Ok, so this is to all my g-friends particularly the two of you and gunn: Wearing a dress or even makeup does not equal 'girly'! Wearing pants does not equal 'tomboy'! I know plenty of girly-girls that only wear pants and plenty of hardcore punk-rock chicks that wear a lot of skirts and dresses.
I have been a considered a 'tomboy' all of my life, and I always wear skirts and dresses. I used to skateboard in a skirt. I ride a bike all the time, and I do it in a skirt. I wouldn't wear a skirt to ride a motorcycle, but that's only because it's not safe or practical. Although I am certain that I have ridden behind a dude in a skirt on a motorcycle. Hmm. I've been mentally designing snowboarding pants that have a skirt top for when my current pair fall apart. For me, skirts and dresses offer more flexibility and comfort than pants, and are more flattering to my body.
I carry a bag because it is more annoying to me to have something in my pocket than to carry a bag. I find the feeling of heavy things in my pocket super annoying, while I can shove a bag over my shoulder and totally ignore it!
I know this is nitpicky, but I am going on a thing about language, especially feminist language, lately. I feel like we all kind of give in on the gender things and don't realize how we are perpetuating the divisions. (just wait till you hear the rant I've been mentally writing about 'fat'!) I think that whatever makes you feel good and comfortable and attractive (regardless of what others think about it) that is what is feminine, because you are female. I do have particular ideas about what clothing looks good or bad, but I like to think (hope) they are based on what flatters a person rather than a fashion ideal or heightening femininity. Especially for us, people who appreciate and enjoy men who wear skirts and tutus and bend that gender a little, I think that describing our fashion choices as more or less 'girly' is problematic.
no subject
I have been a considered a 'tomboy' all of my life, and I always wear skirts and dresses. I used to skateboard in a skirt. I ride a bike all the time, and I do it in a skirt. I wouldn't wear a skirt to ride a motorcycle, but that's only because it's not safe or practical. Although I am certain that I have ridden behind a dude in a skirt on a motorcycle. Hmm. I've been mentally designing snowboarding pants that have a skirt top for when my current pair fall apart. For me, skirts and dresses offer more flexibility and comfort than pants, and are more flattering to my body.
I carry a bag because it is more annoying to me to have something in my pocket than to carry a bag. I find the feeling of heavy things in my pocket super annoying, while I can shove a bag over my shoulder and totally ignore it!
I know this is nitpicky, but I am going on a thing about language, especially feminist language, lately. I feel like we all kind of give in on the gender things and don't realize how we are perpetuating the divisions. (just wait till you hear the rant I've been mentally writing about 'fat'!) I think that whatever makes you feel good and comfortable and attractive (regardless of what others think about it) that is what is feminine, because you are female. I do have particular ideas about what clothing looks good or bad, but I like to think (hope) they are based on what flatters a person rather than a fashion ideal or heightening femininity. Especially for us, people who appreciate and enjoy men who wear skirts and tutus and bend that gender a little, I think that describing our fashion choices as more or less 'girly' is problematic.
And now I will actually do my homework. Really.