on the street. What’s worse, I feel like I’m being a stereotype and affirming people’s assumptions of what a lesbian looks like. I wish clothes came without implications.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by Mirima, the model.

“Lots of people call me a dyke; they say I look like a man. I don’t like to think of myself that way. I am a girl, yes, but why does it matter what I look like? Why do I have to be defined by the way I look? I prefer to live without a label, and just be who I am. I don’t dress based on gender roles; I dress to feel comfortable with who I am.”

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