Tag: euphoria

JourneyLeave a comment

I thought maybe you were a swimmer

Mr. Gender

I wanted short hair for as long as I can remember. Afraid of ridicule my mother resisted because I would look like a boy and, my ears stick out so people would make fun of me. In 2020, and especially to those of you reading this, perhaps that sounds judgmental and dis-empowering. It was, but it happened within a different context. In the early 90’s people were men, women or men in dresses – freaks of the night. For what it is worth, people made fun of me anyway. Starting late in high school, well after my breasts ruined the … Continue reading I thought maybe you were a swimmer

Tales from TransitionLeave a comment

Never to be seen again

Mr. Gender

A guy at the bar is having a pretty good time – a few drinks with friends. He comes over to our table and holds out his fist, “Alright man! That is what I am talking about!” He likes my hat. I hold up my fist and we “bump.” It is a startlingly masculine moment. We have known each other for over a decade, which I find is worth more when you have transplanted far from your hometown. We see each other maybe twice a year, more if one of us is having a baby. Though she was my friend … Continue reading Never to be seen again

Tales from TransitionLeave a comment

…I woke up without boobs

Mr. Gender

A couple of disclaimers: 1.) Whether because of the original size of my chest, being overweight or having nursed a child my reconstruction involved a significant amount of liposuction along my sternum. I assume that contributed to my pain level. I have heard guys say they had no pain with top surgery. That was not my experience. 2.) My insurance required this operation be conducted at a hospital rather than my doctor’s surgery center where she completes the vast majority of her operations. My surgeon’s staff were highly competent and very sensitive to the needs of trans/gender non-conforming patients. The … Continue reading …I woke up without boobs

Tales from Transition3 Comments

…underwear changed my world view

Mr. Gender

October 2003 The first time I see a drag king I fall in love. Not with that person but with what their existence means. That sometimes, at least in limited circumstances, which seemingly have their own rules, a ‘girl’ can be a ‘boy.’ I have to know more. I am obsessed with facial hair and flat chests. Lucky for me my first drag king encounter is with an author on the subject. I read The Art of Drag Kinging cover to cover, taking notes. I create a drag persona who is nothing like me. I look in the mirror and … Continue reading …underwear changed my world view