Submitted by Marilyn Rivera, the model and photographer

“Ftm. Arizona. Dysphoria. Pre-everything.”

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Sometimes I feel so confined with what I am supposed to be that I don’t know what I am meant to do with what I feel inside.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by Michael Ghent, the model

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I really enjoy complimenting people on how they look. But, I’m always slightly afraid of saying the wrong thing when trying to compliment an androgynous person. Should I use “beautiful” or “handsome,” are there gender neutral compliments I could use, or should I just compliment people on their style?

I just really like making people feel good about themselves and don’t want to make them feel awkward while I’m trying to do it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

Submitted by Jerre Fine, the Model and Photographer

“Inspired by ‘Because if I say male or [female], either way, I’m lying.’”

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I’m a male-identified genderqueer and a feminist, and I have mixed feelings about personally going on hormones. I’ve learned to accept and love several things about myself, such as my short stature and being overweight, but at the same time, I sometimes wish that I had more of a male look, and that I could pass better and be taken more seriously as the person I am. Is comfort a less worthy goal than fighting the fight?

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by Maya, the model and photographer

“My Ace bandage has had to suffice until I can afford a binder.”

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You can call me… whatever you would like. I allow everyone I meet to give me a name, if that person would like. So far I have 797!

I identify as… GenderQueer, Andro, Pansexual, Polyamorous, Kinky, Two-Spirit, Queer, Xueer, Familia, Person of color, sex positive, body positive, size positive. But in reality, I am simply who I am , I don’t like these classifications. But I understand their utility.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … the singular form of They (subjective) Them (objective) Their (possessive), or using my name works too.

I’m attracted to… mostly Queer people of any gender. I will say that I have a stronger affinity to people of color, but that is not always the case… If you are down, and I mean DOWN, then I probably like you (already jeje) regardless of anything else.

When people talk about me, I want them to… talk about my character(s) not my body/gender/size/sexuality,

my nature not my/ their social exceptions of me,

Love and beauty of the mind and energy

but mainly I don’t really want people to talk about me. I am, after all, no one special. I am only a reflection of others

I want people to understand… That I am guided by great feelings of love, and that it is universal but not without faults… So I will be patient as much as I can be.

About

https://www.facebook.com/thoughtless.thought or thoughtlesthought@gmail.com

I live in Santa Cruz, CA, but thinking of moving back S.F. bay area… and I am single (or as other poly folk say) “single single.”

» Define yourself. «

Submitted by Tommy, the model and photographer

“I went ice-skating the day before and fell.”

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Recently I have realized I am female but I am not a woman. I don’t hate my body, even though I’ve been teased by my entire life for being too “masculine” or too big or too loud. I’m not really sure what this makes me, but I am perfect in the context of my own existence.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Submitted by Ricci De Luca, the model and photographer

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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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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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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. «