Non-binary look

[Metroland]

Hi guys,

It's been a while since I've posted.

Recently I came across the Two Spirit gender in the Navajo Indians tradition which I knew for a while, however I realized that the Najavo had 4 gender identifications as mentioned in the PBS documentary (http://jezebel.com/5812179/the-navajo-cultures-four-different-genders).

In addition I have read a while back that also the Bugis tribe in Indonesia also have a 5 gender classification.  Not until the colonization by the Europeans (along with Christianity) were genders attacked and a 2 gender system encouraged.

I realized that native cultures understood and encouraged the many genders system, even the Navajo Indians have been conducting same-sex marriages for thousands of years.

This made me more comfortable with my gender since it was the norm not the oddity to be of different gender than the binary.  I also realized that it is up to me to assert my gender and no one is going to do that for me.  I was wondering all the time why my psychologists and therapists never pushed the idea forward and I realized if I do not demand my gender to be recognized they would not do it.

Therefore I am now happy to really detach from the male/female mentality and I want to present as non-binary or a 5th gender.

My current look is quite heavily leaning towards the masculine (I am AMAB).  How can I start non-binarizing my look so I can soften this masculine image without currently changing my whole wardrobe?

Thanks,

Ado

[Elis]

Yeah I found it fascinating how accepting many tribes were towards nb people; until westerners arrived and imposed non sensical gender roles thinking they were superior 

Anyway; I have a masculine wardrobe too atm and am trying to be more feminine; although it's difficult atm because I don't have much money and scared of criticism. I've pierced my ear lobes recently which has given me the release I need to show my fem side even thiugh it's a small thing to do (always go to a reputable piercing studio though that use needles and not piercing guns).

I've also watched the video on here about makeup and it seems simple enough for beginners. I have yet to try it myself though. http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_55f975e6e4b0e333e54bf3eb

You can always try inexpensive things like feminine belts or socks and women's underwear.

[EzraDC]

Have you checked out Elliot Alexzander's look? They're non binary (amab too) and have an awesome style, so there might me some inspiration there.

I have a non binary fashion inspiration collection on lookbook. Not sure if we have similar tastes, but it might help? http://lookbook.nu/collections/1028845-nb-fashion-inspiration

But to me, non binary fashion means the play between what's considered masc and fem. For example a suit paired with a flowery necklace. Or a masc shirt with lace panels.

[Metroland]

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for these valuable posts and resources.  Elis you are soooo lucky that you pierced your ears.  I really want to pierce them but I am really worried what the family will say.  I have a brother in law who is so cement headed I am having nightmares from him.

I also really want to try women underwear but I won't know where to hide them.

Ezra, the fashion website will definitely be a source of inspiration however it is a little too punk for me.  I think I would prefer a more formal look.

I just put on some clip on earrings and it looks ok however every I get an image in my mind of my brother in law I get a stomachache.

Will be looking at the website suggestions.

Thanks!

[aeronon]

Most non-European cultures actually deviate from the "gender binary" and widespread colonization destroyed much of that culture There's lots of good reads online on the topic if you're interested, google is your best friend.

As for not looking so masculine- antique floral prints are really in style and I've seen tons of different people rocking floral Vans, tees, etc... (flower crowns are super cute too but it may be much too big of a step) Brightly colored hair/highlights are also a trend amongst lots of NBs i know, if you're into that (I've had blue, orange, and pink hair in the past). Also: jewelry, especially stuff with polished gems/precious rocks like amethyst or turquoise. I'm a big fan of rings with tiny gems on them aha

Hope you find your style very soon, and make your gender expression your own

Aeron

[Metroland]

Thanks Aeron,

I hope so too but I somehow live in a conservative atmosphere so I will have to find the right outlets.

I am really grateful for all your comments as somehow I feel a part of a community that understand my fashion and gender needs.

Thanks so much.