All Posts by this Contributor


Question: Can major depression cause you to think unusual thoughts?


A reader asks…

I have had these weird feelings about wanting to being a guy. I have never felt this way before and have always loved my body. I thought I was transsexual, but the other day I dressed up girly and felt like myself again. It made me feel good. I tried to dress masculine again and couldn’t even get myself to look at the men’s clothes.

Uncontrollable crying, feeling empty, and not feeling like myself seem to lead me to believe that I have major depression. So is it possible that being depressed made me feel these unfamiliar feelings? How do I feel confident and beautiful again?


Posted by on May 16th, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 18 comments »

Recommendation: CocoRosie – Rainbowarriors


K recommends…

A beautiful freak-folk/electronica song about the idea of humans being of “two spirits.” The video features the genderqueer members of the band in drag.

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on May 15th, 2010 at 08:00 am

music, recommendations | 3 comments »

Recommendation: Genderfailz


A reader recommends…

genderfailz_1_lg

Alix is a transguy struggling against a limited and restrictive healthcare system. Genderfailz #1 is written about his struggle with depression while he waits to be assessed for hormone therapy. The tedious shuffle of bureaucracy is almost too much to bear, and when his appointment finally arrives, Alix discovers that the one gender specialist in Alberta may not agree with his choices. Genderfailz explores the area between and outside of male and female, and shows through first-hand experience just how limiting gender can be.

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on May 12th, 2010 at 04:00 pm

magazines, recommendations | 4 comments »

Question: gender-neutral pronouns


Sissy Boy asks…

I am curious to know about other people’s experiences choosing to go by gender-neutral or genderqueer pronouns. I’ve considered going by ze/hir for several years now, but I can’t decide if it feels right. Some days I feel like a boy, some days I feel like a girl, and other days i feel queer. I don’t know how best to convey these fluctuating feelings…

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «


Posted by on May 10th, 2010 at 10:55 am

questions | 29 comments »

Recommendation: The Hijra


The Hijra
A news report

It’s an interesting report on how Pakistan’s transgender minority are finding their voice :)

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on May 9th, 2010 at 04:00 pm

recommendations, videos | 3 comments »

Question: Shopping with confidence — and using changing rooms.


A reader asks…

I’m a bio-female genderqueer from England and I would like to start getting more items from men’s departments/men’s shores to build an androgynous look. My issue is two-pronged:

1. What are some good shops (not online — I’d rather see clothes before i buy them) that stock XS, XXS and stuff that isn’t cut too long?

2. How do you pluck up the courage to shop with confidence and not feel awkward — especially to go into an all-guy shop. When I’ve looked in the men’s section before, I kept waiting for someone to say “erm, the women section is over there.” (Not that it has ever happened.) What about using changing rooms?

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «


Posted by on May 9th, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 46 comments »

Recommendation: Femme Guy


A reader recommends…

Femme Guy
a blog

There are really not that many web resources out there about femme guys!

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on May 7th, 2010 at 08:00 am

blogs, recommendations | 3 comments »

Question: Excited, but mourning


Anonymous asks…

A female friend of mine recently started binding and is exploring a more genderqueer identity (as opposed to her previous completely cis-woman identity). She was a woman I was in love with in the past. I respect her choice to express herself however she wants and I’m excited for her to explore this new part of herself. At the same time, I can’t deny a feeling of mourning about losing part of the woman she was. Has anyone else experienced this? Can anybody relate or give me advice?

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «


Posted by on May 5th, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 7 comments »

Recommendation: The Bone Doll’s Twin


Rachel recommends…

9780553577235

If you are into reading fantasy and horror, you’ll really enjoy the book. If you are into reading books that go against the gender norms, you’ll really enjoy this book. It’s quite a creative idea. The land where this novel takes place is ruled by warrior queens until an usurper king kills off the queen and any female heirs. To protect the rightful heir, two wizards do some dark magic with the female infant so that she has a male body. It’s quite scary and a little gory at times and definitely a page-turner. Best of all, there are sequels!

If you like fantasy with strong gay protagonists, check out Lynn Flewelling’s Nightrunner series. All her books are exciting and fabulously written!

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on May 3rd, 2010 at 08:00 am

books, recommendations | 3 comments »

Question: Beginner’s Gender Reading List?


Amy asks…

What are some general-audience level sources about gender performance? I am giving a speech about performativity to an audience who, for the most part, will not have been at all exposed to the concept, and while I will be drawing from Butler and the like, if you know any less academic sources I could draw from, I would really appreciate it.

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «


Posted by on May 2nd, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 17 comments »

Recommendation: Scissor Sisters


A reader recommends…

The Scissor Sisters are wild. XD

They have a throbbing pop/electric sound and are often compared to Elton John — the singer has a great falsetto.

A lot of their videos and songs deal very loosely and creatively with gender and style.

I adore this band, and thought I’d share!

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on May 1st, 2010 at 04:00 pm

music, recommendations | 11 comments »

Question: I think It’s a boy…


A reader asks…

Recently the whispers regarding my gender (or lack there of) have ceased to be flattering and started to make me feel anxious and uncomfortable.

I can’t hold a conversation with anyone because they’re more preoccupied finding out “what” I am instead of what I have to say. It’s gotten to the point where it’s the first thing I worry about in the morning, and the last thought in my head at night. How can I get myself to stop focusing on this outside judgment?

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «


Posted by on April 30th, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 10 comments »

Recommendation: Regender


A recommends…

Regender
Webservice

Regender.com “translates” web pages by switching gender words.

Have you ever wondered…
What would the world look like if the two sexes switched places?
What would it look like if English had genderless pronouns?
What would it look like if English identified races the way it identifies gender?

Language has power.

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on April 29th, 2010 at 08:00 am

recommendations, websites | 9 comments »

Question: Futch style tips?


Adrian asks…

I’m a VERY curvy and short female-bodied genderqueer who looks great in women’s clothes, but for those days when I want to look androgynous or butch, I’m lost. Where do I find androgynous-style clothing for short, curvy people?

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «


Posted by on April 27th, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 26 comments »

Recommendation: Gender, Perception, and Dreams


A reader recommends…

This is a somewhat long, but quite interesting, article written by a pansexual semi-cisgender woman about her struggles with her own gender identity, her relationship with her FTM partner, and the ways in which gender expresses itself in our subconscious. She discusses the ways in which gender is just one of many characteristics which differentiate us, and explains that to her androgynous sensibilities, it’s a rather insignificant characteristic.

» Recommend something. «


Posted by on April 25th, 2010 at 08:00 am

blogs, recommendations | 2 comments »

Question: Discrimination At School


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 «


Posted by on April 24th, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 10 comments »

Recommendation: Survey for Trans Bodies, Trans Selves


A reader recommends…

Survey for Trans Bodies, Trans Selves
a survey for trans or gender non-conformist people

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. «


Posted by on April 23rd, 2010 at 04:00 pm

recommendations, websites | 6 comments »

Recommendation: Philippe Blon


closetta recommends…

PINK

Philippe Blon
A person

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. «


Posted by on April 22nd, 2010 at 08:00 am

people, recommendations | 1 comment »

Recommendation: An interview with Amos Mac


elliB recommends…

amos_mac_promo

An interview with Amos Mac
an article on a website

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. «


Posted by on April 20th, 2010 at 08:00 am

people, recommendations | 2 comments »

Question: Sexual Identity of Child


Mum who loves her son asks…

Hi, my five year old son has repeatedly expressed that he wished he was a girl since he was about to turn 3. It is a nearly daily thing, he prefers girl clothes, and has asked me things like “If I pray hard enough, will God change me into a girl?” When we go to the toy store, you can see him longing to go down the “girl” aisle, but not wanting to in case people make fun of him.

Bottom line is, I love him no matter what, and I want him to be happy with who he is. How do I help him figure out who he is without pushing him either way, when society demands he dress/act like a boy? Is it OK to support him when he really wants the pink knickers with love hearts? Or am I doing him harm by allowing him to pick those instead of the ninja turtles?

I need help, but not just theory – real experience. Plenty of people have told me he’ll grow out of it, and he might, or he might not, but I don’t want him growing up ashamed of who he is – I just can’t figure out who he is…

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «


Posted by on April 17th, 2010 at 08:00 am

questions | 31 comments »

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