Parsing gender differently?

[Ryuu]

Before I realized I was a boy, I'd look at someone and see "girl" or "boy". Now that I'm coming to terms with myself, I see things differently. If I look at a person, even a very masculine/feminine person, I'll see feminine/masculine traits as well. I will see people that I know most would label "female" or "male" but honestly not be able to tell what gender they are.
Maybe it's just because I'm paying more attention. Or maybe it's because I live in a liberal city. (i think i've heard it called the "lesbian mecca")
Has anyone else noticed this?

[Janet_Girl]

I have noticed the same thing and I think it comes from our own inner views.  But then again, maybe it is because we really don't care.

And yes our city is very liberal.  I have heard it called a lesbian mecca and I have heard it call Trans central.  Maybe it is because we are so liberal.  After all, we have an openly gay mayor.  A Transgendered mayor in Silverton.  And the city is talking about adding transsexual benefits to their medical policies.

[Ryuu]

I have noticed the same thing and I think it comes from our own inner views.  But then again, maybe it is because we really don't care.

And yes our city is very liberal.  I have heard it called a lesbian mecca and I have heard it call Trans central.  Maybe it is because we are so liberal.  After all, we have an openly gay mayor.  A Transgendered mayor in Silverton.  And the city is talking about adding transsexual benefits to their medical policies.

WOAH we live in the same place! xD
I actually met Stu in December - he did a trans storytelling thing at the Q center.

[Janet_Girl]

One of the girls from my group has met Stu too.  I think it is neat to have a transgendered person in public office so close to home.

I know of at least three of us from the forum that lives in or around Portland.  I am hoping to get a volunteer position with Outside In soon, maybe I might see you there.

[Silver]

Same. I seem to perceive people more as they gender they look to be presenting in, rather than judging by physical traits. Unless it's really obvious. I'm used to being considerate and trying to consider the person as the gender they claim they are. Don't live where you do though.

[Ryuu]

I am hoping to get a volunteer position with Outside In soon, maybe I might see you there.

I've never heard of Outside in, what is it?

[Janet_Girl]

Outside In is a social service agency dedicated to serving low-income adults and homeless youth.  They furnish services to all types of people in the glbt community.  And they have a medical service too.  And I think they have FtM meetings, but I am not sure about that.

[K8]

I think we become more aware of the subtleties of gender because we are so aware of our own struggles.  Most people who are happy in their own gender don't even think about it.  (My minister said I'm doing a service to the church by raising a lot of issues that people usually don't think about it - transition as social action. )

BTW I've seen my town described as Lesbian Hell because most of the women dress as lesbians.  It makes it hard for the lesbians to separate the gay from the straight.   (The description was from a hetero woman.  In my experience here, lesbians don't have any trouble recognizing each other. )

- Kate