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Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Am I trans?

 Figuring Out Your Gender


Have you had an experience where you were questioning your gender? Are you unsure about how you identify? You’re not alone!

Unfortunately, many questioning individuals don’t know where to start when figuring out their gender identity. You may even be googling “am i trans quiz” or “am i trans or nonbinary quiz” just to find some insight.

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably looking for answers on your gender identity. This guide will talk about what it means to be trans and the signs that further exploration could be helpful.

So, What Does “Transgender” Really Mean?

While the trans experience is different for everyone, there are a few experiences and “signs” that are common to many:

  • You want to be the opposite gender.
  • Gendered terms that align with your sex (e.g. guy, woman, etc.) make you uncomfortable.
  • You have a lot of friends who are trans.
  • Seeking guidance from a transgender individual.
  • Feeling more comfortable when you’re around trans people.

Even if you relate to these experiences, you may still be asking yourself, “Am I really trans, or is it just a phase?” To help you dive deep into your identity, here are a few things you need to know about what it’s like to be trans.

Figuring Out Your Gender

Many trans people may discover that they don’t match their assigned gender at an early stage in their life, while some may figure it out when they’re much older. Some even figure it out in stages or gradually over time. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a “phase”, nor does it mean that one person is more “trans” because they figured it out when they were at a very young age. 

There really is no one supposed way to “be” transgender, as the trans experience varies from person to person. So, if you haven’t figured it out yet, don’t worry – you’re on your own timeline, and you’re right on track.


There is a lot to unpack in this article - Read more...


What Happens Now?

While a trans quiz may help you figure things out initially or get you started, the truth is that only you can say if you’re trans – after all, it’s your being and body. It can be a long and difficult journey, but connecting with your authentic self is always worth it. And you don’t have to do it alone – there are plenty of resources and communities dedicated to people just like you.

Lastly, whether you think you’re non binary or the opposite gender than the one you were assigned to at birth, you are completely and perfectly valid. We hope this guide helps you feel at peace with your identity and self!



Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Future Proof - College Presentation


I was asked a few months back to make a presentation at my local Palm Beach State College. The overall theme of the day was, "Future Proof - The Past, Present, and Future". I have been around to see much of the evolution of the modern computer, so I was seen as a natural to discuss the "past" part. The presentation was last Wednesday.  
PBSC Presentation 
November 23, 2022

I spoke for nearly an hour with a discussion about Grace Hopper's development of the compiler and why that was such an important step. I highlighted how in 1936 Alan Turing theorized “A Machine” with random access memory (RAM) and a central processing unit (CPU). This was the blueprint for all computers today. I spoke on how Gordon Moore postulated
 in 1965 that roughly every two years, the number of transistors on microchips will double. This is commonly referred to as Moore's Law. The most interesting factor for the future will be sheer physics. Will it be possible to have transistors near atom-size (0.5 nanometers)? Or will quantum computing continue the progress that Moore envisioned?

Also, I discussed how Bill Hulett of HP completely obsoleted my engineering school slide rule with the 1972 HP 35 Pocket Calculator. My slide rule that day became a museum relic. I brought my HP 35 to the presentation.     

I had a great time presenting and visiting my memory lane of computing. It was fun remembering my slide rule days, punch card days, mainframe, and early PC application developer days. How can I be that old? 

Jesse, thank you for the invitation and I hope to do it again.  




Monday, November 28, 2022

I Love A Success Story - Cambell Kenneford Glamour Article

As a trans woman, I thought I had to ‘prove’ myself by dating men and looking feminine – here's why I changed my mind


 CAMBELL KENNEFORD
BY CAMBELL KENNEFORD 23 MAY 2022

Cambell Grace Kenneford (born 18 April 1995, Hertfordshire, England) is a transsexual English model and media personality, who rose to relevancy after appearing in media publications, television shows, and on radio stations. Most notably gaining mass media and public exposure in the UK, Latin America, East Europe, Asia, and Australia. (Everybodywiki)

When I was old enough to speak, I made my thoughts very clear to everyone around me that I wanted to be a girl. Whether that was putting towels on my head and pretending I was Ariel from The Little Mermaid, or being obsessed with the Spice Girls, Barbies, and anything typically “girly.” I always knew my soul didn’t match the shell I was born into. 

One of my very earliest memories was feeling left out and outcast at school when it came to relationships and games such as ‘The Love Tunnel’ where everyone would make an arch with their hands in a row, the music would play and you would run underneath. When the music stopped, your arms would drop and you would have to kiss whoever landed in your arch. My stomach would fill with dread every time we played this. 

I felt so confused in my gender identity that I hadn’t even thought about sexuality, or what I might be attracted to. I didn’t want to properly be with someone until I had found myself as a woman. We would have school discos where the boys would ask out the girls – I always felt like I was robbed of these moments as a transgender teenager. I always saw myself as a prom queen in disguise. 

As I started to go through school, the questions and rumours started to circulate. I would constantly be asked if I was gay or into boys. I never wanted to call myself ‘gay’ as I didn’t feel comfortable using that term before I transitioned. I would always say that I was bisexual as that’s what term I felt comfortable using because it was a less gendered word, even though I was never attracted to girls at that stage of my life. 

When I started hormone treatment at 16, I had never felt attracted to a woman. I admired so many strong, powerful, and sexually empowered women who I actually wanted to be.


I know many trans women who have found themselves attracted to women when they start taking hormones.”

 

A few years into my transition, my natural thoughts of how I saw myself in a relationship started to shift. I found myself being open to dating women as I grew more comfortable in my own skin. I know many trans women who have found themselves attracted to women when they start taking hormones. I’m not sure why or if there is any scientific explanation but I think it’s something to do with being so comfortable in your body that you want to share that with a person, not a gender.

Today, I live as an out and proud trans woman who is in a long-term relationship with a cisgender woman. Being in a same-sex relationship, I’ve been able to fully embrace and learn a lot about my own womanhood, femininity, and masculinity. I’m no longer leaning away from more ‘masculine’ traits and also don’t feel the need to force femininity. I’ve just cut my hair into a bob; 2019 Cambell would be crying into her Rapunzel length extensions if she could see! 

I spent so long seeking validation for my womanhood, but I didn’t realise the woman was always inside me, ever since the day I was born.


Saturday, November 26, 2022

Flashdance 1983


 Irene Cara, Oscar-winning singer and actress, dies at 63



Irene Cara

"It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara," read the statement on Cara's Twitter page posted by her publicist, Judith A. Moose. "The Academy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home."

The cause of death is unknown, Moose said, and funeral services are pending.

"She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films," Moose said.

Moose also encouraged fans to share memories of Cara.

"This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist," Moose said.  "I can't believe I've had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I'll be reading each and every one of them and know she'll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans."


Cara was nominated for a best actress Golden Globe for her performance in the 1980 musical "Fame" and  later won for singing and co-writing the theme song to "Flashdance" in 1984. Cara is also a Grammy winner who performed in numerous live theater performances during her career.

_________________________

My Note: What red blooded male or female did not love the cold shoulder shoulder sweet shirt and red heels look from Flashdance.  My first introduction to "toe-cleavage". I know I bought a pair or red heels after watching the movie; which I am sure I saw more than once. 

What a story. Jennifer Beals played an amazing part and the dancing was amazing. The iconic song written by Irene Cara is a classic. A sad memory this morning.

 Remember by wearing your red heels and listening to "What A Feelin".




Flashdance - Final Dance / What A Feeling (1983)

Keep Believing In Yourself...


Friday, November 25, 2022

Musical Interluder - "I've Gotta Be Me"


 Tony Bennett performing “I've Gotta Be Me"

Whether I'm right or whether I'm wrong
Whether I find a place in this world or never belong
I gotta be me, I've gotta be me
What else can I be but what I am

I want to live, not merely survive
And I won't give up this dream
Of life that keeps me alive
I gotta be me, I gotta be me
The dream that I see makes me what I am
That far-away prize, a world of success
Is waiting for me if I heed the call
I won't settle down, won't settle for less
As long as there's a chance that I can have it all

I'll go it alone, that's how it must be
I can't be right for somebody else
If I'm not right for me
I gotta be free, I've gotta be free
Daring to try, to do it or die
I've gotta be me

I'll go it alone, that's how it must be
I can't be right for somebody else
If I'm not right for me
I gotta be free, I just gotta be free
Daring to try, to do it or die
I gotta be me
You might also like
My Personal Property
Sammy Davis Jr.



Thursday, November 24, 2022

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Faces

The two below were killed at the Colorado Springs LGBTQ club on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Two more name to add to the list. This could have been you, me, a family member or a friend. Our voices count. What will it take for you to speak out and say, "ENOUGH!"  

Daniel Aston

 

A second bartender, Daniel Aston, was also killed, CBS News confirmed. Aston, a 28-year-old transgender man from Tulsa who moved to Colorado Springs two years ago, worked as an entertainer at the nightclub in addition to behind the bar, the Associated Press reported. His parents, Sabrina Aston and Jeff Aston, told the AP that their son "lit up a room" and was "always smiling, always happy and silly."

"We are in shock, we cried for a little bit, but then you go through this phase where you are just kind of numb, and I'm sure it will hit us again," Sabrina Aston said, according to the AP. "I keep thinking it's a mistake, they made a mistake, and that he is really alive."



Kelly Loving


Kelly Loving, a 40-year-old trans woman, has been identified as one of the five victims killed this weekend during the Saturday night shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Tiffany Loving, Kelly’s sister, told the New York Times that the FBI informed her of her sister’s death on Sunday. She said her sister was known for being kind and caring to the people around her. 

“She was loving, always trying to help the next person out instead of thinking of herself. She just was a caring person,” she told the Times. “I was really close with her.”

Natalee Skye Bingham, a close friend of Loving’s, had known her since the two lived in Florida years prior. For Bingham, Loving was “like a trans mother” who taught her how to be tough and move through the world as a trans woman.


It is easy to say "just statistics" at a time of a tragedy.  Let this sink in; the US has suffered 604 mass shootings this year.  


See: The fear for our LGBTQ family that never goes away

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Feminine Differential - What are Girlfriend Jeans?

 


By - Jennifer D.

My Note: Girlfriend Jeans are my first choice.  I have good success with NYDJ (Not Your Daughter's Jeans) for a great feminine cut and feel. 

Girlfriend Jeans:

This feminine version of the boyfriend is just that: more feminine. Girlfriend jeans are cut to sit higher on the hips and have a slim straight leg fit. Designed to hug your curves, the girlfriend style will emulate the boyfriend style but still show off your shape. Enhance the femme-fatale factor with a floral blouse loosely tucked in and a fab pair of pumps, or go business casual with a printed shell, a structured blazer and flats.

 


An alternative to Girlfriend Jeans: Straight Leg Jeans:

The versatile straight leg jean fits right in between a boyfriend and girlfriend style—plus a figure-flattering cut that works for almost any body type. Wear them long for a more tailored feel or cuff just above the ankle to get that boyfriend-esque look without the loose fit. Go preppy chic with your straight leg jeans and pair with a striped tee. Add an on-trend canvas sneaker in a vibrant color and finish with a crossbody bag for an effortless casual style.

With these two alternatives, you’re destined to meet your denim match!


StitchFix has other great Jeans suggestions.

Monday, November 21, 2022

Hate Speech

Colorado Springs nightclub shooting puts spotlight on hate speech, anti-LGBTQ bills


Marco Rubio:

 “The radical left will destroy children if we don’t stop them. They indoctrinate children, try to turn boys into girls.”


Gov. Ron DeSantis says after reelection victory:

"Florida is where woke [social awareness] goes to die." 


Five dead and 25 injured!

Jamie Lee Curtis - I Have A Voice

 I have A Trans Daughter




Sunday, November 20, 2022

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2022 (updated)

I am stunned on this TDOR ‘22, that we are faced with another attack on our LGBTQ+ community. This is yet another skirmish in the cold war of hate that is being encourage by the right-wing. There are those that will say, “They got what they had coming”. And yet again do nothing to address the hate that is so prevalent and legitimized. When you make guns of war easily available to those that hate, do nothing to foster understanding and love, you “reap what you sow”.

Please no thought and prayers today. Outrage and action is what is needed.  

Rhonda Williams

___________________





“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Stonewall Columbus 


 Tiffany Banks

Semaj Billingslea

Acey Morrison

Mya Allen

Dede Ricks

Maddie Hofmann

Aaron Lynch,

Kandii Reed,

Hayden Davis

Marisela Castro

Cherry Bush

Keshia Chanel Geter

Martasia Richmond

Kitty Monroe

Shawmaynè Giselle Marie

Brazil Johnson

Sasha Mason

Chanelika Y’Ella Dior Hemingway

Nedra Sequence Morris

Ray Muscat

Fern Feather

Ariyanna Mitchell

Miia Love Parker

Kenyatta ‘Kesha” Webster

Kathryn “Katie” Newhouse

Tatiana Labelle

Paloma Vazquez

Matthew Angelo Spampinato

Naomie Skinner

Cypress Ramos

Duval Princess

Amariey Lej


Read more at the HRC site: Fatal Violence Against the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2022

Saturday, November 19, 2022

You Must Do The Thing...

Eleanor Roosevelt

 

From the Positive Mom - One of the women I love to learn from is Eleanor Roosevelt. In her 1960 book, “You Learn By Living,” she eloquently expressed some words that I strive to live by.

The danger lies in refusing to face the fear, in not daring to come to grips with it...  You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Chic French Style

 The Classic French Style For Women Over 50


If you wonder how to dress like chic French women over 50, this post is for you! Age has nothing to do with style and great style is possible no matter how old you are. You can be chic like a French woman at any age, the key is to know how to flaunt your body and sensibility in a way that works for you.


French chic style is not a difficult style to pull off. It’s something effortless, classic, nonchalant, cool but not arrogant. French style is about finding the right balance between looking dressed up and laid-back. It’s not being obsessed about wearing bold shades and extravagant items, bright colors, and expensive pieces. Keep reading if you’re looking for inspiration from the most stylish over-50 French women out there. They will give you great inspiration on dressing age appropriately, always looking chic, and never missing style. 

I’ve rounded up the most helpful tips to create a French capsule wardrobe whether you’re 50 or not. Keep scrolling to see the timeless pieces that every chic French woman over 50 owns, and then, shop the pieces for yourself if you find their outfits as inspiring as I do.
5 French Style Rules French Women Swear By

  1. Start with the staples of the French wardrobe. Your style should be timeless, chic, and sophisticated. Some of the French staples you should have in your wardrobe are a black blazer, a button-down shirt, a cashmere sweater; pieces that won’t fade away.

  2. Always mix stuffy items with more casual pieces to rejuvenate your outfit. For example, you can wear your favorite fitted blazer with a pair of high-waisted jeans. Opt for a simple white or grey T-shirt to wear underneath your blazer. It’s the perfect timeless and stylish look for any woman over 50.

  3. Whatever you’re wearing, avoid wearing big statement necklaces, rings, and bracelets that can look unsophisticated. Instead, prefer to wear minimalists jewelry pieces —check out the best French affordable jewelry brands—, or just wear a statement watch.


  4. Make sure to always define your waist. I think it’s one of the most important French style tips! Oversized items are hard to style and it’s usually more flattering to define your waist. You can do so with a black leather and gold waist belt.


  5. Make sure you’re wearing the right bra size. Indeed, a droopy bust or sagging breasts can make you look older than you are. Make sure your bra is not too loose in the stripes or the band. Another French style tip is to wear shapewear underneath everything as it will give you smooth lines no matter your body size. Check out my article on the best French lingerie brands to shop for.


Thursday, November 17, 2022

Florida Medical Board Bans Gender-affirming Care for Trans Youth

 ‘Why does this state hate me?’ Florida bans gender-affirming care for some trans youth


Kathryn Varn  November 15, 2022
USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA


The vote by two medical boards has devastated families with transgender children. Some are considering moving out of state.

The appointment in January was a glimmer of hope for Julia Sanderson’s 16-year-old daughter.

It had been three years since the teen had come out as transgender. Like many trans young people, she’d so far only socially transitioned. That meant growing her hair out and using a name and pronouns that align with her gender identity.

Julia Sanderson, the mother of a transgender
 teenager in a Palm Beach County public school,
 is furious over the state’s ban on
gender-affirming care for trans youth.
For some trans people, the journey stops there, but Sanderson’s daughter wanted to explore the possibility of starting hormones, so they made an appointment with an endocrinologist. Such treatment can relieve symptoms of gender dysphoria, or the extreme distress one can feel when their gender identity doesn’t align with their sex assigned at birth.

“She kind of hung a lot of her hopes on it,” Sanderson said.

But two panels of doctors appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis quashed those hopes when they voted this month to ban gender-affirming care for Floridians under 18, defying the guidance of most major medical associations in the country and pleas from parents of trans youth and trans people themselves to allow the care to continue. The new rules apply only to new patients, not those who are currently in treatment.

Still, the decisions by the Florida boards of medicine and osteopathic medicine have rippled through Florida’s transgender community and the institutions serving them, shuttering clinics that provided such care, throwing advocacy groups into overdrive, and devastating families with trans children. 

Another blow for LGBTQ Floridians: ‘No one felt safe’: Florida schools, students feel effects of so-called ‘Don't Say Gay’ law

Medicaid ban:Transgender Floridians scrambling as Medicaid coverage ban on gender-affirming care begins

In schools:‘Parental rights’ movement leaves out these Florida parents. Here’s what they’re doing about it.

Florida Surgeon Gen. Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo
 before a bill signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brandon, Fla.
 (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)"
In Miami, a clinic serving trans youth at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has shut down, a spokesperson confirmed, and a similar clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg has paused operations “indefinitely,” a spokesperson said. Another clinic at the University of Florida in Gainesville has a waitlist; it takes between three and six months to get an appointment. On Saturday, a University of South Florida adolescent pediatrician wrote on Twitter that doctors were recently told by the institution’s legal department “that we have no choice but to comply with” the new rule.

“It’s unconscionable and I fear may lead to so much preventable harm,” Dr. Cam Nereim said.


Leaving Florida

Some families are considering moving out of Florida to more affirming states, while others are trying to shield their children from the, at times, inaccurate and, they say, hateful rhetoric around what it means to be trans. 

“It feels really horrible, like, God, we’re nobody,” said Andrea Montanez, a 57-year-old trans woman and advocate from Orlando who has attended the state medical board meetings.

It marks the first time a state has used the medical boards, which typically license and discipline physicians with oversight by the Florida Department of Health, to restrict care for transgender patients. Alabama and Texas lawmakers advanced bills that criminalized such care, but a similar proposal in Florida failed in the last two legislative sessions. 

After the Board decisions, Sanderson learned her daughter’s appointment with the endocrinologist had been canceled. Representatives from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood told her only that they will no longer see patients with a gender dysphoria diagnosis, she said. A spokesperson for the hospital’s parent company said officials were monitoring the boards’ proceedings but declined to say whether they were seeing new patients with that diagnosis.


Read More...

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Fall Is In The Air - Florida Style


Fall must be the air when here in Florida the temperature drops below 70.  Buuur.  Time to break out the sweaters. I do envy those of you that get to layer and wear beautiful sweaters. There is nothing more beautiful that a long elegant wool camels hair coat. I was on a flight into winter Chicago some years back and waiting for a taxi was a beautiful professionally dressed woman, high heel boots, camel coat, gloves and dark tights. Then I was shocked back to reality as a cold wind blew through the pickup area. Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Florida anymore.

Above are my "everyday style" jeans and denim skirt.  I have added a Tommy Bahama  Breezy Palm Crew Pullover Sweater.  Let's not go too far into winter; there is a palm tree reminder woven in. If you are considering, it run very large, but cute.  

Now, all I need is a another cool morning. 


Brooklyn Blond 
EVERY CLOSET NEEDS ONE: MY CAMEL COAT PICKS 






 

Stop Obsessing Over Where Trans Kids Use The Bathroom

 A CNN Opinion Piece

By Gavin Grimm Sun November 13, 2022
Editor’s Note: Gavin Grimm is a transgender activist. 
Gavin Grimm at Gloucester County School Board Meeting

It is the middle of the academic year in a small town in Virginia. Dozens of speakers have gathered at a school board meeting for their chance to comment on the board’s most burning issue: Where should Gavin Grimm, a transgender boy, use the bathroom?

That was my experience during my sophomore year of high school at the end of 2014, as I continued the process of settling into my full self.

I had become the agenda item and the subject of headlines not just in my hometown, but across the country. At that school board meeting, parents of kids I grew up with were calling me a freak directly to my face – and talking about my genitals in a public forum. That’s how low they were willing to go to inflict hate on a child.

Students at McLean High School in Virginia
walk out of classes as part of a statewide protest
in September 2022 against proposed changes
to state policies pertaining to transgender stud
ents


What I experienced seven years ago was not an isolated case. To this day, transgender children no older than I was, and some who are even younger, are being bullied by school systems that are supposed to protect and nurture them, sacrificed in a culture war fabricated by a theocratic Republican party which insists on spouting unfounded claims about transgender students. One of the most common myths is that there is an increased risk of sexual assault in bathrooms (or other single-sex spaces) if trans people are allowed to access facilities aligned with their gender – a lie that continues to be perpetuated.

Note: Please read the whole article and calibrate the strength the Gavin has and encourage others to read and see Gavin's video. The article concludes this way:

But last year saw the election of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican who ran on a platform that included blatant misinformation and targeted attacks against marginalized communities.

Under his administration’s proposed guidelines, transgender students would only be permitted to use their correct name, pronouns and facilities if a parent requests so in writing. Even then, the measure does not contain any language that mandates schools approve such requests. This excludes children who are not “out” to parents or guardians for safety concerns or other reasons, or whose parents or guardians are not supportive.




Gavin Grimm sued his school board for excluding
him the restrooms any other boy in his school would use— simply because he is transgender.  
See more at the ACLU Site




And notably, Virginia’s model policy contains language permitting schools to go beyond the guidelines and institute even more restrictive rules, saying “Each school board shall adopt policies that are consistent with but may be more comprehensive than the model policies developed by the Virginia Department of Education.”

It seems as if Gov. Youngkin is willing to reject not only established federal and state law, but also guidance and best practices from leading authorities on the physical and mental health of children and young adults. Youngkin and his administration have couched discriminatory actions in language about protecting children, religious liberty and the rights of parents, but it is my belief that his real agenda is scapegoating a minority already under duress, in a cowardly bid to gain support from his base.

He may succeed in that, but his gains will be temporary. A few weeks ago, thousands of students across Virginia walked out of school to protest Youngkin’s proposed restrictions on trans students. Protests are continuing against this unjust proposed policy. 

The transgender community is not going away.  We are still fighting, and we will win.


Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Musical Interlude - Christina Aguiler ‘Beautiful’ (2022)

Christina Aguilera releases powerful new version of ‘Beautiful’ music video




 


CNN: A lot has changed about the world in the last 20 years, but Christina Aguilera still thinks you’re beautiful, despite what social media sometimes tells us.

The singer on Wednesday released an updated version of her “Beautiful” music video that specifically takes aim at the messages often delivered through social media that have negative effects on our body image and mental health.

The singer said that the release was to mark the 20-year anniversary of her album “Stripped” and World Mental Health Day, encouraging her followers to “Take your space, log off, put your mind, body, and soul first.”

“The original ”Beautiful’ video set out to bring awareness and a sense of compassion in the face of criticism,” she wrote of the new video. “It still carries an important message to remember our core values outside of what’s being fed to us…to find a sense of balance and accepting ourselves for who we are.”

Monday, November 14, 2022

Feminine Differential - My Personal Style

 


It is important to have a personal style. According to Elyse Holladay, a personal style coach

A personal style is what you wear and how you feel. What you wear and buy all reflect your inner personality! Unlocking it improves your life."

I mentioned a few posts back that I have an everyday style.  It is casual, easy and at best, causes confusion; a good thing.  Shopping in my local mall's Talbots store I saw this PUFF SLEEVE CREWNECK TEE.  It has a cute graphic design that says "Parfumerie". Although crewneck is not my favorite, it makes up for that with puffed three-quarter sleeves. A differential in the works. It was on sale for $19 and will looks great with jeans and my everyday style.    





Sunday, November 13, 2022

Political Week In Review 11-13-2022

 

Yes!  

What we face, in sum, is a post-midterm political environment that promises migraine-inducing dilemmas for both parties, and a climate in which once-unthinkable policy consequences appear uncomfortably close to reality.


This is not fake - The New York Post.
Analysis from Post columnist John Podhoretz declared the GOP’s “red trickle” in the elections was because of Trump’s “terrible candidates” who “dragged Republicans down.

WSJ Editorial - Trump Is the Republican Party’s Biggest Loser





Fox & Friends Cold Open - SNL




Thanks to those that served!



Saturday, November 12, 2022

Friday, November 11, 2022

Feminine Differential - The Ponytail

Will it Cause You To Be Mistaken As A Girl?


Q: I'm a young male teen, and I've been wanting to grow out my hair to put it into a ponytail, but I'm worried about being mistaken for a girl since I haven't hit puberty yet, is there anything I can do to have long hair and have people know I'm a guy?

A: Generally speaking, unless you intend to relocate to a place where no one has ever met you once you have long hair, I think you'll find potential gender-confusion to be less of an issue than you think.

The people who matter will be aware of your hairstyle progression and won't have any confusion. And new people you encounter will probably not have any question of your gender because of other gender specific traits.

Unless you are striving for an androgynous appearance, the way you dress and your mannerisms will convey your gender clearly. Even the hairstyles commonly worn by guys with long hair are different than those of girls with long hair. Men's hairstyles tend to be simple. The hair is washed, plied with a small amount of product and blown dry or allowed to air dry and styled using the hair's natural wave and style.

Girls, on the other hand, tend to be much more involved. The hair is blown out, curled or straightened and arranged with accessories that are clearly more feminine. There is also the fact that girls tend to develop faster than boys in the pubescent stage, and by comparison, the girls will appear more rounded and filled-out than you will.

The bottom line is that you need to have the courage to wear your hair in any way you desire. There will be plenty of times in the future when you may be required to conform to a specific look (for a job, or by a loved one). Try not to take the issue too seriously. And if you grow your hair long and people start confusing you with being a girl, just get a tee shirt that says "Back off. I'm a Dude."

_____________

My Low (manley?) Pony Tail

The photo in my banner is the length of my hair now.  However, you will never see me wearing a "I'm a dude" tee.  I get mis-gendered all the time as female which is more of less intentional / enjoyed. Maybe, "correctly gendered" should be my take. 

Seldon these days is my presentation male with the hair making that presentation more difficult. Hair seems to be a tipping point. Also a good point to consider when choosing your wig;  a very important accessory.  

Skechers Sport Women's Sneaker
Clothing wise everything I own / wear is feminine. When not at work or intentionally "dressin-up", my clothing choice have a feminine differential; NYDJ jeans, Sketchers,  v / scoop neck tops, ankle boots with a heel. 

My hair has never been this long and I am enjoying the experience although the additional maintenance is problematic. Mainly because I have never had to deal with long hair. I literally have no clue and my lack of experience is evident at times.    

Crepe Scarf Scrunchie
Having a "I don't know what to do with hair day" recently, I wore a high messy ponytail with a silk scarf scrunchie to work.  Absolute feminine differential.   

Hair Tutorial Two Hair Scarf Styles - When it comes to hair accessories, the hair scarf scrunchie is very much at the top of my list! The above site shows how to tie a hair scarf and create two awesome styles.  Works with wigs too.  

if you have real hair or wear a wig, know that your crowning feminine differential is your hair style.  Be cool, be chic and above all else, have a modern style.