Search results for: gender identity
My Partner Came Out As a Man – And I Struggled With Losing My Lesbian Identity
“What does an almost forty-year-old, out and proud lesbian do when her partner comes out as a transgender male?” This author shares her answer to this question in this touching story.
Read MoreI Became So Exhausted with Proving My South Asian Identity That I Started to Ignore It
This author isn’t suffering some tragic confusion. But she has dealt with a struggle that may be familiar if you have a multi-racial identity – the fight to self-determine how she identifies. Read how the US’s socially constructed racial hierarchy plays out for someone mixed with non-white races – and how this author started with herself to change it.
Read MoreThe Truth Can Get a Little Hairy: Reflections on Body Hair, Feminism, and Trans Identity
Body hair is perfectly normal, so why do we get the message that it’s disgusting and unhygienic? The idea that people can monitor and police other people’s bodies is really messed up. Take it from this author, whose transition taught him that no one’s body fits expectations. Read about his love for his body and get inspired to love your own wild and lovely self.
Read MoreDon’t Erase My Race: 4 Affirmations to Remember When Reclaiming Your Multi-Racial Identity
Have people tried to define your race, make assumptions about your identity, or call you “racially ambiguous?” Your race is yours to determine. In a society that invalidates multiracial identities, reclaiming your identity is both an act of preservation and a political act. So here are some affirmations to help you come back to your own skin, your own identity, your own self.
Read MoreCis Privilege and Identity Policing in the Bi and Pan Community: 3 Harmful Tropes and 3 Ways We Can Unite Instead
Too often bisexuality and pansexuality are pitted against each other in the name of fighting transphobia. Calling out transphobia is vital. But too often this debate is used more to devalue the other identity. Let’s talk about why this debate is hurting cis polysexual people and trans people of all sexual orientations and how we can support everyone instead.
Read MoreWhy Your Disbelief in My Queer Identity Doesn’t Negate Its Existence
One of the most obnoxious forms of ignorance that LGBTQ people face is identity policing, which often manifests as other people providing “theories” to explain your sexuality. Being queer means that people always feel entitled to an explanation — or worse, they think they know better. Let’s go through the various, ridiculous incarnations of queer identity police.
Read More4 Ways I’ve Managed To Affirm My Gender Through Fashion
I’ve learned there is no shortage of stylistic experimentation that’s possible if we allow ourselves to exist outside of the gendered boxes that constrain how we express ourselves.
Read MoreThis Metaphor for Consent Might Be Just the Thing You Need to Make It Click
We often talk about consent as explicit, verbal, and important for new relationships. But here’s a metaphor that works for first-time sex through long-term relationships.
Read More4 Seemingly Harmless Gender Stereotypes That Contribute to Rape Culture
Stereotype #3: “Men want sex while women want love.” If you accept these as truth, these consequences should make you reconsider.
Read MoreWhat It Means to Wonder If Our Babies Are Developing Like Their Gender ‘Should’
Lots of parents feel anxiety over their baby’s development – but are we planting unhealthy ideas about who our children “should” be?
Read More6 Helpful Ways to Check Your Male Privilege in Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Cis guys, your privilege can show up in all aspects of society – and yep, that includes the bathroom. So here’s how you can be a better ally to the folks you share a bathroom with.
Read More3 Practical Ways to Challenge Gender Norms in Heterosexual Marriages
We’re so used to our society’s traditional gender roles that we can’t expect to get rid of them without putting some thought into it. These ideas can really help.
Read MoreThis Dad’s Apology to His Daughter Nails the Problem With Chores and Gender Roles
“Sorry on behalf of every dad who set the wrong example.” This #SharetheLoad campaign makes an important point about gender roles that often goes unsaid.
Read MoreClaiming 6 Personal Rights as a Vietnamese, Gender Non-Conforming Femme
“I have the right to reject what you consider respectable.” As a non-binary, gender non-conforming Vietnamese femme, this author has had too many rights denied. Now they’re reclaiming them.
Read MoreGrowing Up Black and Non-Binary – Finding Liberation Beyond the Gender Binary
“It’s okay to live your truth exactly how it looks.” From an early age, this author didn’t feel right trying to fit the binary of “man” or “woman.” This is a moving story of connecting with identity outside of society’s norms.
Read More4 Reasons It’s Oppressive to Discuss Gender and Sexuality Without Naming Race
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that “solidarity” for marginalized genders and sexualities means centering whiteness. Here’s how this is happening, and why it needs to stop.
Read More3 Reasons to Doubt the Most Widely Believed Biology-Based Gender Myths
When a behavior feels like second nature, it’s hard to imagine that it could be learned. But here are some of the many facts that challenge the idea of biological gender roles.
Read MoreThis Awesome Comic Shows Why Gender Transition Isn’t a Race
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your gender transition like this artist did, you’ll love this story of how taking baby steps can help you explore what’s right for you!
Read MoreWhat to Do When Your Child Believes Gender Bias
“My hair’s too long for a boy.” How would you feel if your child said something like this? These great ideas for what to do show why it’s so important to respond when your child makes gender-based comments.
Read More4 Reasons Why Gender Neutral Isn’t Always the Answer
As the author of a book called “gender-neutral” parenting, it might sound like I would argue that buying a “girls only” toy is sexist and teaches kids the wrong thing. It is easy to focus on how well the toy fits into the stereotypes of the pink aisle at the toy store instead of how it breaks the mold of the pink aisle. So here’s why I think that toys like Goldie Blox can be good ideas.
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