Older women, women with weight changes or visible disabilities, or transfolk of Lemmy - how has the male gaze changed for you? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Hello ladies (current and former) of Lemmy (current) - I'm curious how your experience of the male gaze has changed as you moved in and out of young-woman-hood.

How has your opinion of being seen changed through this process?

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[-] tiefling@lemmy.blahaj.zone 15 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

I'm a trans woman, have been transitioning for 10 years. It's really hit or miss whether or not people can clock me. I've had friends know me for two years without knowing I was trans.

Men ogle and catcall me frequently, it's annoying as fuck since I'm not even straight. It's flattering when queer women hit on me though. I've been both catcalled and misgendered within the same block. I also tend to have a strong social presence which is both a blessing and a curse.

Also, men cannot take no as an answer. I often pretend I have a boyfriend since creeps are more respectful of imaginary men than real women.

[-] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 2 points 5 months ago

That's a really interesting perspective, thank you. Do you remember noticing when you started being seen as a woman by strangers?

[-] tiefling@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 5 months ago

Probably around 2 years in or so. It's not a light switch, it's more like a dimmer.

this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2024

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