What We Mean When We Say “Femme”: A Roundtable
We now live in a world where it is totally possible to claim the same word as someone else and completely disagree on what the word means.
10 Trans Women Pioneers They Definitely Didn’t Tell You About In History Class
While it’s important to acknowledge famous names like Christine Jorgensen and Lili Elbe, it’s also important to talk about other trans women who might be less well-known, but have had their own big impact on trans history.
The Army Taught Me That I Can Change My Body (And It Will Still Be Mine)
Here’s the deal: I both like and am my body. I am a girl, ergo I have a girl’s body. It’s neat. You know what I think helped me to be comfortable with my body more than anything else? The US Army.
Fifty Shades of White
Having the blessing – or curse – of lighter skin is a double edged sword. I never gave much thought to the idea that society needs positive cultural images of minorities until I came to embrace my Hispanic heritage and come out of the closet.
I’m A Trans Woman And I’m Not Interested In Being One of the “Good Ones”
If you present in a traditionally feminine way, you’re just being a misogynistic parody of a woman, and if you fail to present in a traditionally feminine way, well ha! There’s the proof that you’re not really a woman right there.
How Finding My Korean Mother Gave Me the Courage to Transition
“I am an adoptee,” I explained through my tears. “I need to find my parents. I have waited all my life for this moment. I’m supposed to leave tomorrow, but I can’t go without knowing my family is fine. Please help me!”
Meet 51 Kickass Women From The 2013 Trans 100
The 2013 Trans 100 is a BIG DEAL and we wanted to give you a closer look at the amazing trans* women featured on the list, thus this epic compilation of inspirational people relevant to your interests.
On Faith And Gender, Or Why I Dress Like A Man On Fridays
“It boils down to a simple decision: dress like a man, or lose part of my faith.”
Call and Response: On Body Snarking and The Word “Tr*nny”
“If you do feel the need to ask if someone is transgender or not, first ask yourself why. Why is it your business? Why do you need to know? And will it change anything you think about this person?”
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started My Transition
Ten lessons I wish I’d known when I started hormones in February 2011, and why I’m taking an indefinite break from the internet.
25 Things I Do To Make My Body Dysphoria Feel Smaller and Quieter
Everything’s gonna be super duper.
Femmes: Beyond Lipstick (and Heels and Dresses)
Sometimes you just want a role model.
On Display: Navigating the Male Gaze As A Lesbian Trans Woman
“Welcome to being a girl. Get used to it.”
I’m Just Your Typical Urban Hipster Femme Twentysomething Trans Lesbian
“Despite being disowned by my family [after coming out as trans] I still feel like one of the lucky ones.”
Trans Etiquette 101: No Offense, But That’s Offensive
“So let’s say you are a non-trans person and you are with someone who is out about being trans and is knowingly open to questions. You have some things you want to ask. Here are some guidelines to follow.”
xxboy Meets World
“My experience living as a girl and as a female for so long and my experience transitioning to and living as a man are central to my identity – to who I am and who I am becoming.”
Judith Butler 101: One Is Not Born a Queer Theorist, One Becomes One
Did you wake up today feeling a little too sure that you understood the relationship between sex and gender? No fear, Autostraddle is here! Guest writer Julia is here to learn you all about Judith Butler, and to make you feel smarter than you have all day.
The (Gender) Trouble With Video Game Avatars
If you think the realm of fantasy might defy our real world gender policing, think again! How Dragon Age: Origins, World of Warcraft and Xbox Live want me to be a size 2 scantily-clad elf and I just wanna be husky with an alt-lifestyle haircut.
Policing Female Masculinity: Much Ado About Rachel Maddow’s Yearbook Photo!
Rachel Maddow had long hair once. That’s right. You’ve seen the yearbook photo — she used to look like a Real Woman! (so says Senator Vitter). I’d tap that! (So says Buzzfeed). Whoa, y’all have some serious gender trouble going on. (Says us).
Let Us Now Praise Effeminate Men
Alan Cumming’s latest blog post sums up the week perfectly, and addresses perhaps Newsweekgate’s most underasked question: “What is wrong with being effeminate, anyway?” It’s Friday, y’all. Let us praise ye wise men who know “queeny” isn’t even a word, give you some wisdom and share some of our favorite videos; Kurt’s Turn in Glee, Adam Lambert goes crazy, Alan Cumming emcees, Rickie finds World Happiness and Peter Paige finds Emmet’s truth.