Hi Elle. Indeed I have not read the studies yet, but I will. I have read a-lot of studies about this though — but I do intend to read the ones you sent.
“ The degree of genital masculinization does not necessarily reflect that of the brain.” — yes, I am aware of that. Between males and females (referring to their reproductive biology), there are also other traits that statistically cluster around the male and female category. Some of those have to do with reproduction, and others don’t.
About clothing, you used to dress just the way I do — you captured it nicely! :-) including the part about not using a comb :-) although I have started using one recently.
Yes, you are right about clothing in that form is still there. But I try to put function first. My point is that many (most) women go to an extreme, which is set by cultural norms that make about as much sense as men wearing a tie. When women get dressed for the day, they decide on an “outfit”. I say, forget that: pick out a pair of pants and a shirt that doesn’t clash and is comfortable for the day’s weather. Done. It is practical, can look good, and is gender-neutral. Lipstick? Don’t! High heels? Don’t! My wife’s mother suffers from horrible back problems due to high heels. Skirts? Don’t! — they ride up your legs if you sit, etc. Not practical. I say dress practical. Yes, it has form, but it is functional first and foremost. Yes, I know skirts are cool in hot weather, but so are shorts.
Also, if wearing something raises eyebrows, then don’t! It’s very simple! It is not worth the trouble that it brings! And by dressing gender neutral, you are embracing the narrative that gender is not about one’s appearance, and I think that is a good narrative.
And why advertise your gender? It is personal!
Back to bathrooms: I personally would not care if women came into the men’s room. (I Europe they do! On college campuses they do!) But in our society, others would care. So don’t make it obvious! Use the bathroom that people expect you to. Your are not hurting anyone by doing so. You don’t have to use women’s bathroom. You don’t have to dress the way that some (not all) women dress, which advertises “I am a woman”. Dress neutral. People will see you as male — so what? Use the men’s room: there will be no problem! You can remind yourself, “On the inside I am a woman”, but no one needs to know that except your friends and family. It does not need to be a secret — you are not hiding it — but you do not need to advertise it either. It is no one’s business.
