There’s a lot of talk among queer and trans folks about reclaiming femininity. It’s an important discussion to have, recognizing that femme does not equate to weakness. However, often this rhetoric overlooks that it is gender nonconformity - not femininity - as to why queer and trans people are targeted. So, I’d like to propose reclaiming certain (non-toxic) aspects of masculinity among queer women as well, especially among trans women who have had no choice outside of presenting as feminine. Since presenting more openly androgynous/butch I’ve noticed more street and online harassment. However, since being able to present myself like this publicly, I have also had so many trans folks open up about wanting to do the same. Through allowing open expression of our genders with validation, we can reclaim our queer/trans aesthetics and stay true to how we would like to be seen in the world.
