Some of the discussions elsewhere have brought me back to this thread. Androgyny, closets, social agendas, etc. Some of this was talked about here but there is another recent thread where the protagonist described being out in a decidedly feminine outfit, yet topped it all off with a handlebar mustache and (thankfully) no makeup.
As many may have surmised in reading my writings, I have some struggles when it comes to the guy-in-dress look. I was looking for insight by inclusion of this comment....
While I strive for inclusion across our entire community, those out and in the closet, those who identify as TS, CD and everywhere in-between, I admittedly struggle with this guy-in-dress concept when it speeds past the androgynous or utilitarian approach. Call me hypocritical but at the very least I'm being honest, and willing to attempt understanding of this concept as difficult as it might be.Originally Posted by Sara Jessica
Part of my POV was shaped by meeting someone at our support group a few years back. This person pretty much presented as female the first couple times we met. Then one meeting, "he" shows up (there's a reason I use "he") in a canary yellow ball gown, no makeup, stubble on the face, no wig and loads of chest hair poking out the top of the bodice of the dress. During the rounds where everyone can talk for a moment about whatever, he basically says "I'm a guy in a dress and no longer wish to be called by a femme name. I will no longer wear makeup, wig, etc.". Needless to say we were all pretty much taken aback yet the kicker was that he claimed that his look somehow blended in with societal norms.
Of course I was absolutely incredulous at this point and being my first experience with a genderf*%# presentation, it shaped a lot of my POV in that I believe that those of us who choose to go out have an obligation to do so in a manner respectful not only of women but also for those who are transitioning and must deal with public scrutiny 24/7.
The way I see it, androgyny doesn't conflict with this POV but genderf*%# most certainly does.
Many in these pages may present in such a manner in the comfort of their own closet ...er, home, for a multitude of reasons. Namely, their male side (or others in their lives) demands that they keep facial hair, or whatever. They do what makes them happy without much worry about going out into the world which of course is fine. Any TG who goes into the world and is read as such (most of us who venture out would fall into this category) is technically in conflict with societal norms, yet genderf*%# takes this to an entirely different level.
All that said, I'll repeat my question to those who present in public as a guy-in-dress, do any of these bigger social agenda type of goals apply to your situation? In other words, is your POV influenced by other causes within the TG community, androgyny or even issues concerning natal women.
For those who champion androgyny, is there a line to be crossed here or are we all in the same gender-boat, merely expressing the same thing in different ways?
For the women out there, do any or all of these presentations offend your sensibilities or am I reading too much into things?
