e m è r C e h c î a r f
Creative Direction: Cassadee Hirsch Set: Cassadee Hirsch Photography: Cassadee Hirsch Model: Chloe O'Neill Words: Chloe O'Neill Special Thanks TO Michele Arreola Issue 001
I A M
A
TRANS
FEMME
GODDESS
When men look at me they either see a completely emasculated man or a man who is performing as a woman. By patriarchal standards I may never be a "real" woman.
This happens because the definition of masculinity and femininity was created by and revolves around men.
Men who harass me on the street are scared because they see a man who has lost all of their manhood, and they are terrified of that.
A l m o st s i m u lt a n e o u s ly m e n a r e at t r a c t e d t o m e a s a female and are terrified of t h at a s w e l l . H ow e v e r, b e c a u s e m a n y m e n don't see me as a "real" wo m a n t h i s at t r a c t i o n turn s into a feti sh. T h i s m a k e s p e o p l e l o o k at me like an object t h at t h e y c a n c o n t r o l a n d d o m i n at e on account of my inability to defend myself like a man or be protected l i k e a " r e a l " wo m a n .
While I am using language like "man" and "woman" to illustrate my experience, my oppressed gender identity has taught me that these terms are completely constructed; they are not for me. I like to think of my gender as that which refuses to be restricted.
I WILL
DOMIN
NOT BE
NATED!