H i -D D E N
THE GENDER ISSUE ISSUE 1
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“It is not possible to preserve one’s identity by adjusting for any length of time to a frame of reference that is in itself destructive to it. It is very hard indeed for a human being to sustain such an ‘inner’ split - conforming outwardly to one reality, while trying to maintain inwardly the value it denies.” - Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique
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the male body
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“I was too young to even realise that it was okay to be different, I was just taught right from wrong�
conversion of our generation Text Sophie Mcilwaine
Survivor of homosexual conversion therapy, Christy Laverty, encourages us to love one another in the hope that horrific outlooks on homosexuality will be eventually eradicated in the near future – and we’re so with him!
When it comes to the consistent rise of fashion’s current hot topics – diversity, gender, individuality – who better to speak his mind than a warrior who has experienced the dark reality that there are still small-minded humans, that believe we should live a certain way determined by our genitals. Christy. The male version of “Kristi” in Latin, meaning ‘follower of Christ.’ “I’m not so much convinced that there is such thing as an ‘alpha male’ these days, there are just men.” The Northern-Irish 23-year-old finally feels like his traumatic past – although horrific – has predominately shaped his present and hopefully his future into the serene success that he has so long desired. “My religion has a specific idea of how men are supposed to act and live their life. Being feminine is certainly not part of the plan.” Christy is from a deeply religious family circle and is a survivor of conversion therapy which he attended in 2006. Yes, you read correctly. Unfortunately, there are practices on this planet - which are still outrageously legal - such as therapy sessions to encourage individuals to ultimately ‘pray the gay away’. However fortunately, we are allowing ourselves to break out of stereotypical barriers. Our generation – thank God for Millennials and Post-Millennials - continue to evolve by being the queerest bunch of the current UK population, with 2016 figures by YouGov soaring by 45 percent in just three years with Brits defining theselves as “bisexual.” A simple head-count tells the story. Finally feeling like he has a responsibility in life, his studies
of Fashion Journalism at University inspired him – and us – to spread the love. With Valentine’s Day this month, what a better time to encourage this. Alongside the heartbreak amongst the LGBTQ community after discovering Trump’s VP, Mike Pence supports conversion therapy. In 2000, Pence stated on his website that money used to support those with HIV should be aimed at organisations “which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behaviour.” It’s now time for us to hold the rainbow flag higher than ever before. Individuality is surrounding us. In the fashion industry, you are usually applauded if you are vastly unique and fantastically flamboyant. However, in the real world, the more ‘normal’, everyday people are shot down, ridiculed and even made to feel worthless if they do not fit societies conformities. You know how it is – let’s face it – the masculine figures we seen on underwear and aftershave advertisements, television and on social media, were plummeted into our tiny, vulnerable brains from a very young age. Little boys are often told to ‘man up’, ‘don’t be a pussy’ and to ‘grow a set’. Imagine the pressure on men to fit these traditionalisms. Growing up in an all boy’s school meant that Christy’s fight for acceptance was an emotional roller-coaster. More like that spinning tea-cup ride that makes your stomach churn and organs rearrange.“ I can just remember that feeling of dread, if I did something that was seen as slightly feminine, I would have been teased for the rest of the week.
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I was too young to even realise that it was okay to be different, I was just taught right from wrong,” he said. Christy thinks it’s “important for our generation to teach our kids that they can be whoever they want because they are the future.” As more celebrities, designers and retailers promote genderless clothing, fashion is becoming more diverse and the movement is reaching the mainstream. We are progressively being introduced to high-profile influences, which reject typical gender and sexual norms. Jaden Smith becoming the face of Louis Vuitton Womenswear, Selfridges launching a ‘gender-neutral’ section and James Charles becoming the first male face of Covergirl, will always be radical examples. The idea of revolution and acceptance is bigger than ever before. However, worldwide, there will always be thos who haven’t jumped on the queerwagon and who feel strongly that we should stick to stereotypes and same sex relationships because that’s what is programmed into our heads. If the book of all time stated it, we must adhere to it. Right? We don’t live in the middle ages anymore, people. Stonewall, Britain’s leading LGBT Charity’s Chief Executive, stated that conversion therapy is “incredibly harmful and dangerous.” When envisioning something as backwards as this, there is an image of church members lifting hands, pointing fingers and repeating verses which suggest being homosexual is shunned upon. This image is somewhat scarily true. With his warming smile, piercing blue eyes and confident style, Christy Laverty is an individual that can’t be easily forgotten. It’s strange how first impressions can be so deceiving; his carefree character is so dominant but his life experiences reveal him as once being a vulnerable
puppet to various therapists’ inexplicable methods attempting to increase his masculinity. “I was made to uncross my legs, “it’s feminine” my therapist said.” She encouraged Christy to take part in more masculine things such as rugby or football. “We need to stop trying to ‘cure’ the queer community and I know this through first-hand experience.” Christy started realising through social media, that being proudly gay or fiercely feminine, was more normal than he thought. This changed his life. “It changed how I viewed myself. There are so many young people with encouraging words and open minds. Our generation are saving lives.” Christy was not surprised with the statistics regarding our generation being more queer than ever. “If we continue to be this accepting as a generation,imagine in years to come, this utopia of acceptance could become a reality for young people.” Although being masculine comes with its stereotypical physical traits, being a ‘man’ is somewhat very different.“The whole ‘men wear shirts, women wear skirts’ outlook on life is starting to become blurred by society and gradually by fashion too” said Christy. With up and coming designers embracing gender-neutral collections such as Vaquera, Rad Hourani and Clare Barrow sporting the runways, it’s not as if the progressive movement towards genderless clothing isn’t unnoticed. “I certainly am thankful to be in a time where we are challenging social norms. Maybe in the future these won’t have to be challenged. But it’s definitely something I’m curious to see” said Christy. So let’s stop feeling uncomfortable when someone goes against the grape vine. Let’s do this for us. Let’s empower lives and make a change. Let’s convert our generation.
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“If we continue to be this accepting as a generation, imagine in years to come, this utopia of acceptance could become a reality for young people.� - Christy Laverty
H i -D D E N ISSUE 1