I'm really shy about talking about all this in a forum, but here goes nothing...
I have known for most of my life (although I spent a good number of years
trying to pretend it wasn't there) that I am very strongly drawn to lots of
aspects of feminine fashion - jewelry, nail polish and makeup especially.
I think my mental map of myself is more female than male, and so much
of the 'guy stuff' just seems so dull and utiliarian compared to all the
colorful, sparkly girl things.
I guess I don't mind being identified as a guy, but I wish I could just be
open to everyone (or at least friends and family) that I like all these things
without having to worry about being shamed and judged. I would love
to be able to say, "oh I love stuff like this, I'm totally a tomgirl", in the
same casual way that women can say that they are tomboys or girly girls
and no one thinks anything of it.
- Julia Erin