Comments for Midwest GenderQueer

Comment on The State of T and Me by JAC

JAC — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:02:18 +0000

Gem,
Thank you for writing this to me. I am touched to hear how you relate, as this can be a very lonely journey for all of us. But we are not alone. I am sure our paths will cross someday. There’s only so many of us around, after all! Keep in touch. :)
JAC

Comment on The State of T and Me by Gem

Gem — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:54:24 +0000

Jac

Your face is famigliar. I think I stumbled across it a few years ago somewhere and again a few months ago. I’ve been slowly reading your blog and smiling at someone else who I feel gets what genderqueer is.

Reading this one piece, “Before I started T I was terrified…. But what scared me the most was changing into someone I couldn’t recognize, living in a body I couldn’t imagine as a me I didn’t know”, summed up me before starting ‘T’. I felt alone at the time and scared and it was like no one understood that fear – you did.

I hope to one day meet you, a positive role model for genderqueers.

Comment on Seeing is Believing; Self-Portraits and Finding Me by JAC

JAC — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:10:52 +0000

Thank you! I am sending you good vibes in your process, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need resources. The internet is becoming a wealth of info, if you know what to look for that is. Good luck and hugs!

Comment on Seeing is Believing; Self-Portraits and Finding Me by Tof Eklund

Tof Eklund — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 03:41:20 +0000

Just found your blog through networked blogs. I’m in the process of coming out as genderqueer (easier online than in RL, so far), and found this post encouraging. Thank you.

Comment on Seeing is Believing; Self-Portraits and Finding Me by JAC

JAC — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 04:16:20 +0000

<3 love ya back, Al! The DJ always wants to party.

Comment on Seeing is Believing; Self-Portraits and Finding Me by Al

Al — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:20:11 +0000

You’ve come a long way my man (hell, both of us have in different ways), and I’m super proud of what you’ve accomplished in such a short, yet seemingly long, span of time. Much love, and always remember – The DJ wants to party. <3

Comment on Seeing is Believing; Self-Portraits and Finding Me by Erich

Erich — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:21:30 +0000

What a transformation! Metamorphosis?

Comment on Trans and The Rest of My Life by Seeing is Believing; Self-Portraits and Finding Me

Seeing is Believing; Self-Portraits and Finding Me — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:30:25 +0000

[...] was a pivotal time for me, but after seven years its significance (in some ways) seems to fade and blur into the rest of my life. What is left is just being me; thinking about it, working on it, and noticing that some of it [...]

Comment on Learning How to Talk Trans* by JAC

JAC — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:54:34 +0000

Great question, Glen! Well, for options, there are several people have created. One duo that is growing in popularity is “DFAB” and “DMAB” (designated female/male at birth) and its now less used precursor “FAAB” and “MAAB” (female/male assigned at birth). Others, though a little more old school, are “natal-female” / “natal male” and “GG” (genetic gal/girl). Some people also may use expressions like “female sexed” or “male sexed.” Terms like bio-boy / bio-gal or female-bodied / male-bodied are still commonly used, and not “incorrect” or “bad.” However, since many of us recognize that there really is no such thing as a “female body” or “male body” we prefer not to use language that may give that impression. I think that when choosing language for oneself, the (equally) most important parts of the process are 1) personal identification and 2) how one conceptualizes themselves as a greater part of a human community. Is my language descriptive of myself while also respecting the existence of others? It may be that “female bodied” is the right set of words for you, or even is the right set at the time and maybe don’t be later. As long as you can take ownership of it, and be respectful and communicative to others, I think it works. There is no way to have the perfect words for everyone, but we can try to be a conscious as possible while still empowering ourselves. Another great way to see what language options there are is to explore blogs and forums (like Tumblr) where you can see what words other people are using, and what might fit you!
Hope that answers your question!
JAC

Comment on Learning How to Talk Trans* by Glen

Glen — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:49:29 +0000

So what are the alternatives to “female bodied” and “bio-male”? I understand the social construction of sex and gender, but I’m not sure how else to describe my body.