You can call me… Kayla, Kay, chica.

I identify as… a bisexual cross-dressing gender bending genderqueer, if you wanna put labels on it. I identify as me.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I’m genderqueer, but I prefer “she” and “her.” I won’t get offended if I’m called “him,” because I still feel masculine. It’s never an equal balance most of the time.

I’m attracted to… intelligence, free spirits, people who aren’t afraid of letting their real colors shine and just be themselves.

When people talk about me, I want them to… try not to judge me based on physical appearance.

I want people to understand… that I am who I am, and that will never change.

About Kayla
I live in Montreal and love it. It is a warm and embracing city most of the time, filled with understanding people. I have great friends who take me as I am, and they don’t judge me by the clothes that I wear or the lifestyle choices that I make. I have embraced who I truly am, and have become whole over the last year. I love to dance and just hang with friends til the wee hours of the morning :) I love women’s clothing, and they just feel right when I wear them. Genderbend til the END…..

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Avery Gage

I identify as… a genderqueer lesbian who makes exceptions for handsome trans men.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … he, she, they, as long as it’s not rude I don’t care what you call me.

I’m attracted to… eyes, smiles, contagious laughter, intelligence, humor, people who are humble, and nice hands/arms.

When people talk about me, I want them to… say I’m a caring and good person, regardless of gender and sexual attraction.

I want people to understand… I’m forgetful 48% of the time and forgiving 50% of the time, but that still leaves 2% for those who push too far.

About Avery Gage
18 year old Sociology student surviving in Arizona, living in my own world.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Nic… or Nicole for long. (Neither are my birth name, but I NEVER use my birth name, regardless of being male or female.)

I identify as… I am a human.

I am Italian.

I am a New Yorker (but one of those rare nice New Yorker who yearns to be Californian.)

I am a bigender male who prefers to be androgynous or female.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I don’t really care if I am called him or her.

“Him” makes it easier for people who are used to me being a “him,” and when I am presenting as androgynous.

I really like it when people use “her” but I won’t bite your head off if you don’t use it.

I’m attracted to… I am absolutely, without a doubt, 100% bisexual, but I’ve only been truly emotionally connected to one other person. That’s another story I don’t care to discuss.

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about my talents in photography and filmmaking.

Talk about my good qualities and forget the bad.

If they should feel compelled to talk about how I am bisexual, bigendered, androgynous, I want them to talk like it’s a good thing as opposed to something I have to “live with.”

I want people to understand… negative comments hurt.

Negative anything hurts. (Except a double negative because that always makes a positive [insert math lesson here]). I don’t stay within gender boundaries because gender is fluid.

I am not your regular average Joe (or Jane) but that’s not because of the way I present and the gender I identify with. I am different because everyone is different. If we were all the same we would be big blobs of gray matter. And blobs of gray matter are no fun. (Just ask high school lunch ladies.)

About Nic

Nic is an 18-year-old filmmaker/photographer from New York. She is currently a freshman in college and is working on her BFA in film. For the last year she has worked at an off-off broadway theater as a stagehand and assistant scenic designer and also as a freelance photographer. To view Nic’s photography portfolio visit http://www.flickr.com/nicfornario.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Bizzy

I identify as… genderqueer, stoner furry. My mother’s child, a friend, a listener, an artist, a creative soul way out of it’s time.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … people use feminine pronouns, I could care less.

I’m attracted to… humor and beautiful souls. Girls, boys, FtM, Mtf, genderqueer folk.

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about how I make them laugh, cry, and think

I want people to understand… “normal” is just another way to make the world prejudice. That androgyny and pansexuality ARE real things. There are actual gray areas.

About Bizzy
I’m a 19-year-old artist. A proud furry and a very proud stoner. I like to push boundaries and make people realize themselves. I’m not afraid of who I am, or what I’m passionate about.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Padraig, or rarely, Ari.

I identify as… I hate to use my stock response, but it amused me that “a genderqueer, polyamorous goth” so closely fit how I describe myself in most places aka: I am a polyamorous, pansexual, deeply kinky, genderqueer, switch, goth rocker with a flair for the dramatic, and sex drive like a rabbit on Viagra… :p

I operate a lot on learned male mannerisms due to not needing another reason for people to castigate me aside from being strange, fat, or a geek. Only if I am extremely comfortable with someone will I let my natural, more femme side and mannerisms show.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I just stick with he/him as I am used to it. I don’t feel they encompass me, but they don’t bother me either.

I’m attracted to… femmes of all gender presentation (yes that does mean cis, trans, CD etc…), Queer, Tall, Big & Beautiful, Geeks, Gamers, Intelligence, Thoughtful people, Goths, Therians, Vamps, etc… I am actually very open and easily connect with many people, but everything above adds to the appeal.

When people talk about me, I want them to… realize that under the big barbarian-esque exterior, I am actually a giant teddy bear and a very tender, emotional person.

I want people to understand… genderqueer can’t, and never will fit into a box or be neatly labeled and packaged.

Just because I seem to be comfortable in my own skin doesn’t mean that I am.

Just because I don’t struggle outwardly as genderqueer does not mean that I am not struggling with immense inner turmoil.

Looks are deceiving… Some see a large confident picture of masculinity, I look inside and see an insecure butch girl trying to define herself, but just not sure how.

About Padraig

I think I may have finally found my mate, she is nearly my opposing gender variant and the only person I have completely opened up to.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Tori.

I identify as… female.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … “she,” thank you very much.

I’m attracted to… interesting people.  Ever since my transition began, I’ve realized gender is just one of a laundry list of qualities.  And while I may prefer males, all else being equal, the fact is that all else is SELDOM equal.  And a good heart and a good mind are more important than any particular set of genitals.

Gender hardly even matters to me at all anymore.

When people talk about me, I want them to… know that my personality is blossoming newly for the first time, without the pain of depression and repression.  I’m discovering new things about myself every day, and I hope you will be there for me too as I figure out just who “Tori” really is.

I want people to understand… Every single thing you’re afraid of is much, much less terrible than you think.  Don’t let fear stop you from being true to yourself.  I wasted YEARS down that road, and in the end, for what?  I’m  happier than I dreamed I could be.

About Tori
Geek, correcting-nerd, sometimes artist, listener, gamer, friend.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Hunter

I identify as… a transgender avenger of my middle school! I am a 13-year-old Cassanova!

As far as third-person pronouns go, … please use male pronouns, I really like “dude.”

I’m attracted to… feminine girls, cosplayers, nerds, snugglers.

When people talk about me, I want them to… see that I don’t like being a girl, and I want them to respect that. And call me a boy. I want them to see how much I am trying to bring GBLT respect to my homophobic middle school. I want them to call me Hunter.

I want people to understand… I want people to understand what I am going through. Being trans is hard enough, especially at a young age. That I don’t think their horrible looks or hateful words are going to help me. To understand that you shouldn’t judge sexualities, but personalities.

About Hunter
My name is Hunter, I am 13. I want to bring GBLT respect to my school. I never wanted to be different, but my body has put me into a cage. I am here to help the kids at my school understand that just because I am a boy in a girl’s body doesn’t mean I am a freak. I want to help my friends or other people at my school deal with the hatred of the other homophobic children.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Elijah.

I identify as… a dude. Just, flat out, a boy. Male. Sometimes I feel like the transsexual part of that is important, other times I totally forget that I’m trans and only remember when I move and my binder shifts. Though I may be effeminate, I’m still a boy. (Not really quite a man yet. Not that mature.)

As far as third-person pronouns go, … He, his, etc., although I’m forgiving if you slip up. These are the early days.

I’m attracted to… Gender is kind of like hair color for me, it’s just sort of there. Same with physical sex. Dominance is key. If you’re confident in yourself, I like that.

When people talk about me, I want them to… make sure I am not listening, because if I hear you saying something ignorant or bigoted I WIIIILLL CUUUUUT YOUUUUUUU.

I want people to understand… you are allowed to change your mind. You are allowed to think about what you want. The path you take is the one you decide upon, and no one else can make the choice for you.

Make sure you think about your future because I know for many early-transition trans people there are more things to do, more people to come out to, more products to buy, more steps to take. While there are many resources for the people trying to figure out what kind of a man or woman or other they might be, there aren’t enough for those who now have to figure out how to live with what kind of a man or woman or other they are now.

About Elijah.
I’m a Korean high school sophomore in New York City. Bow ties are cool.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Jaden

I identify as… a Pansexual Trans-woman, Lover, Modern-day Hippie, a Feminist, and an Artist/Poet!

As far as third-person pronouns go, …  I prefer female pronouns all the way, and I get giddy every time someone does use correct pronouns.

I’m attracted to… men, women, Trans-women, Trans-men, and Intersexed individuals. I’m gender blind, and look more for personality , inner beauty, creativity, open-mindedness, intelligence, kindness, and honesty.

When people talk about me, I want them to… focus on the person I am instead of acting like I’m not human, or focusing on what they believe I am instead of looking at what is right in front of them, radiating an essence that doesn’t have to be explained!

I want people to understand… genitalia doesn’t make you male or female! I don’t believe there it’s just male or female, there is much more! Words, actions, and behaviors can truly affect a person. If you make mistakes with pronouns or names, no big deal if it’s not done in maliciousness.

About Jaden
I’m a quirky girl who loves photography, art in general, reading, and poetry. I’m a Photography Major at EKU with a minor in Women and Gender Studies and Art History. I’m a lover, and I love whole-heartedly. I truly couldn’t hurt a fly, and care for everyone, even those who don’t always deserve it. I fight for equality on a daily basis as an officer for EKU’s Pride Alliance and Alphabet center (LGBTQ resource center), doing activism, raising awareness, and reviving a student organization at EKU now covering Transgender, Trans-sex, and Intersex Students. I’m also 2010′s Recipient for Erika’s Hope memorial Scholarship sponsored by Kentucky Fairness Alliance. I want to move to New York work as a photographer, to portray LGBTQ people and unravel gender norms in the media and fashion. I also want to volunteer at the LGBTQ center in New york someday. I also plan to write an autobiography telling my whole story to help and inspire others.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Zoe.

I identify as… terms are too complicated, I’m some where near transgirl, or maybe it’s intersex, possible crossdresser?

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I love female pronouns, but not being out, I cringe every time someone calls me a guy in school. :(

I’m attracted to… gentlemanly guys, including transguys! I like femme girls too, but any dominant person is good :)

When people talk about me, I want them to… to see me as just another girl, where I can be the cute, girly, spunky, teen girl and no one else…

I want people to understand… that for how cheery I act, it’s always covering some pain…and that for how much you insult me I can be as much of a bitch back! ^_^

About Zoe
I’m from Washington, but no, not lucky enough to be in gay friendly Seattle. I’m stuck in a close-minded, small community. I only dress feminine in public, but dream of finally one day being able to wear a skirt in school.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Alexa. Or Lexi. Either way. :3

I identify as… I’m not entirely sure. I lived most of my fifteen years o’ existence as a guy before I sorta realized I felt more comfortable as a girl. I started acting ridiculously feminine over time, but that didn’t fit well either. I have a pretty sensitive side but sometimes I prefer the company of doods more. I guess I’m a little bit of both…  So, some sort of half-femme half-tomboy girl? But still, 100% girl.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … my appearance can sorta pass as female, but my voice is clearly male, so I get “he” and “him” usually. Some of my friends are nice about using “she” and “her,” like my sister. I’d prefer that, but I don’t get upset when people use the wrong pronouns.

I’m attracted to… the best description is probably pansexual, although I’m particularly attracted to FTM guys physically. I pride myself on being able to remove the negative from things, so I don’t care about appearance much at all. I dunno what it is about trans dudes, but they’re just cuuuute. :3

When people talk about me, I want them to… The character Grady from Parrotfish (which anyone who’s ever experienced a flux in their gender identity should read!) said it pretty well: “I want people to start knowing Grady, and not Angela.” In that way, I sorta wish it was easier for people to pick up recognizing me as I wish they would: A girl. On a totally non-gender related note, I wish they’d pick up more on my silly weird sense of five-thousand mph humor. :D

I want people to understand… That who I am isn’t changing (well, at least back to being 100% boy). I wish others knew how powerful the desire to fit my skin is and how much using “Alexa” instead of “Anthony” and “she” instead of “he” helps. Mostly I just want people to understand that I’m not really different from them (at least, not for this reason :D).

About Alexa
I’m thoroughly weird and have rid myself of silly concepts like “anger” and “jealousy.” I don’t get mad at people and in one short sarcastic monologue I could drop a thousand silly references and hilarious (and by hilarious I mean so stupid they’re funny) jokes. I’m a fledgling hipster and a total nerd. The bending of apparent gender pleases me greatly.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Claire

I identify as… an underweight, formerly physically inter-sexed woman trapped in a man who’s stuck in a woman’s body. XXY, now exclusively with girl parts only.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … female…although 5 out of 100 times someone will address me as male, assuming I’m a teenage boy (as opposed to 28 year old woman).

I’m attracted to… women, usually of the foreign & boyish/femme/brunette/tall kind.

When people talk about me, I want them to… speak freely. I honestly don’t mind how I’m spoken about- if I’m not around to hear, how am I to know or care? What annoys me are when people are rude/offensive to my face, although I’ve learned how to “neutralize” a situation (years of practice!).

I want people to understand… that gender is more than social roles, clothing and genitals- it’s a deeply woven understanding of oneself and how each of us makes sense and translates the world around us. Gender is the language by which we communicate and receive information. It’s a feel, a hunch…just who we are, and not everyone is the same. Thankfully!

About Claire
I’m a human, everything else is unimportant :)

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Toi

I identify as… A superhero. Genderqueer/gender non-conforming.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … it’s best to just say “Toi” (for example: “Like Toi said…or…I agree/disagree with Toi, etc, instead of he/she, him/her) but I will answer to gender-neutral pronouns and “he” if people just can’t get out of thinking in terms of the binary. “She” is pretty foreign to me unless I’m in some institution (school, past corporate jobs, etc) that insist on going by info from my birth certificate–this is changing in 2011 however! Vigilance!

I’m attracted to… people. Mostly women and other gender-variant people. I like avid readers, rad social justice activists and advocates. People committed to social change. Vegans and vegetarians. Independent people with a strong sense of Self and a passion for…well, whatever they are passionate about.

When people talk about me, I want them to… realize that I don’t fit into society’s boxes, and I want them to think about how they might not fit in either. If they do, it should be their choice.

I want people to understand… my “atypical” gender is not me making a “point” or trying to garner attention. It’s about my own self-realization. But in our own realizations and understanding more often than not, people step up to educate. I am one of those people at times– but at the same time being the token genderqueer is not our obligation.

About Toi
Quirky. Comical. Adventurer. Queer Activist. Health Advocate. Anti-Oppression trainer/facilitator. Avid reader. Writer. Traveler. Veghead. Eastern Philosopher. Lover of Life.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Deirdre

I identify as… human (more specifically, genderqueer/queen & pansexual).

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I’m leaning towards ne/nem right now.  I don’t mind gendered ones, and I somewhat enjoy when people use “he” and “him,” but they’re not exactly correct.

I’m attracted to… smarties, cuties, beautiful and interesting people, tallness, shortness, fatness, knobbley arms and legs, vibrance, colour, depth, emotion.  Humanity.

When people talk about me, I want them to… think of me like a regular person and focus on who I am, not what I’m labeled as.

I want people to understand… that they have a right to be respected in regards to their identity, which comes with the responsibility to do the same for others.

About Deirdre
I can be reached at http://zladkohasaboaraffe.tumblr.com/

I love questions and meeting people, even if I am pretty awkward about it most of the time.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Andy

I identify as… genderqueer, gender fluid, boi, cub.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I tend to not stick out. I prefer people use whatever pronoun works easiest for them. It gives me the most accurate view of all the different ways I’m seen in the world

I’m attracted to… my wife! Sweet boys, hunky men, fabulous femmes and dashing butches…a little bit of everything, really.

When people talk about me, I want them to… see me. See beyond what I might ask them to see. See beyond what they might assume, and open their minds to the beautiful complexity that I bring.

I want people to understand… you don’t have to be male or female. I spent a long time feeling trapped in the assumption that I was ftm. The most freeing experience for me was to trust myself and continue on my journey, rather than just stopping at where all my friends were.

About Andy
Andy is a sex toy sales associate and educator, spreading love and joy to one customer at a time. When not on the clock, you can find him working on keeping his chubby boy figure and singing George Michael at just about any karaoke night that he can find.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Mike, Mia, or just M works. It depends on who is present at the time.

I identify as… Bigender. Two halves of a whole. Two souls in one body: one the monotonous and seemingly straight-laced male I grew up being, and the other the coy, fun-loving but somewhat bitchy lesbian who I’ve recently come to terms with. (Mia’s been rubbing off on Mike lately, though, with positive results.)

As far as third-person pronouns go, … together we prefer plural “they,” but separately, we like our respective gender pronouns. Mike is male, Mia is female.

I’m attracted to… The lifestyle, the scene, the community. All things genderqueer have come into focus, and it’s something we’d never want to let go of. Intelligence, creativity, being slightly outside the norms of conventional societal structure… artists, writers, dancers, activists, anyone with passion about what they do.

When people talk about me, I want them to… realize that there’s more to a person than how they present themselves; that just because I may seem like a normal trans-supporter cis guy on the outside doesn’t mean that is the extent of my personality. There’s another side to everyone; mine just happens to be someone else entirely. We aren’t just differentiated by our genders.

I want people to understand… that Mia isn’t a figment of my imagination or some psychotic episode. That even when I’m in control she’s listening, and she’s really sensitive underneath her hard exterior. I’ve come to love her like a sister, and the more she develops the more protective I am of her. Integrating her into me would be like killing her, and I never want to do that. Besides, we’re both having a lot of fun.

About Mike/Mia
Mike is a photography student who grew up in New York before going to Chicago. Never identifying with cis male culture (or gay male culture for that matter) yet interested in women, he thoughts turned to the lesbian community, but he had no way of expressing interest in this area. Later when a friend became trans, the trans and queer community opened up, and new insight revealed a comfortable niche to inhabit.

With the suggestion of “maybe you’re a lesbian” having time to germinate in his head, Dissociative Identity Disorder soon set in.  Mia was born as an alternate personality, followed by the discovery of the Bigender identifier that they now use to describe themselves. The two are firmly different people, despite residing in the same body, and are now looking for a comfortable middle-ground for the both of them.

Mia doesn’t get out as often as she likes, especially when we’re at home for the holidays (like now). Most of the time this results in her getting bored and posting to our blog, which can provide more insight into our inner workings:

mpalla.livejournal.com

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Adrienne. I like my given name. “A” has been my nickname since childhood, and it always warms my heart when someone calls me that.

I identify as… a pansexual, genderqueer young woman. Depending on my mood, I like to be either naturally female or a pretty, androgynous boy. Most of the time you will see me in the gray area in between. In fact, I’ve been trying to grow my hair out to my back for years, but have been unsuccessful in that I keep giving myself a fauxhawk whenever I want to be a boy. Really, I’m just an arty human being.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … “she” is fine. I enjoy my femininity, but I feel and present many traits that are more masculine. Even when I present my androgynous boy side, I don’t mind being referred to as a woman. However, if someone called me “he,” I would be flattered.

I’m attracted to… androgynous boys, mostly, but I have been infatuated with a lesbian genderqueer woman. Androgyny is really the bottom line for what I am attracted to, and I like to look like what I’m attracted to. I am actually engaged to a pretty boy, who is mostly straight, but he loves my pansexuality and my androgyny. The time when he let me do his eyemakeup made me feel so lucky, loved, and so accepted.

When people talk about me, I want them to… respect the fact I do not model my sexual and gender preferences on what society expects them to be. Some people hardly even consider it. For others it is not as easy to submit to one’s true self. As I grew up and realized my sexuality and gender preferences, it never occurred to me that I should change myself into something more acceptable to society. I want people to respect that flesh is flesh and love is love. And if I look good as a boy, why complain?

I want people to understand… that just because a person is proud of their sexuality (whether they are straight, gay, anything in between, or all of the above) it doesn’t always mean they intend to shove it in others’ faces. I have had people ask me if I thought I was getting enough attention, because of the way I looked in my boy clothes and bare face. I told them, “That’s not what this is about. It’s just how I feel.” It also doesn’t always mean that trans/genderqueer or gay, bi, etc. people are, by nature, promiscuous. See a person’s beauty, not how that beauty was achieved or how it would be classified.

About Adrienne
I am a 23-year-old artist, singer, fashion and interior designer and poetry/fiction writer who is self-taught. I’ve educated myself on fashion history to an obtuse extent. My love for music is so deep and grand that it sometimes consumes me. My dream job-title would be “aesthetic consultant.” I am proud of my taste and learning of beauty in all its forms, and I hope that I can make the world a more beautiful place, for my part.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Jes

I identify as… a female who is a bit more than a little unsure, art student, thinker, believer, and a lost, misunderstood person.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I will respond to anything, on occasions the male ones bother me. On others, I don’t even notice.

I’m attracted to… People who are a joy to be around, strong-willed, inspirational, and will help me grow in life.

When people talk about me, I want them to… respect me and my photography.

I want people to understand… that every day is a opportunity to learn.

About Jes
Born in Mexico. Moved to Texas. Started art school. I’ve been broken and fixed. I love to ponder on life.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Rosales-Photography/185002424846563

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Nikki

I identify as… transwoman/androgyne.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … female or neutral, zhe, hir.

I’m attracted to… any person, I really like transmen or anyone who doesn’t meet the gender binary, because I relate to them better :D
I am a pansexual transexual!

When people talk about me, I want them to… say that I’m fine, to say that I finally worked through the garbage in life.

I want people to understand… beauty in androgyny.

About Nikki
I was born in January, 1992. I spent childhood trying to be a normal girl, but my body made it hard. Skip past depressing puberty… I learn what it is to be trans and find words for who I am. Spent high school coming out to friends and myself until senior year, where I make it my life’s mission to become the perfect girly stereotype. Now, HRT for two months, SRS in a couple years (covered by insurance thank goodness!), and nothing is more beautiful to me than the spectrum of gender and gender expression. Fortunately, I stopped trying to be the perfect girl before it drove me mad!

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Annie / little one / anniesaurus rex

I identify as… a queer cisfemale, but sometimes I am a dinosaur.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … you may use “she,” but “dinosaur” works too.

I’m attracted to… cismales, cisfemales, transmen, transwomen, dinosaurs, intelligent people, book lovers, Vonnegut addicts, nerds, dykes, androgyny, people who can sing, people who write, and people who are people.

When people talk about me, I want them to… see beyond my height and how I present myself and to like me for who I am, not what’s between my legs or under my shirt.

I want people to understand… that I’m unique and I intend to stay this way.

About Annie
I’m Annie. I’m a freshman in college, and I’m from Brooklyn, New York. I skipped my senior year of high school. I like books, art, music, floral patterns, flannel shirts, rodents, my friends, old Hollywood movies, cats, poetry, cuddling, cats, caffeine, and oxygen.

» Define yourself. «