M FIRST EMAIL FROM M I feel these answers are not very useful. And that I have more to say etc. Can I drop nback in when I have images and/or thoughts? x
1.
Tell me about something that made you happy this week.
Every time I had a cup of tea. Being asked to be part of your project.
2. Do you have any objects or possessions that mean a lot to you? Could you tell me a little bit about them? I have a small tattoo on my palm that my boyfriend inked when I visited him in Ohio, USA, it seems to be a special reminder of this time for me, more so than some of the physical items which I brought back to the UK. It’s a small heart with a link missing where some ink dropped away and which makes it more meaningful to me.
3.
What’s something you’re really enjoying at the moment?
Etsy! I started a small shop on there with the intention of expanding (which hasn’t happened) but I adore browsing through handmade jewellery and bespoke items.
4.
As a woman, is there anything that’s troubling you at the moment?
My bodily hair. I am dark and fair with hair on most of my skin. The presidential election- bad choices and bad responses from hateful individuals!
5. If so, do you think there is anything that could be done to help combat this issue? The correlation between the feminine and the hairless should be abolished through women refusing to succumb to societal pressure. I would be anxious of how this statement would affect the way my (trans)womanhood was perceived by others.
6. As an individual, do you think there is anything women and girls could do to support each other more?
Reserve judgements and communicate.
7. Could you describe or tell me about a woman in your life that makes you feel proud about being yourself? My best girlfriend Alice, who has known me for the longest time. She seems to see me how I want to see myself.
8.
Could you tell me about a time you felt empowered?
During my degree. I felt my notions on trans-appreciation and understanding were taken very seriously and that my works were valued for this. I would also note that my artist talk, more so than other tasks empowered me.
9.
And lastly, what is your favourite thing about being a woman?
For me, the most prized thing about being a woman is knowing that I am living true.
SECOND EMAIL FROM ME Thank you a billion ♼ I was re-reading through your answers and just noticed that you said you felt you had more to say and just wanted to check in and give you the opportunity to discuss anything else that may have come to mind ♼ I love the point you raised about the connection between the idea of femininity and hairlessness, would you consider hair to be something that you feel is important to your own womanhood, or is it the societal projections that come alongside the length of hair and femininity? I think I'm phrasing this really badly haha. What I mean is, does the length of your hair determine how you feel about your womanhood // femininity or does the length of your hair not bother you at all, but you're aware of how society may project onto it? In turn, does this sometimes make you feel as though you have to live up to an idea of 'femininity' in order for your (trans)women status to be accepted? It would be nice if the idea of femininity wasn't so societally locked with the idea of validating the female gender. Sending love Xo
M’s REPLY I aim to oppose any social constructs which seem to pressure any form of hair removal or hair growth to be taken on in the name of 'belonging' to a gender or sub-group. I believe there are heavy expectations placed on women which seem to be enforced to categorise and label what is feminine, masculine, slovenly, unkempt etc. but especially so for
transgender women. Often there are perceived ideals for someone wishing to transition in the 'right way' and heavy hitting aimed at those who choose to oppose or question the confining shackles of female beauty. Ideals towards women must change before the ideals placed upon trans women are ever to shift. An unshaven woman will, however, be approached differently than an unshaved transgender woman could expect to be: namely because a trans woman is expected to conform to a notion of heightened feminine attire and aesthetic. Hence the long flowing hair, silky smooth skin and freshly made up appearance of a socially confined trans woman is less challenging to an ignorant society than an androgynous, self-expressing free woman. Oh heavens. I'm sorry this is so angry, I just watched Milk and I'm angry that ignorance costs people's lives and opportunities. Haha x Hope it's all going well xSorry I'm so terrile at replying c
THIRD EMAIL FROM ME Don't be sorry at all!! It's important to be passionate and honest about these things, what you have written shows not only intellectual consideration but authenticity too. So often as either women or the marginalised we are taught that our honesty and our passion is considered to be "out of turn", and to speak bluntly and boldly is to be "unlady-like". If you are angry you should shout it. If you are disrespected or belittled you should acknowledge it. So many women I know live in the confines of being quiet as they've been brought up not to make a fuss. That confrontation isn't what girl's should do. But it is integral that we do it. Continue to fight for the things that you believe in. Continue to be bold in who you are as a person. You are intelligent, you are kind natured and your thoughts and feelings are so important. I can't thank you enough for the help you've given me throughout this project M. If you do have any pictures collected for me to use feel free to send them over, but if you're a little busy don't worry, your words have been wonderful enough ♼ Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas with loved ones Jazz xo
M’s REPLY Things close to me: My family, partner, pets, my work and my memories. XX Thank you for such lovely comments. Have a lovely Christmas Holiday x Oh, also I've started a beauty course, so I guess my knowledge/willingness to learn