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. «

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. «

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. «

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. «

You can call me… Ricci

I identify as… ME.

I’m attracted to…  honest people, pretty eyes, pretty lips, someone who is beautiful on the in& outside.

When people talk about me, I want them to… focus on my personality rather than my gender.

I want people to understand… That it’s wrong to put people into boxes. People should’t define you or others. Always, JUST BE.

About RICCI
I think being flamboyant is very much like a drug, though.
I can take a dose of flamboyancy that would kill most beginners and shock a lot of people.
But I’ve never done it to try and be provocative, I’ve done it because I know no other way to be.

» Define yourself. «

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. «

You can call me… Bunny

I identify as… everything. I’m a cross-dressing illustrator and comic book artist, who also sings as a malfunctioning Victorian robot in Steam Powered Giraffe. As an actor, I already have so many personalities going on in my head. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on what is really you. Even when I’m not performing, my gender identity fluctuates quite frequently. Male…or female?

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I accept male pronouns on a day to day basis, especially when doing business. But if anyone gives me the choice, I prefer female pronouns when I’m not working. I loathe being called “Mr.” or “Sir,” but I understand how easy and common it is to say. At least they’re being respectful, I suppose.

I’m attracted to… women. My affection for them is magnified in my cross-dressing and art. The curves of a female are beautiful. I’m not attracted to men immediately, but I am attracted to the personalities of some men.

When people talk about me, I want them to… see me as the artist behind the body. Whether I look like a man today or a woman the next, inside I’m still the same hungry-to-create mind that prefers to weave stories without being limited to a specific gender role.

I want people to understand… the hardship that comes from being in the gray area between the sexes. Despite resounding support by friends and family, your own culturally-defined line of genders can leave you battling for years against yourself…trying to figure out what sex defines you. How easy it’d be to be comfortable as just a man or as just a woman, so you can just focus on developing yourself as a person instead of having to do that and decide if you are male or female. It sounds much easier, yes…but also a lot less interesting.

About Bunny
I’m an identical twin and an artist. I’ve studied everything from video game development to pantomime, and worked five years as a graphic designer before finding peace illustrating and performing as a singing robot for Steam Powered Giraffe. As certain I am of my career, plunging into the self is a whole other endeavor.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Damien

I identify as… A freak, A tranny, A cross dresser, A goth slut, A pokemon master, A Degrassi lover, A chihuahua tamer, A biological female, Genderqueer, A misfit, A poser, and A fish/human hybrid.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … whatever you feel like using. Most call me “she” but being called “he” makes my day, being called “it” makes me laugh. So hey, I’m good with anything

I’m attracted to… boys with sexy long hair, red lips, glasses, pale skin, dark hair, chains on their belts, who aren’t afraid to rock some black nails.

When people talk about me, I want them to… give me hugs. I’m a MAJOR hug person. I also want them to be themselves. I don’t want to talk to the boy behind the mask. I want to see his pretty face.

I want people to understand… that i don’t care what gender you want to be. I personally prefer to dress male, but if you choose to go fem, that’s cool too. I love every one for who they are, not what they’re expected to be.

About Damien

I’m Mo, but I would rather be Damien. I’m 13-years-old and the school freak. Personally, I like it that way. Who wants to be average Joe when you could be epic Mo? So I was born into a female body which I don’t hate, but would more or less rather it be male. I will definitely never opt for the surgery because even though I don’t love my body, it’s the one God gave me, so there has to be a reason I’m in it. As mentioned before I love to be hugged and kissed and hold hands – even with people I don’t know very well. It’s not that I’m slutty, I just love to be with people and give them love. Love makes the world go round right?

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Kelsey, Mori, Kels, Vincent, Vinny. V. (Yeah, I know, a lot of names I answer to.)

I identify as… A genderqueer with a tendency to feel like more than one person at a time. Sometimes a FTM. A goth without all the black. A cosplayer with an aversion to common characters. A dungeon master. A human being.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I really am growing attached to “They” and “Them” and other such pronouns, but I will answer to anything.

I’m attracted to… women of all kinds! As long as their attitude is a good one, and they have a sense of humor. (Oh, and being into tabletop games is a huge plus!)

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about the brutal way I killed a party during D&D, my creativity, my heart, my art, and how much they like me ;)

I want people to understand… that even though I don’t fit into the normal gender roles, I am still a person, just a person who will answer to anything you call them!

About Kelsey
Hey ‘sup all! I am a genderqueer (among other things) living in the southern part of a state. I like to draw and play Dungeons and Dragons with my buds.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Scarlet

I identify as… Female in my daily life, male as a ‘character.’ I’m a biological female with long hair and a feminine shape, and I love to wear dresses, jewelry, and makeup.

But I almost always play male characters in plays, write from the perspective of male characters, relate to male fictional characters and historical figures, only dress up as male characters for events like Halloween, and daydream of my life as a man. I see myself as a late eighteenth century fop, and am constantly inspired by the Scarlet Pimpernel, master of disguise, in every aspect of my goofy life.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I’m a ‘she’ ‘her’ and all that jazz. When I am cast as a man in a play — which has happened sixteen times so far– or dressed up for an event, I like to be called ‘he’ or ‘him’ while I’m in costume/character. The highest compliment that can be paid me is when people believe I WAS a man after seeing me in a show or dressed-up in a costume.

I’m attracted to… Michael Sheen, David Bowie, Lucius Malfoy, Stephen Fry, and the portrait of Alexander Hamilton on the ten dollar bill.

When people talk about me, I want them to… say whatever they feel and not hold back. And I’d love to hear the juicy gossip afterward!

I want people to understand… that the idea of ‘maleness’ is exciting and empowering to me, even though I am really quite girly in day-to-day life. Most of my friends are gay men, and I’ve been told I act more like a gay man than a straight female. I wouldn’t have a sex change for the world, and though I sometimes wish I were born male, I love the way I am.

About Scarlet
Scarlet isn’t really named Scarlet. She’s an actor, not an actress, and she loves her collection of pimp hats. Although American, she likes to speak as much like Jude Law as humanly possible.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Shiri

I identify as… Bisexual, genderqueer, anarchist, feminist, Mizrahi (=Arabic Jew), vegan, pervert, geek.

Other words I like: bidyke, queer, anarchabisexual, anarchafeminist, veganarchist, sex radical, gender deviant.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … with the feminine, please.

I’m attracted to… bisexuals, radicals, genderqueers, anarchists, people with long hair and glasses, smart people, sensitive people, feminists, geeks. People with a heart and a passion and a mind. Sharp and searing. Revolutionaries.

When people talk about me, I want them to… be respectful of my identities. To stop presuming that bisexuality is binary and that using it is transphobic. Not to speak about me as if I was cis when I talk about bisexual issues. Not to presume that I can’t be bisexual if I’m genderqueer (or vice versa). Doing these things erases not only my bi identity, but also my identity as genderqueer.

I want people to understand… that some of us choose a bisexual identification – not “in spite of” our genderqueer identity, not out of ignorance or lack of understanding – but out of love, rage, and passion for a word that is ours. That being bisexual means receiving biphobic responses each time you dare to say the word, and that we don’t need even *more* invalidation of our identity, but less. That we need to be solidary with each other, that we all need support. That this world is cruel, and all we have is each other.

And that we can make a revolution.

About Shiri
Activist, writer, and a few more things ;) Check out my blog at http://radicalbi.wordpress.com.

» Define yourself. «

You can call me… Huu, Miska, Mr. Who

I identify as… a wanna-be-philosopher, vegan, sister, lover and poly, but mostly just queer.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … I prefer they/he. I’m so happy we don’t have gendered third-person pronouns in Finland.

I’m attracted to… queer women. Femmes are the bomb, but it’s the personality that really makes me purr.

When people talk about me, I want them to… realize that gender is not relevant to me. If you have a problem with me not having one, it’s your thing to deal with, not mine. You don’t get to ask me personal questions unless you’re my close friend, or if I’ve given you permission for it.

I want people to understand… that gender just isn’t the best way to describe who I am. Get to know me and you’ll find out who I am. I’m not a scary person.

About Huu, Miska, Mr. Who
Wanna-be-philosopher. Vegan. Polyamorous. Pansexual with a girl preference. Sister. Lover. Friend.

» Define yourself. «

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. «