So I'm not sure how many of you here identify yourselves with either the (various) feminist and/or punk scene(s) but both have been highly influencial in my life. So, naturally, when it comes to typical standards of feminine beauty I scoff at them!  Well okay I really enjoy makeup/nailpolish but really I think its just 'cause its a new phenomenon to me and the passion for it will die eventually!  But the crux of my problem comes when I try to explain my views to someone...I never seem to know what to say...but it always ends of going something like this:

Me: I'm transitioning
Random Friend/Acquaintance: Huh? But you don't shave your legs/underarms & you wear band tshirts/jeans most often & you listen to [insert male-dominated subgenre of punk here] & etc. 
Me: Hey screw off, I'm a (trans)woman but I'm still a feminist/punk

Any of you have a better response to give then that! 'Cause I'm fresh out of ideas!

Cheers: Patty

feminity is a [woman's virtue], don't get confused by the [feminist] or [military] acting ways, don't expect to find rudeness in all women. there are a lot of stronger women who had never served in the military or consider themselves to be feminists, and they have a [better attitude] towards life and work than some men [or feminist women] who happen to be in the military, and thats no offense to anyone. furthermore, feminity doesn't mean stupidity. being strong doesn't mean [not being feminine]. they're two different things and [not necessarily related] to one another.

Quote from: GQPatAny of you have a better response to give then that! 'Cause I'm fresh out of ideas!

Tell them that it's not about the stuff you do - It's about the person you are. 

hugs & smiles
helen

I would also say everyone is entitled to there reactions to you. Just like you are entitled to be who you are its not manditory everyone understand or except you.

I would suggest taking the high road when ever possible. That means teach when you can and understand when you cant teach because they wont hear it.

Sincerely,
Kristina

How about just saying, I'm my own woman.
Sheila

QuoteMe: Hey screw off, I'm a (trans)woman but I'm still a feminist/punk

Any of you have a better response to give then that! 'Cause I'm fresh out of ideas!

My response when asked this sort of thing is that there are many ways to be a woman (or human, etc), and that I don't subscribe to stereotypical societal standards of dress and behavior.

zythyra

Quote from: Sheila on January 26, 2007, 09:51:11 PM
How about just saying, I'm my own woman.
Sheila

That's actually what I have been saying lately....haha...especially when it comes to my style of dance too!

Cheers: Patty

When I went full time I boxed up all my guy stuff.... but I kept my band tees.... specialy the ones I got at verious shows.... Wait.... I got every one of them at a show...... Those things are badges of honor...you cant give them up....  There unisex....  Allot of punk and metal chicks wear band tees.... some of them ONLY wear stuff like that......  its not the clothes... its how you wear them 

And for your question
A friend of mine once pointed out that being trans is probably the single most punk thing out there... so just be proud of yourself and shrug it iff....

to answer his question I would say Im a woman, or Im a this or a that... Id simply answer....... "So?"   or   "And your point being?"   and just get on with your day 

You don't really have to explain yourself. Your version of femininity, though not the mainstream one, has just as much validity. Don't sweat it and stick it out and be yourself. You seem to have developed a pretty good answer on your own.