Who I Am...
I was born with the body of a male and have lived over fifty years of my life acting out the gender role of a male. But I've learned, over time, that I've been suppressing an important part of myself. After the death of my parents I felt it was time, that I had the freedom, to be true to who I was inside. It was time to heal my spirit and stop hiding who I truly am and show the world.
After years of research I believe I'm a Two-Spirited person or feminine male. (Two-Spirited is a Native American term.) Gender fluid might also apply. Although these labels do not accurately describe who I am, it's a first step. But it is important to understand that I lean toward the feminine and less toward the masculine. But I do not want to be only female. (I do have that dream from time to time that I have the body of a female.) I now know I must not suppress my masculine gender either.
I'm comfortable being called by male or female terms. I still have my male name I was born with. Everyday I usually wear, what some consider, feminine clothing. I love skirts, usually below the knee. But the rest is usually a mix of masculine and feminine styles. This can vary depending on how I feel. I do not wear makeup. My face looks masculine even though I wear shoulder length hair and ear rings. I do not consider this cross-dressing since females wear a variety of male clothes without being labeled as such. I'm not trying to hide my male body.
It's been very important for me to be myself and not hide who I am to the world. (Although I do hide my identity on the web for safety.) I feel my sex does not determine who I am inside or how I should feel about myself. My gender should not determined by what is between my legs. My gender is between my ears. I will not conform my gender or my sex to fit societies idea of only two genders, male and female. It's not who I am inside.
Why I'm Here...
I'm here to contribute to the community in a positive way by sharing my own journey of self discovery. I hope by sharing who I am I can encourage another person to not be afraid of who they are inside. It's OK to be yourself even if that means going against the norms.
Thank you for reading this and I look forward to your comments.
:)
You sound like a very cool person :) I respect you for having the ability to be gender-fluid. It sounds like you've made it to a point in your life where you are free to express yourself completely!
Hi sanderlay,
A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.
There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in start talking and ask any question you like. You're quite safe here and we are very accepting.
Welcome to the never ending evolution of self. I'm sure you'll enjoy he experience. It's sooooo rewarding.
Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine
A big warm welcome to the family! I am so glad you are living life on YOUR terms as that it what it is all about. I feel as well that the only person you are accountable to is yourself. Feels so good to be you and not have your life dictated by others. Feel free to rant, vent, share good news and have some fun here. Here is a BIG HUG ( :icon_hug:) to welcome you to our family. :)
Welcome to Susan's, Sanderlay. It's very important to be who you are whether or not society accepts
you. I have Native American ancestry (Choctaw) and see myself as two spirit.
:)
Hi sanderlay. Why not take a look at our Androgyne Talk board. It serves as a hub for many of our non-binary members.
These links will help you navigate the site:
- Site Terms of Service and rules to live by (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html)
- Standard Terms and Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html)
- Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.)
- Age and the Forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,62197.msg405545.html#msg405545)
- Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html)
- Photo, avatars, and signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866)
A very warm welcome to you.
Thanks to each of you for your warm welcome, information about this forum and your insights. ;D
I do look forward to my time here.