Sunday, January 30, 2011

Great New York Times article- Butch Is Universal


 KABUL, Afghanistan — Six-year-old Mehran Rafaat is like many girls her age. She likes to be the center of attention. She is often frustrated when things do not go her way. Like her three older sisters, she is eager to discover the world outside the family’s apartment in their middle-class neighborhood of Kabul.

But when their mother, Azita Rafaat, a member of Parliament, dresses the children for school in the morning, there is one important difference. Mehran’s sisters put on black dresses and head scarves, tied tightly over their ponytails. For Mehran, it’s green pants, a white shirt and a necktie, then a pat from her mother over her spiky, short black hair. After that, her daughter is out the door — as an Afghan boy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/world/asia/21gender.html?src=me&ref=world

Introduction


As a corporate Butch I have had to toe the line on my identity countless times.  From the way I wear my hair to my corporate outfits, which are required dress code for the office, I have never found the balance I crave in my work life.  I have to be cautious, of course, because I have a full range of clients, many of whom do not know my sexual orientation or gender identity.  As a result, I struggle every single morning of my work week to find the outfit that will honor both who I am and what I do for a living.  It is hard and painful.  Unless I am heading out for an evening with my wife, I inevitably fail finding the mix which will both provide comfort for my clients as well as honor who I am. 

For years, I have surfed the internet looking for the magic site to refer to, to go to, to peruse for those perfect products, outfits, ideas, etc.  I watch Ellen and how she dresses both on her show as well as when she heads out with her wife.  I envy Butches who work in places where they can present themselves in a way that they feel total comfort.  Heck, I used to BE one of those Butches when I had my bookstore!  It was great.  These days I could go with the funky, cool look; the artsy flowy look; or the middle aged, sensible shoes look but the feel I covet is GQ… classy, streamlined, and sharp.  Looking for clothes along this line with the body of a slightly overweight 50+ female body online is difficult.  To find it all in one place is a dream.  However, I have decided that no site or location exists.  If there is one that you know about, shoot me a note and I will make it a favorite!  As a result, I am, setting up a blog to post pictures, ideas, music, and other lifestyle concepts.  Come, enjoy, make comments, stay awhile! I have a feeling I am not alone...