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| Stana staffing a booth at Hamvention (inspired by a comment from Elise) |
I always had excellent times attending Hamvention en femme. In addition to enjoying the Hamvention experience, I also received an education and now I understand how men can be “sexist” from a woman’s perspective.
I did not have to live as a woman to figure out that men can be sexist. Living as a man amongst men, I discovered that fact a long time ago. Not all men are sexist, of course, but sadly, they constitute a lot of the male population.
Being sexist was not a good fit for me. I rejected the sexist’s life and lived my life my way, that is, the way that came natural to me. Turns out that “my way” was considered a feminine way of life by those who were keeping score. So be it.
During my early explorations out en femme, I avoided encounters with males whenever possible. But as I became more comfortable en femme, I began to accept encounters with males whenever they occurred.
Working a booth at an event like the Hamvention where approximately 85% of the attendees are male, it is impossible to avoid encounters with males. (I can count on one hand my encounters with females while working the booth this year and last.) It was a test of fire for this trans booth babe.
I guess I passed the test because now I encounter males without trepidation and understand how men can be considered sexist by the distaff side of the population.
Throughout Hamvention, I constantly noticed men checking me out. Some were surreptitious, while most just flat out stared. At this stage in my life, I find that flattering and affirming. But I imagine that the ogling can get old.
On the other hand, I also encountered gentlemen at Hamvention, who know how to treat a woman with respect – well at least they treated me with respect. And that works for me!
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| Wearing Boston Proper |
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| Christer Lindarw |
The same old tired and senseless tropes applied to men. All men are seemingly sexist, misogynists, and condescending buffoons toward women. You started out that way Stana. Fortunately you didn't end that way, and congratulations to you for it. I thought we had learned our lesson about stereotypes applied to anyone.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I know some men who fit the trope. Most don't though.
Angel Amore
Hi Stana! You're spot on with this story, that's for sure. Interested in the 15% female statistic. I would have put the number lower based on my observations but maybe you have some official info?
ReplyDeleteI also wonder how many of the Hamvention attendees are T like us. Maybe some of those you noticed staring are wishing we were dressed too.
Only, 2 months until Hamvention! JJ
The 15% stat came from a study published in 2007.
DeleteSo true Stana, and I think sometimes we must throw ourselves out of the comfort zone to get over our hurdles.
ReplyDeleteHamvention forced you into interactions with males, in a relatively safe and controlled environment where you had more knowledge than most.
For me, traveling en femme forced me into a right many more situations where I had to interact with a variety of people. I had to interact with whomever waited my table, checked me into a hotel, etc. I still gravitate towards females, and them to me, but interacting with a male while en femme does not cause fear either.
Norah
For those who didn't see it, I recently told Stana that I imagine she handles mansplainers the way Marisa Tomei's character did on the witness stand in My Cousin Vinny!
ReplyDelete