An Identity Constructed
Students discuss their limitations with gender constructs
By Joon Yi
As of Monday, January 9, 2012
http://dailyuw.com/news/2012/jan/09/identity-constructed/ (http://dailyuw.com/news/2012/jan/09/identity-constructed/)
#When junior Krystal Johnson — who wishes to remain anonymous but identifies by that name sometimes — wakes up to get ready for school, one of the things he does not forget to do is put on his pink jewel and flower rings. Johnson is physically male but considers himself female at times.
#"I don't identify as male because I feel trapped — but not female either because I feel trapped," Johnson said. "I consider myself gender-variant. I just like being able to go back and forth as I wish."
#Sometimes, Johnson likes to sit with his legs spread apart and sometimes closed, which is a way he sees himself acting masculine and feminine, respectively. He said even from kindergarten, he knew he had a clue to his identity. Sometimes, he would play wall ball with the boys, and sometimes he would "play house" by the trees with the girls.