Imagine the humiliation.. The achievement that receives little attention- it is way more sensational to discuss this gender non conformity : deep voice, breast less, muscular person. We live in this binary box of either male or female - we fear if there is any sign of non conformity. We like to order people according to their appearance so once there is deviation we feel afraid and unsure how to relate to this anomaly.
Consider your own gender - how many of you live in both gender roles: women who need to be strong to care for sick older male partners; men who need to be caretaking nurturers of ill women they love. Women, like me, who have raised children alone, earn the money and have the buck stop at their doors. Similarly many men who have raised children alone. I show my gender nonconformity through wearing pants and a dress over my pants. It is liberating owning both the male/female parts of myself. I urge you to own your own gender bending.
Yesterday I had lunch with Aernout Zevenbergen whose book "Spots of a Leopard:on being a man" is now available in my store. Here is a man, a man in the traditional manner of male speak - he has trekked through deep dark Africa as only a man can do alone, he looks very masculine as defined by societal standards. Yet he has a sensitivity and beauty with language that would traditionally classify him as "soft woosy" kind of guy (his language
) Which is why his book is so important - it gives men permission to think, talk, question their roles as men. Read it- I urge you.
Support Caster Sumenya because she deserves to be seen for the superb athlete she is. Accept and respect whatever name she calls herself. Make this a topic of conversation with your children and grandchildren. In this way we may create a society of gender dynamic, respectful citizens of the world. As an ageing person you have a responsibility to do this.
