Did you see the post about gender binaries over at My Name is Lina?I’ve got all sorts of reactions. Mostly frustration. I feel inarticulate, like I can’t possibly explain this such that others will understand. I’m going to re-read some gender theory and butch/femme celebration books and see what I can come up with.
I like what Joy just said in a comment on my last post, how these dualisms/binaries are also about archetypes and patterns and mythology, about interesting ways to interpret and understand our lives.
Is that not enough?
I wrote a whole paper on why butch/femme is subversive and transcends the binaries rather than replicate them. I have had this discussion and defended my side so often in Women Studies classes, in regard to my own personal life that I just can not do it anymore. Like you said, we are not educators and taking the time to debate with people is less time we have for our own needs, our causes, the discussion and debate of new topics. Maybe that is what people who disapprove what. To distract us, break us down.Toss them a book and don't let it get you in a huff. That's going to be my new motto.
Hmmm I wrote a similar paper…If anything it re fuels a fire within us of outlaw status, or even those among us that believe in freedom in expressing ones truth…I look forward to reading your up coming posts… xx