Browsing Tag

femme

On Containing Multitudes: Discovering My Jewish Roots

Posted on December 20, 2021

A photo of a menorah, a part of Dr. Laura McGuire's Jewish faith.

When I was seven years old, I asked for a rather unusual gift—a menorah. Now, if I had been growing up in a Jewish household, this might not have seemed so out of place; but, as a second-grader who was raised between two Baptist and Catholic families—and attended a Methodist church—this was an odd request. Nevertheless, my mom took me to a craft store and we picked out a paint-it-yourself clay menorah with beautiful Stars of David all across it.…

This Queer Non-Binary Femme Makeup Artist Wants to Look Otherwordly in Small-Town Texas

Posted on September 16, 2019

Spotted in Lockhart, Texas, just outside of Austin, is an otherworldly being shopping at H-E-B. Jeannette Celine, known as Gayylien, is a non-binary, Xicanx femme makeup artist who seeks to transform themself into a “freak” using makeup and body paint. "I just want to be an art piece," Gayylien, who uses they/them pronouns, says. "I want to be a freak. I want to challenge people's notions of gender, sexuality, and normality. I have the ability to transform myself into anything…

Does Texas Love Me Back? On Being Femme, Queer, and Southern

Posted on July 10, 2019

A photo of queer southern femme Rachel Abbott.

I’ve lived in Texas my entire life—nearly 25 years, a quarter of a century. I love Texas. It’s in my blood and bones. I live for the margaritas and tacos, the inflated sense of ego, the trips to H-E-B, and the bright orange Whataburger cups. I even like the heat. The first day of spring, when the temperature creeps over 90 degrees, reminds me of being wrapped in a familiar blanket. The only problem is that I don’t know how…

Asking For A Friend: Exploring Gender Roles in the Bedroom

Posted on April 26, 2019

A photo of Dr. Laura McGuire on gender roles.

Can I be butch and a bottom? How about femme and a domme? In this month's episode of Asking for a Friend, Dr. Laura McGuire breaks down gender roles in the bedroom.…

An Ode to Mami: Lessons on Womanhood

Posted on March 8, 2019

My first idea of womanhood came from my mother. I remember being a child in Colombia, physically looking up at her, and seeing her ooze femininity—although I did not have this word yet. It’s the nineties, and my mother wears lots of dresses and skirts and crop tops and shorts. I remember her in flowing skirts made of sheer fabrics and tank tops with thin straps that she wore without a bra. She always wore lots of jewelry—necklaces, earrings, and…

Femme Fashionista: Stylist Miramar Dichoso On Body Positivity, QPOC Representation

Posted on September 30, 2018

A photo of fashion stylist Miramar Dichoso.

There’s a certain glow that surrounds Miramar Dichoso when she talks about fashion. Sporting velvet sandals and socks adorned with pearls, the Austin-based stylist and speaker excitedly contemplates what new shade (if any) will replace the millennial pink phenomenon. “People might find forward fashion a little odd because it hasn’t quite been embraced by the mainstream yet. I love wearing socks with open-toed sandals because I love whimsy in fashion,” she comments on her outfit choice. “I get a myriad…

Why This Femme of Color Won’t Watch The News

Posted on September 18, 2018

A photo of queer femme of color Sasha Lamprea.

At least twice a week, I have the same conversation with several different people. It starts with them trying to talk to me about something they saw on the news, followed by me letting them know that I don’t follow the news. At this point, they try to react in a neutral manner but fail, letting just the slightest bit of judgement peek through, which puts me in the position to explain: “For self-care reasons, I don’t follow the news.”…

Spectrum South’s Vie de Femme Celebration Photos

Posted on April 3, 2018

A photo of Spectrum South's Vie de Femme celebration featuring Alok.

Spectrum South’s first-ever Vie de Femme event celebrating queer femme identity across the spectrum was held on March 29, 2018 at the Sharespace Preston Warehouse. The evening was a queer twist on Women’s History Month and featured musical, burlesque, and spoken word performances by artists of various femme expressions.…

Living Out Loud: Trans Activist Dee Dee Watters Rediscovers Passion for Poetry

Posted on March 19, 2018

On a warm summer night in 2013, I walk by myself across the parking lot of the Montrose Center. My youth group peers have left me behind, chatting amongst themselves. Dee Dee Watters notices me walking alone, smiles, and waves a hand with long decorated nails. “I don’t know you, but I love you,” she says. “Have a good night. I’ll see you around.”…

That Damn Dame: Mars Capone Promotes Body Positivity Through Burlesque

Posted on March 9, 2018

A photo of Houston burlesque performer, Mars Capone.

It’s the last Friday night of the month, and a burlesque troupe dressed in pirate-themed garb takes the stage at Numbers night club in Houston. The dancers of Dem Damn Dames slink their way through tantalizing choreography, peeling off layers of costume jewelry, dresses, and hats. During an interlude, dancers swing to a piano- and drum-heavy tune about pirate code.…

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