Browsing Tag

trans

The Problem with Gender-Neutral Fashion

Posted on September 4, 2019
A photo of gender-neutral fashion.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “clothing” as “garments in general.” While the word “clothing” is not inherently a gendered noun, we as a society have declared different types of clothing to be specific to one of two genders/sexes. Clothing such as skirts and dresses have traditionally been associated with women/feminine persons; meanwhile, loose clothing and suiting have been linked to men/masculine persons. Throughout the history of Western civilization, ingrained and rigid gender roles—coupled with sexism—have helped to maintain this status quo.…

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Important Intersections: Dr. Jess Waggoner Teaches First Transgender Studies Course at University of Houston

Posted on August 21, 2019
A photo of Dr. Jess Waggoner.

Growing up in rural Alabama was difficult for University of Houston professor Dr. Jess Waggoner. Yet, despite being surrounded by gendered expectations, they persevered and found ways to express themselves as a young, queer, non-binary person. In particular, singing in church and reading were ways they could be momentarily free. “As a fat, femme, disabled, non-binary scholar with a deep love for glitter, crop-tops, bolo ties, and camp, finding my place in the academy has not always been easy,” says…

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Coming Up to and Above The Surface: Finding Strength in My Non-Binary Identity

Posted on July 25, 2019
A photo of non-binary Houstonian Jayce Tyler.

The first time I “came out,” it was more of being pulled out. My parents had just discovered I was gay and the world turned upside down. My father was angry with me, but I couldn’t understand why because he has a lesbian sister and a gay brother. My mother simply ignored me. I spent the next few years silencing the things about myself that I knew my parents would never understand. …

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Transouthern Youth: Meet Alex Yoon

Posted on June 27, 2019
A photo of transouthern youth Alex Yoon.

20-year-old Alex Yoon was shocked the first time they saw an elderly gay couple kiss in San Antonio, Texas. But their reaction didn’t stem from homophobia. Rather, this was the first time Yoon realized that “queer and trans people can grow up and get old. They’re out there existing and thriving. Queer and trans people can become successful adults.”…

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Transamerica/n: The McNay Art Museum Presents Groundbreaking Exhibition Exploring Gender Identity

Posted on June 17, 2019
A photo of Transamerica/n at the McNay.

A groundbreaking new exhibition opening on June 20 at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas, is raising eyebrows across the nation. Billed as Transamerica/n: Gender, Identity, Appearance Today, the exhibition gathers 59 artists from across various mediums to form the first major survey of contemporary art to “explore the construction of identity through gender and outward appearance.”…

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Liberation for All of Us: ‘Up Rising: A Night of Dance Commemorating Stonewall’s 50th Anniversary’

Posted on June 11, 2019
A photo of Stonewall dance at CAMH.

On May 30, 2019, a small group of performers and a few members of the Houston community who identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella took the stage at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising to a packed audience. Queer dancer and choreographer Rebecca French curated the performance, which was co-sponsored by CAMH and presented in conjunction with Stonewall 50, CAMH’s current exhibition featuring local, national, international, and multi-generational visual and mixed media…

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Weaponized Womanhood: The Debate on Toxic Femininity

Posted on May 21, 2019
An illustration of toxic femininity.

Recently, my male, POC friend posed the following question on an online public forum: “Is white feminism ‘toxic femininity?’” This sparked a debate—mostly among women—who argued whiteness (which comes with systems of power) was toxic, but femininity was not. Others stressed that “toxic femininity” is a term made up by men solely to discredit the realness of toxic masculinity.…

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