History of Feminism
Related: About this forumNavigating Masculinity as a Black Transman: “I will never straighten out my wrist.”
I have experienced the demands of Black masculinity and the responses to my failure to perform properly are not alI that different from the experiences of failed masculinity that I felt within Black lesbian communities.
But it is true, I am now a young Black American Male. People usually assume that I am somewhere between the age of 15 and 20. Im 28.
The world is unkind to Black bois. The world is unkind to Black girls. But the way our gendered bodies are policed is different. Black bois are assumed thugs, thieves, rapists, and overly aggressive.
I knew this already, but I feel it more now like when I got kicked out of a Hollywood store because the owner assumed I was there to steal something.
He didnt just make that assumption. This white man came over and hovered over me yelling for me to get out and to never return because he knew my kind.
I spoke calmly, but he kept yelling. I couldnt help but think this man cant see or hear me.
He could only see what he believed to be true about young black bois, and it didnt matter who I was, who I had been, or who I might become. My future and past were predetermined in his mind.
I was the dangerous body that needed to be policed.
http://everydayfeminism.com/2013/04/i-will-never-straighten-out-my-wrist/
Absolutely fascinating and insightful POV
MadrasT
(7,237 posts)People who float between (or soar beyond) the binary (like me) are my favorite people.
It feels like they are the only folks who see the world through my lens.
Thank you ismnotwasm for posting this. It gave me strength and a sense of being less alone in the world.
ismnotwasm
(41,976 posts)A powerful, beautiful voice
Little Star
(17,055 posts)I also thought it was beautiful. I don't know why but reading that piece made me feel sad about the world we live in.
ismnotwasm
(41,976 posts)At least for those who aren't allowed to 'fit in', and probably for many others.
Little Star
(17,055 posts)about having both masculine and feminine energies within myself. I always thought everybody did.
Regardless, it's just plain wrong & mean to make people feel bad about their sexuality. Sometimes I hate this world.
ismnotwasm
(41,976 posts)Completely agree
redqueen
(115,103 posts)Femme, stud...
Fucking hell when will this bullshit end?
Thanks for posting this. I had no idea how strongly this shit was reinforced... I feel fucking ill.