Search results for: gender identity
Let’s Talk About “Asian Sadness”
Hearing the phrase “Asian sadness” made me feel like my depression linked to my Asian American identity isn’t just something I made up.
Read More5 Ways Trans People Can Support Other Trans People
This author has noticed some disturbing trends in how trans folks can actually perpetuate transphobia against other trans folks in the community. Here are some important ideas for what to do about it.
Read MoreFat, Trans, and (Working on Being) Fine With It
Not only do I have to deal with the crippling dysphoria that comes from having a body that I often don’t even recognize as my own, I also have to deal with the cultural misogyny that tells me that a woman can’t be as fat as I am and still be desirable. I have to navigate this world where people either feel like my fatness is somehow hurting them or exists only to feed their fetish. And it sucks.
Read More7 Trans Media Tropes That Need to Stop
Transgender narratives are popular these days. In a way, that’s really cool – recognition of trans existence is a great step toward being treated like we’re actually human. But quite a bit of transness is being capitalized on by cisgender people. We’re being used. So here’s a list of tropes that need to end to help trans people take our representation back.
Read MoreAbusive ‘Feminist’ Men Exist — Here Are 6 Things Men Can Do to Stop Them
As male feminists, it’s easy to criticize the misogyny of the MRAs. But how often do we turn the lens around? There are stories from every era of the feminism — stories of men talking the talk of feminism, gaining trust, and using that trust to hurt, abuse, and act in profoundly anti-feminist ways. Here are six things we need to do starting right now to fight this.
Read MoreThis Is Not “Female Privilege” — This Is Misogyny
From the moment we are born, girls — and children who are told they are girls — are socialized to embrace misogyny as normal. As this poet explains, we learn to recognize our worth in how attractive men find us, to say thank you to street harassment, to protect ourselves with flirtation and niceties, to find power in masculinity, to be complacent with invisibility.
Read More4 Reasons Anti-Feminist Women Hate Feminism (And What They’re Missing)
“I don’t need feminism because I’m not a victim!” Ever believed one of these myths about feminism? Let’s debunk these misconceptions.
Read More6 Ways to Respond to Sexist Microaggressions in Everyday Conversations
It can be hard to know what to do when sexist microaggressions happen, especially from someone you care about. Here are some ways to help you respond.
Read MoreWhat You’re Really Saying When You Call Me a Bitch
How we signal our displeasure to someone matters, because it is in our attempts to cause harm that we reveal how we really feel about who they are. I take “bitch” more seriously than other insults because it attempts to use a piece of my identity – my femaleness – as a weapon. Reclamation projects aside, we all need to carefully consider when and why we take aim with a B-bomb.
Read MoreFeminism Isn’t About Man-Hating, Even Though Some Feminists Hate Men – Let This Analogy Explain
Here’s the perfect analogy for why it’s ridiculous to refuse to listen to feminist goals – and the real info about what feminism’s all about.
Read MoreWhat Cis Folk Have In Common With Trans Folk
Transgender people face a huge battle in society to freely express themselves. But in many ways, we’re all fighting a similar battle – to be seen as people and for who we are.
Read MoreKnow Your (Lack of a) Role: Honoring Healing Spaces as an Ally
“Why is this event only for [insert marginalized identity]? I’m an ally! I want to show my support.” While it can hurt when you come with good intentions, a healing space that is only for people of a marginalized identity that you don’t share is not for you. And that’s actually ok and needed. But sometimes we forget that and demand entry. Here’s another approach.
Read More10 Common Things Well-Intentioned Allies Do That Are Actually Counterproductive
You’re trying your best to be a supportive ally – so it might be hard to realize that well-meaning people make mistakes. Lots of them. Here’s what you need to know to correct these common behaviors.
Read MoreReady to Ditch White Feminism? 6 Black Feminist Concepts You Need to Know
If you don’t recognize yourself in white feminism, you’re not the only one. These Black feminist concepts show that we have other options.
Read More13 Lies We Have to Stop Telling About Bisexual People
Despite all of the gains the LGBTQIA+ community has made, bisexual people are still looked upon with confusion — or outright scorn — by gay, lesbian, and straight people alike. Here we are in the supposedly enlightened year of 2014 – and yet, biphobia persists. Here are a few tiresome lies society really needs to stop telling about bisexual people.
Read MoreWhat Happened When My Therapist Told Me I Wasn’t Bisexual
“You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.” A therapist invalidated Connor’s bisexuality – and here are tips for if anyone tries to erase your identity.
Read More5 Myths People Believe About Aromanticism That Just Aren’t True
“All aros are asexual.” Have you bought into any of these myths about aromantic identity? You might be surprised by how much the truth changes your perception.
Read MoreAn Open Letter to Afro-Latinxs: You Are Enough and It’s Okay to Have Questions
Can you relate to how this author used to feel about their Afro-Latinx identity? These reminders will help you embrace your whole self.
Read More14 Examples of White Privilege in Latinx Communities
Latinx identity in the US is complex. But it’s clear that white supremacy has an influence – and here are some of the ways that might benefit you if you’re perceived as white.
Read More7 Things You Should Expect from a Mental Health Professional About Cultural Competency
You deserve a therapist who will honor your cultural identity. Check out this article to learn what you should expect from a culturally competent therapist.
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