The Escapist

liquorinthefront:

“Being mistaken for a man or confronted with my ‘male’ appearance is nothing out of the ordinary for me. It happens all the time. Whether in public restrooms, at the security check in airports, at work or in the waiting room at the gynecologist, at the job center, at the national register, in clubs, bars, shops, on the street, and so on and on. Every time it hurts. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

Two years ago, when a car full of young guys pulled up next to me on the street, shouting and threatening me, because I didn’t match their idea of a woman, I decided I had to start something. I wanted to meet people who like me, identify as women, but who are frequently being mistaken for another gender, and consequently harassed, insulted or humiliated in public or within their families. So far I have photographed more than 50 women, and collected their stories. Some of which you can see and read here.

This is an ongoing project. I want to create an awareness of the multiple ways people can identify with and express their gender in spite of being constantly confronted and questioned and put down by a narrow minded society.” —Goodyn Green (photographer, pictured above in topmost photo)

I love this photo series, and it certainly hits close to home for me. I identify as a woman, but get mistaken for a male pretty frequently because of the way I look and dress. I get “sir’d” quite often. I’m pretty used to it by now, but it always irks me a bit. One particular thing that comes to mind is using public restrooms. Sometimes women come in, see me, then go back out and check the sign on the door to see if they’re in the right bathroom. Sometimes they ask me if I’m a boy or a girl. Sometimes they say to me, “this is the women’s room.” Sometimes they just stare. Once someone said, “oh, I didn’t know they allow boys in here now.” Whatever you identify as, however you look, remember, there is nothing wrong with you. Be exactly who you are, and be proud. And share awesome projects like this to raise awareness!