It’s rough out there for some of us. I have long curly hair and massive curves (I can’t even bind because of medical issues). Trying to get people to use any pronouns but she/her is a lot of work
Gender is, at its heart, a social construct. You can accent certain features, even throw on a big sandwich board saying “I AM <GENDER>”. But at the end of the day, you’re banking on other people recognizing you as you want to be seen (and then not being trollish contrary assholes).
If social conventions shift and lots of dudes start growing out long curls and padded pants, you’ll be in luck. If every dude in America wakes up one morning and gets a crew cut and cuts weight to twinkish proportions, you’re in trouble.
Maybe people could recognize gender as a function of fashion rather than a genetic branding marker. Then the idea of being non-binary or fluid would have enough socially acknowledged signifiers to click. Until then, just gotta be the trend-setter you want to see in the world and “dress non-binary” loudly, I guess? Or dress like a schlub and bank on baggy cloths blurring the lines enough for people not to think hard about it.
This is why I tell people “any pronouns” despite almost always referring to myself as “it” or “they”. I find it useful to hear how I am percieved, it helps me figure out just how “extra” I need to dress to be seen as a person of mixed gender.
It’s rough out there for some of us. I have long curly hair and massive curves (I can’t even bind because of medical issues). Trying to get people to use any pronouns but she/her is a lot of work
Gender is, at its heart, a social construct. You can accent certain features, even throw on a big sandwich board saying “I AM <GENDER>”. But at the end of the day, you’re banking on other people recognizing you as you want to be seen (and then not being trollish contrary assholes).
If social conventions shift and lots of dudes start growing out long curls and padded pants, you’ll be in luck. If every dude in America wakes up one morning and gets a crew cut and cuts weight to twinkish proportions, you’re in trouble.
Maybe people could recognize gender as a function of fashion rather than a genetic branding marker. Then the idea of being non-binary or fluid would have enough socially acknowledged signifiers to click. Until then, just gotta be the trend-setter you want to see in the world and “dress non-binary” loudly, I guess? Or dress like a schlub and bank on baggy cloths blurring the lines enough for people not to think hard about it.
This is why I tell people “any pronouns” despite almost always referring to myself as “it” or “they”. I find it useful to hear how I am percieved, it helps me figure out just how “extra” I need to dress to be seen as a person of mixed gender.
im a bit ignorant here - what do you mean by “bind?”
“Binding” refers to the act of compressing one’s chest, usually with special clothing.
oh, ty. <3