CHRIS, 29, BRIDGEPORT, CT
Gender Projected
How old are you, and where are you from?
I was born in Bridgeport, but I’ve lived all over CT, FL, AZ, CA, FL. I’m 29.
How would you identify your gender?
Male. Masculine.
Why did you want to be involved in the project?
I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone.
What presentation made you feel most like yourself? Why?
The button down with a tie because that’s what I wear every day, but dressing in jeans and a t-shirt is also a staple for me.
What presentation made you feel least like yourself? Why?
High heels and leggings. It was a little more feminine than I would normally portray.
What presentation would you be afraid to wear on the street where you live now (if any?) Why?
Probably the short shorts. I felt exposed with the shorts.
How does your gender identity connect to your sexuality?
I had it in the back of my head that if I came out I would have to be feminine, but then I grew up and found out that I can be masculine and still like who I like. I don’t scream through the rooftops my sexuality, but I tell if someone asks.
Was there a gender identity/presentation that you wanted to try but hadn’t before this project but didn’t have the chance to do until this project?
I was open to dressing more femme, and the project gave me a chance to try.
How do you generally present?
For the most part masculine, but I do try things out to see how they work. I’m kind of loud sometimes.
What words do you feel represent your identity?
I don’t really fit into a stereotypical anything. I am Greek, but everyone thinks I’m Puerto Rican. I’m gay, but people think I’m straight. Anytime people think something, it’s usually the opposite. I try not to classify myself according to groups.
What do you feel is the most salient aspect of your identity? How do you feel that this part of your identity was represented and/or misrepresented in this project?
People think I am a mean guy, but I’m laid back. You caught me with a lot of smiles, which I don’t usually do. This shows people that I am approachable.
What do you feel is the aspect of your identity that you think about the most? How do you feel that this part of your identity was represented and/or misrepresented in this project?
I don’t give much thought to different parts. I don’t even get offended really when people have an opinion about gender and sexuality.
Did you gain any perspective on gender identity/expression in yourself during the project?Before I came out, it was gay and straight. Then I came out and it was masculine gay, femme gay, and even if I don’t identify as those things, I respect people that can be comfortable in their own skin.