Doing away with "Embracing feminity"

[Grok]

There ARE components to femininity and masculinity that are not strictly subjective, I do believe, but as you have adequately shown, most of what people refer to as masc or fem is, in fact, not only subjective but contradicted by history.

Open ended garments, as an example. Deemed feminine in the West; but some open ended garments are designated as mens wear in non-Western cultures.

[Mouse]

but some open ended garments are designated as mens wear in non-Western cultures.

I believe the Scots think of themselves as part of the “Western cultures”.

[Grok]

Yes, the kilt has been almost the only exception to a "Trousers Tyranny" in the West. A special case, as I have mentioned before.

[moonshadow]

Recently there's been a young man at the RV park that behaves like a flamer (a very feminine gay guy), he's already been the butt of many jokes among many at the park. People come to my wife and I to crack jokes about it. It's interesting because despite how I dress, I don't think I have the reputation of being a flamer or "feminine". I think there are a few things that help...

I work as a grease monkey turning wrenches for a living.

I've already helped many of my neighbors with repairs

I sound like a southern hillbilly redneck.... (I do playfully get teased about that sometimes).

The point being, despite dressing femininely, and even having a girls name [0], people don't take me as feminine at all.

[0] Andrea actually means "manly" in both American and Italian so not sure how it ever got to be a feminine name to start with... it seems like skirts, "Andrea" is just another one of those things thay women just took from us.

[crfriend]

Indeed Moon, it's the way we behave when interacting with others that wins hearts and minds. Be open, honest, generous when one can be, and offer no apologies save for when you've actually wronged another accidentally.

[jamie001]

Moon, I believe that there is a difference between acting feminine and acting like a flamer which is way, way over the top exaggerating and mocking feminine mannerisms. I am a feminine, male, soft spoken and gentle in nature, but if you hear me speak, I could never be mistaken for a flamer. Just like women that are perceived as masculine for being loud and assertive. They are not trying to be macho men, it is just the way that they articulate themselves. Flamers give us all a bad name as do drag queens! This stereotype is perpetuated by Hollywood which also is harmful to us. You can be a feminine man without being a flamer.

Also it seems that American’s view any name that ends with the letter “a” as feminine and any name the ends with the letter “o” has masculine. I believe that misconception is where the issue comes from.

Jamie

[JohnH]

Recently there's been a young man at the RV park that behaves like a flamer (a very feminine gay guy), he's already been the butt of many jokes among many at the park. People come to my wife and I to crack jokes about it. It's interesting because despite how I dress, I don't think I have the reputation of being a flamer or "feminine". I think there are a few things that help...

I believe my voice keeps me from being perceived as flamer. If people heard me without seeing me they would think the sound was coming from a tall bearded manly man instead from a person with the appearance of a woman.

In addition to flamers and drag queens, men who take on made up feminine names and pretend to be women when they present en femme, harm our cause.

John

[jamie001]

In addition to flamers and drag queens, men who take on made up feminine names and pretend to be women when they present en femme, harm our cause.

John

John, this is very true. Men that attempt to deceive everyone into believing that they are women are very harmful to the concept of fashion freedom for men. Unfortunately these men will always be with us and are also fueled by Hollywood stereotypes.

[Mouse]

In addition to flamers and drag queens, men who take on made up feminine names and pretend to be women when they present en femme, harm our cause.
John

John, this is very true. Men that attempt to deceive everyone into believing that they are women are very harmful to the concept of fashion freedom for men. Unfortunately these men will always be with us and are also fueled by Hollywood stereotypes.

We have to live and let live. You know freedom of expression for all, not just us.
I also think the more crazy people the better as far as letting us live and wear what we want.
Travelling the Tube today, I realised that the vast number of both male and female are in a bland world of ordinary. You then get the people who stand out from the crowd, the man in the sharp suit, the woman with crazy colour hair, the woman who has really put her look together, the MIS, the person in full religious outfit, the women in an interesting skirt, etc. I think the mass ranks of jean/legging/casual wear
will always be with us, and it is up to everyone of us to stand up and to be interesting and not boring.

[Barleymower]

I was saying the same to my son this morning mouse. I saw a man with a platted beard, dark sunglasses and tattoos on his legs. I said he was a work of art.
Since wearing skirts I've realised that nearly everyone is in a world of bland. We need to be thankful for a bit of colour

[jamie001]

Mouse, I love your answers and your view of the world. I hope that someday the Cafe and MIS will have an ambassador, and it will be you. I really look forward to your posts and words of wisdom. You have a lot of great experience and view to share along with abundant optimism.

[Mouse]

Mouse, I love your answers and your view of the world. I hope that someday the Cafe and MIS will have an ambassador, and it will be you. I really look forward to your posts and words of wisdom. You have a lot of great experience and view to share along with abundant optimism.

Jamie, you are too kind. I am just a crazy guy in a skirt who is extremely fortunate to get to a happy skirted place. I now hope to be able to help other MIS get to a similar happy place.

[DrFishnets]

I always feel at peace with myself and calm and relaxed when I embrace my feminine side. Every Saturday night I put on a skirt and a pair of sheer tights and listen to music and have a relaxing glass of wine or Bacardi and coke I feel I’m in heaven. I mentioned this to my mental health counsellor and she told me I should be in touch with my feminine side more often.

Just last year I bought myself a pair of black leggings and wore them out in public. The first time I did it I nearly had a panic attack when opening the front door but I did it. I remember walking proud with a smile on my face when out in public and nobody batted an eyelid. Just a few weeks ago I donned a black pleated skirt with black leggings and went out in public and again nothing was said and no reaction with the exception of a woman who looked at me as if she was interested in what I was wearing.

I think all guys should be in touch with their feminine side and dress up more often and what a better world it would be for it.

[jamie001]

I always feel at peace with myself and calm and relaxed when I embrace my feminine side.

---SNIP---

I think all guys should be in touch with their feminine side and dress up more often and what a better world it would be for it.

I completely agree and have incorporate my feminine presentation into my everyday life. It is the only way for me to be at peace with my self and not have panic attacks and depression. I do not attempt to deceive anyone that I am a woman. I am just a guy that completely embraces my feminine side in what I wear and some of my thought processes.

[STEVIE]

The name Andrew has a Greek origin and means “manly” or “brave.” It dates back to ancient times and was popular among Greek-speaking people. Interestingly, it’s also believed that the name Andrew was used among the Scythians, a nomadic people who roamed the Eurasian steppe in ancient times1. The English form of the name is derived from the Greek Andreas, which itself relates to the Ancient Greek word anēr/andros, meaning “manly” or “brave” 2. So, if you know an Andrew, you can appreciate the strong and courageous connotations associated with their name!

St Andrew, ex fisherman and patron saint of Scotland etc etc etc.
In good old English, there has to be complications, so give it a feminine version which is the same as the masculine in other languages.
The many feminised forms of boy's names were to bestow masculine virtues on females and absolutely not the other way around.
From simply styling one's hair to presenting in the most ultra feminine form possible, we do not get to choose!
I have to say this again, "society" will react as Society sees fit and we, as men in skirts can only react accordingly and appropriately.
Embrace anything you wish, legally anyhow, but not everyone believes in live and let live.
You may have a hotline and even a familial connection to all the Gods there have ever been, that won't stop the mob.
I seem to have read that it has happened before, so beware.
Steve.