More Strein stuff.
Gender Identity
Assigned at birth:: Male
Current Identity:: Non-binary (He/They)
How they embody their gender:: He isn’t comfortable being seen as just male; they feel as if sometimes they’re just there and not exactly a listed gender. Strein doesn’t feel feminine per se but more neutral masc. They wear eyeliner, painted sharp nails, sometimes a custom corset when the occasion calls for it.
Have they explored/questioned it?:: It’s part of what led to their disownment from their birth family. Growing up, he never felt completely confident with their body. He struggled for a long time when looking into a mirror and finding someone he doesn’t resonate with. They started slowly exploring makeup and different pronouns in grade 9-11, even tried dressing feminine for awhile to see if that would help. It wasn’t until he was well into his twenties that he felt fully comfortable with the term non-binary and accepted it as one part of themselves.
Do they surprise aspects of their gender?:: If we go by biological, most men are uncomfortable or disbelieving of them being non-binary. Not all of course but there are more often problems with men then there are women or other trans people.
Do they correct misperceptions? How?:: No; he knows who he is and who they present as. At this point it’s just water off their back. When he first came to realizing what he is, he did try to correct a few people but eventually just either ignored any bs or returned the venom with a witty retort.
How do others perceive their gender?:: People tend to focus more on the masculinity part or the fact that they were makeup and nails. So they assume he is just a fruity man or he’s been following popular trends (lmao).
Sexual Orientation
How they identify:: Demisexual Panromantic
Are they open about this?:: No; it’s no one’s business and he isn’t the type to seek out a relationship (possibly due to trauma).
Are there any internal conflicts or journeys of discovery?:: Early 20’s was a very confusing time for Strein—not only was he exploring their gender but he kissed quite a few people during that time as well. He slept with a handful of people but all it told him was that unless he got to know that person very well—sex wasn’t a big deal nor the gender of said partner.
