You can call me… Shana, Shawn, up to you.

I identify as… androgynous, genderqueer, bisexual, polyamorous, pt vagabond, aspiring polymath.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … meh. I really don’t care; my main objective is not to frustrate folk. If you think I’m a he, I’m a he and so on.

In a perfect world, there’d be commonly-accepted andro pronouns, but since there aren’t, I like the no-fuss route.

I’m attracted to… all sorts of folk, but I’m, more often than not, attracted to fellow vagabonds, dorks, music geeks, word nerds, gypsies, and pirates.

When people talk about me, I want them to… Ultimately, it’d be great to not have programmed gender cues become a guide in conversation. I therefore try to stay as neutral as possible.

I want people to understand… I don’t identify with gender, so please try not to be so hasty about putting me into a box. Different strokes, y’feel me?

» Define yourself. «

T(OUR) Magazine is a quarterly print magazine that showcases queer art submissions from all around the world. T(OUR) embraces contributions from every walk of life regarding the queer experience, including stories from allies. Learn more about T(OUR) Literary Magazine, visit the Out and About blog, and check out their Indiegogo campaign!

You can call me… Noel.

I identify as… not quite sure, perhaps genderqueer or male.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … he, him, her, she (female is more common, but I prefer male).

I’m attracted to… males both manly and feminine, genderqueer, transmen and occasionally girls (depending on personality).

When people talk about me, I want them to… know that I’m no different than anyone else. Not to judge me on how I act and dress and to not put me in a box of a certain gender, personality, etc.

I want people to understand… me, I’m not as complicated as I seem.

About Noel
I got over suicidal depression over the past year and am prone to it (runs in my family). I feel kind of lost right now, but I’m finding my way. I love to make friends, though I don’t have any (maybe 1 or 2) that really care for me and who I am. I don’t want be seen as just another person and will do anything to help the ones who matter. Oh, I’m also rather geeky and like to cosplay and draw.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Ahmed.

I identify as… feminine/girly, androgynous, gender-balanced, etc.

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

I’m attracted to… females.

When people talk about me, I want them to… be respectful.

I want people to understand… to love.

About Ahmed
Liberal feminist Muslim. It’s weird, but I love to wear headscarves/coverings (though my wife doesn’t wear them). We have pretty much reversed roles when it comes to dress. It’s about time to subvert oppressive conventions and free ourselves from dogmatism to personal choice.

My wife and I always had our unique expression of faith, and this is pretty much how we chose to express it. It’s time that the wearing of hijab stops being so traditionally associated as women’s wear.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Ocean.

I identify as… intergender. I feel I am exactly half way between male and female genders, although I am sexually a gay male.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … what people call me should depend on their own perception of me. In other words, call me what you like.

I’m attracted to… males, mainly cis.

When people talk about me, I want them to… be happy.

I want people to understand… that there are people who don’t fit into society’s pigeonholes, and this should be embraced.

About Ocean
I love animals, art, architecture and Australia, London, Paris. I would love to see NY some day…

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Andie.

I identify as… androgynous biomale, femmeboy.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … still “he.” It’s what I am biologically and anything else just feels awkward…

I’m attracted to… women.

When people talk about me, I want them to… think I have great style, without a gendered context.
Admire/respect rather than disparage.

I want people to understand… the spectrum of gender identity(ies), and that their “position” isn’t the only “right” one for people of their biology.

About Andie
I’ve been slowly coming to terms with my gender identity. Read all about it on http://androgynousadventures.tumblr.com

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Kenny or Kenzie.

I identify as… androgyne/genderqueer.

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

I’m attracted to… Femininity and androgyny.

When people talk about me, I want them to… go out and change the world afterwards.

I want people to understand… the complexity of gender in all its glory.

About Kenny or Kenzie
I’m a 26-year-old, male-bodied androgyne/genderqueer that feels like a mix of male and female mentally. I plan to have my facial hair removed, but no other alterations of my body. I prefer more feminine compliments over masculine ones such as “You are such a pretty boy/girl”. I also live in NY and plan to one day be a gender studies professor. Feel free to follow me on tumblr I love new friends.  <3  http://alphapeacock.tumblr.com

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Wolfsnake, Dapper, “Hey you.”

I identify as… …an artist. An Alaskan Native. A friend. A child of loving parents. A neopagan priest.

I also, as luck would have it, happen to be queer. I am a third-gendered person, oft-accused of being a goth/steampunk/hipster/geek, who enjoys occasional forays into the silly world of masculinity and femmy-dudeness. If people stare, I’m doing it right.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I prefer my name or he/they/it. Yes, I’m fine with “it,” seeing as English doesn’t currently have a neutral third-person humanizing pronoun yet. I wouldn’t use it for others without asking first, though.

I’m attracted to… intelligence guided by kindness. Creativity, self-awareness, nerdiness. Passion for making the world a more beautiful place. Dark palettes. Guyliner. The ability to discuss Deep Space Nine and the irruptive nature of Snowy Owl populations over the same cup of coffee. Unselfconscious laughter and smiles that reach the eyes. Also, queerness of a masculine, androgynous, neutral, or agendered persuasion.

When people talk about me, I want them to… …gasp, “Who was that masked man?”

Srsly though. I want people to talk about me either as any friend would speak about any other friend–naughty bits and gender identity notwithstanding–or I want them to enjoy the free public entertainment that is oft-costumed life. I provide excellent value for money in that respect.

I want people to understand… …that plaid should never be worn with stripes. Also, I don’t do this for the money. I don’t do this for the glory. There is very little of either. Personally, I do this because I am here on this Earth to be myself, just as hard as I possibly can. And I hope that by doing so, I will empower, comfort, enlighten, or at least amuse others in my path.

About Wolfsnake
Wolfsnake is so queer, it gets several letters out of LGBTQQIAPWTFBBQ, not just one. Wolfsnake is an artist, writer, gardener, costumer, cook, robot builder, wildlife rehabilitator, and quite possibly the alter ego of a misunderstood supervillan. Its arty things may be viewed at http://sthenadrakaina.deviantart.com or http://dapperserpent.tumblr.com.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Blondie.

I identify as… I just sum this all up with “queer”, usually (or “does not give a shit” – can that be a label too?)…but I’m an asexual, polyamorous, biromantic androgyne. I like girls, I like boys (but I don’t like them sexually), I often like multiple people at once and I don’t feel like I’m entirely female or male, despite being comfortable with my female sex. I also happen to be a geek, and I have aspergers.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … feminine or gender neutral ones – I wouldn’t want people to use masculine pronouns for me, but I wouldn’t be offended if someone did.

I’m attracted to… if you are a geek/nerd/whatever word you use for obsessing over comics and anime and terrible b-movies like a hyperactive child, then I most likely will be interested in you. Also, I tend to like fellow queer people. I like people who don’t go with the norm, because I’ve never been interested in “normal” things.

When people talk about me, I want them to… not be an asshole. I want them to believe me. I want them to just accept it, like they’ve accepted all the other things about me that are odd and bizarre, and I want them to talk about it like they’d discuss the weather.

I want people to understand… I am not a typical person. I have always been “the other,” I have always been in between spaces in pretty much every area of my life…and that’s okay. That’s actually pretty awesome. By coming out as queer, I’m not changing a thing, because this awkward state of being everything and nothing is just how I am and how I’ve always been. I just want to celebrate that the way I feel it should be celebrated, the way I celebrate the rest of my otherness.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Ashley.

I identify as… genderfluid.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … her, him, android…it’s whatever.

I’m attracted to… intelligent individuals who are just as quick to joke as they are to fire off an incisive social commentary.

When people talk about me, I want them to… understand that I’ve never really cared about the opinions of others, and as an only child, am very well equipped to deal with isolation.

I want people to understand… I am a brief coming together of biology, history, circumstance, and culture. As are we all.

About Ashley
I am a freelance graphic designer by night and a grant writer by day.

» Define yourself. «

Sistah Sinema screens movies featuring queer women of color at events in Seattle, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Portland. Their indiegogo campaign was a success! They are currently working with Busk films to make queer cinema featuring women of color available online.

You can call me… Kylie.

I identify as… genderqueer, disabled, person of color, deaf and Deaf, polyamorous, lesbian.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I prefer she/her/hers.

I’m attracted to… mostly people who identify as women, very rarely people who identify as men (hence my lesbian identity).

When people talk about me, I want them to… accept 100 percent of who I am.

I want people to understand… that “Deaf people [and people who can’t walk] can do anything except hear [or walk].” – I King Jordan

About Kylie
21 years old

male assigned at birth, genderqueer gal

involved in the Deaf queer community at a Deaf queer organization (accessibility and events)

have awesome friends

social justice activist

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Seth Ryan.

I identify as… Female to Male, man, male.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … he, him, his.

I’m attracted to… men-masculine and feminine. I don’t and won’t mind dating a trans-male either.

When people talk about me, I want them to… remember that I’m an individual that may or may not be the stereotypical trans-male.

I want people to understand… just because I’m a trans-male, that doesn’t mean I am super masculine. I’m a mixture of both. That’s what makes me who I am.

About Seth Ryan
I am a writer and poet. I love to learn about the world around me. Arts have always been my thing. In fact the arts (music, lit., visual art, etc.) saved me from suicide. I have Asberger Syndrome, OCD, ADHD, etc. I also live with severe depression. It’s a daily battle, but I’ve made it so far. Thank goodness for that!

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Ray.

I identify as… a force to be reckoned with.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … most people use female pronouns. I’m comfortable with male, female, and gender neutral pronouns.

I’m attracted to… all sorts of people. Though you do have better chances if you’ve got a nerdy vibe. Or just a really nice bum.

When people talk about me, I want them to… not tell lies. You shouldn’t lie about anyone. Also, not say something behind my back that they wouldn’t say to my face. Not that they need to tell me.

I want people to understand… about gender and sexuality and their super difficult homework.

About Ray
Pansexual with a handsome-as-fuck ftm boyfriend. I love eating, Led Zeppelin, Hunter S. Thompson, Austin Carlisle, cooking, acts of kindness, Kate Bornstein, cute girls, cute guys, cute genderfucks, and cats. My favorite color is purple and I’m a vegetarian.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Molly.

I identify as… I don’t really know. I feel like I’m neither. I dress in attire that is decidedly not feminine, and I detest the thought of “dressing up” in a girly fashion. I prefer a suit to a dress.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … again, I haven’t really gotten that far yet. I’m not a man, but I don’t particularly like being seen as a woman. She works for now.

I’m attracted to… everything. So long as I don’t find someone irritating, there’s a chance. I think the word is pan-sexual or omnisexual.
When it comes to physical attraction, though, I have a slight pull toward crossdressers. Beautiful men and masculine women. However, it really all comes down to personality.

When people talk about me, I want them to… it’s ALL about personality for me. Half the time I don’t see ethnicity or gender or age.

I want people to understand… that I am HAPPY! Always happy with myself. I just go with the flow. I have no trepidation about being myself, or consideration for what people might think. I’m not quite sure who I am at this point.

About Molly
I’m a creator, I think. I sing and act. I also write songs, play guitar and ukulele, and draw/paint.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Mechabeccagrrr!

I identify as… a rarely butch, sometimes femme, queer feminist mother with a penchant for eating entire blocks of cheese.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I prefer feminine pronouns or just my name :)

I’m attracted to… femmes, cismen, and mostly my partner Jeremy. I can be attracted to butches, but the mood has to strike me. :) I’m also into a really dorky joke.

When people talk about me, I want them to… be proud.

I want people to understand… that being queer isn’t just about sexuality and/or sexual preference.

About Mechabeccagrrr!
My name is Becca. I love my daughter, my partner, and my home. I love the place I’ve made for myself, and I’ve come a long way. Life is for embracing. Yeah, all that good stuff. :)

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Kim.

I identify as… a pansexual, cisgendered woman.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … she and her. I am a femme.

I’m attracted to… femme girls, trans men. And of course my handsome trans boyfriend. :)

When people talk about me, I want them to… know that I am passionate about LGBTQ issues. I hope to be a social worker and work with queer and trans youth.

I want people to understand… that suicide is serious and real in the queer and trans (and gender queer and asexual etc…) communities.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Sea, Hadrian.

I identify as… an asexual neutrois. I wouldn’t purposefully alter my body, but if I woke up one day without any sexual hardware, I would be elated! Elated I tell you!

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I am used to female ones.

I’m attracted to… aesthetically attracted to androgynous/neutrois people. Not feminine men or manly women, but right in between. This is not a sexual attraction. I guess in the ace world we call crushes “squishes” to differentiate this…but that has always seemed to sound loaded to me.

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about -me-, not about who they think I am or should be based on my biological gender. I also hate it when people assume I (or all people) have sexual interests… sigh.

I want people to understand… asexuality exists. There are people who do not feel gendered. I am not homosexual. I am not heterosexual. Being with the person I love does not mean we are having sex. We are simply best friends.

Every so often I will wear a dress (like, once every two years). But that doesn’t mean I feel like a woman ;P

One last thing: I am Christian. I sometimes feel that there is this assumption that anyone outside of gender/sexuality norms could not possibly be Christian. So I want “people” to understand, or rather remember, that there are people in this nonheteronormative camp who do care very deeply for Christianity as a spirituality (though I can’t say much for the American culture of it… blegh). A lot of the mudslinging that goes on toward Christianity as a whole is kind of hurtful. There are several large, liberal, open-minded denominations who are allies.

About Sea, Hadrian
Sea spends too much time in thought, not enough time in action, and way, way too much time at school.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Andrew or Drew.

I identify as… a transman.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … him/he.

I’m attracted to… feminine women.

When people talk about me, I want them to… I want people to know that my outside may change, but I am still the same on the inside. I am involved in the LGBT community, and I am passionate about women’s rights. I believe in equal opportunity. I also want people to know that I am a sincere, sensitive kinda guy.

About Andrew / Drew

22 years old
Pre op, pre t transguy
Prefer male pronouns
Have an awesome girlfriend
Always open to chat about anything really

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Liel.

I identify as… a feminine boy at heart with masculine fringe .

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I have remained with the pronoun of my physical sex – “She.”

I’m attracted to… people who accept that masculinity/femininity are like the clothes we decide we want to wear one day, but not the next. They are like our favorite colors, or taste in music. It’s preference. It’s beauty. And people who accept both into their lives reek of equilibrium.

When people talk about me, I want them to… be honest. Always.

I want people to understand… love should be our base line.

About Liel
I believe in love.
I believe in unconditional kindness and compassion.
I believe in salvation…
I believe in a vibrant, throbbing universe that desperately wants our attention.
I believe in sacrifice.
I believe in letting people in.
I believe in allowing the present moment to define myself…not my past.

» Define yourself. «