Masculin-féminin-féminin-masculin, originally uploaded by andrefromont/fernandomort.

“Vanity” submitted by ElegantAndrogyne, the model and photographer.

Additional links included were here and here.

Random Annie pic, originally uploaded by Dash68.

A reader asks…

How do you handle getting haircuts, if you prefer styles that don’t match your biological sex? Have you had any trouble finding stylists who are cool about giving you what you want? I’ve wanted a male haircut for a while, but I’ve been getting a short female cut instead. I’m worried that this doesn’t achieve the effect I’m going for.

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

Pedro aka Strangelfreak recommends…

The mix of sublime gender-neutral aesthetics — if you guys haven’t seen this, it is a definite MUST! ^__^

» Recommend something. «

, originally uploaded by Adeline Laiteuse.

Someone wrote…

The other day at a stop light, my boyfriend and I leaned in for a quick kiss. As we pulled away from each other, we discussed how the person in the car behind us may perceive us. I have my hair cut quite short, and his hair is longer than many men’s. Did she see him as a female and me as a male? Did she see him as male and me as male? Did she see him as female and me as female? We could really be seen as either a heterosexual or homosexual couple. I laughed for the longest time.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Dear Genderforkers,

You make me so stupendously happy.

Just wanted to tell you that.

Love,
Sarah Dopp

This song and much more from Coyote Grace: “guitarist Joe Stevens, a transman from Northern California” and “upright bassist Ingrid Elizabeth, a sassy femme originally hailing from the hills of Southeastern Ohio.”

, originally uploaded by asasparrow.

You can call me… whatever you’d like

I identify as… I’m figuring it out more and more each day. I was a tomboy as a kid and then tried to do the whole feminine thing. I’ve gone from claiming I’m androgynous to butch to now I just refuse to conform to the definitions and enjoy being Genderqueer/Genderfucking… Everything is just another label.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … for now I’m sticking to she and her although it doesn’t bother me when someone mistakenly calls me Sir or He. I find a sense of pride in it that I can skew my gender in that way.

I’m attracted to… Feminine Women. Although I definitely enjoy the odd androgynous woman (something really hot about blurring gender lines) and I can find feminine men cute but physically am not attracted to men.

When people talk about me, I want them to… not define me by my skin colour or gender or any other physical appearances. I also don’t want them to make judgements on me by putting different parts of my identity together. I’d like them to respect me and get to know me before they make their opinions because then I can respect their thoughts of me.

I want people to understand… that Gender is not the same as Sex. That society defines what masculine/feminine is and it should not be equal to an individual’s sex. That we are all beautiful individuals and should be loved for our differences instead of being judged.

» Define yourself. «

Jen asks…

Is it possible to feel gender-less? Or just lacking a gender completely?

Please post your response in the comments below.

» Ask Genderfork «

, originally uploaded by l a n d & c i n d e r s.

Someone wrote…

I’m like a Venn Diagram. I fall in the overlap.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?

Milo recommends…

This was one book where I didn’t have to try to cram myself into the stereotypical gender box in order to identify with the character I enjoyed most. Pronouns are not used at all when addressing Bailey, the main character. There are tons of bad romance novels, there are even a few gay and lesbian ones but there aren’t many about the relationships of individuals who live outside societal gender norms. Which is why this book rocks. This story follows the life of Bailey who is desperately trying to live beyond male or female, coming up against the backlash of societal norms, religion, and the federal government requiring the identity of male or female, while falling in and out of love. This is one genderforking fiction story you don’t want to miss out on.

» Recommend something. «

my cd picture in 2003, originally uploaded by ricoo-CD.

“SharkBite” submitted by Carol Steiler, the model and photographer.

You can call me… Bridget is good, but otherwise I don’t care much.

I identify as… A gay male, but with some female qualities too. Sorta half and half, I guess. I suppose I also identify as a bit confused about many things. My own gender identity, for one.

As far as third-person pronouns go, … If someone uses “he,” that’s fine and all. If they use “she,” though, I tend to take it as a compliment… Says to me that I’m doing something right. Just makes my day. I’m not really too picky about this one though.

I’m attracted to… Somewhat feminine or androgynous guys, but not always. Sometimes a more “boyish” or “rogue” quality can be really nice too. And also, someone that is friendly and understanding.

When people talk about me, I want them to… realize that what they say can hurt, but at the same time, that I prefer total honesty over anything else. If you’re gonna say something about me, don’t try to cover it up with politeness… Just be blunt, and let me know what you really think.

I want people to understand… that just because I may not fit the usual definition of a male, that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with me. It doesn’t make me some sort of weirdo. If I’m a bit on the girly side, well, that’s just how I am… It’s not like it hurts anyone, so please don’t attack or laugh at me about it. That type of thing hurts more than most could know.

About Bridget
I’m a bit of a girly-boy, but I guess I kinda like that. The whole idea of androgyny appeals to me, though I don’t really understand it… I wish I did. I’m also a total and complete geek; computers and gaming and anime and Star Trek and everything of that nature. If it’s amazingly geeky, chances are, I’m totally into it! I really love nature and animals. I guess I’m also a bit lazy, but I try not to be. I’m really absentminded, but I do my best to be courteous to everyone I meet. I think if more people did the same, the world really would be a better place.

» Define yourself. «

Blue sky, originally uploaded by Paula Satijn.

Someone wrote…

I bought my boyfriend a red lacy bra for Christmas. He loves it. I feel so lucky to be dating someone who doesn’t see anything out of the ordinary in that.

What’s your experience?

And what are you thinking about gender right now?