Most men understand that women are uncertain about their physical features. In that sense women are no different than men. But where women struggle with their self-image, gay guys fight back and show pride in their physical differences. Can women do the same without Dove telling them?
As a gay man I have heard my female friends talking about their insecurities so many times. And even though I assured them that the pressure they feel about their looks has nothing to do with what (straight) men think about them, somehow they never seem to trust a man’s opinion. ‘Yes, but you are gay’ is the most heard answer.
Only gay gays can be more harsh
Fact is unfortunately that when I hear women talking about other women, they are cruel bitches. Sorry to be so straightforward, but the way women talk about each other is just unheard of in male language. And yes, as a gay man I have heard how straight men talk about each other AND about women. Only gay guys can be more harsh when it comes to judging others.
But luckily gay guys are not just evil bitches. They also know how to fight for their rights and be proud of who they are. And that is something women could learn from.
In gay slang ‘bears, wolves, otters, cubs and daddies’ are common words to describe men with physical features that could be considered negative. However, the sub-scenes are proud communities in the gay universe.
Bears, wolves, otters, cubs and twinks
If you are rather large and hairy, you would probably be a bear. Though if you are young, you would easily be called a cub. A hairy but slimmer version, with at least some assertive behavior is considered a wolve. The slim and hairy otters are also chased after by the ‘chasers’. Just like the well equiped horsemen are hunted for by the knights.
Young guys (as if that was ever a negative feature) are chickens. Or, if they are smooth, twinks. All these names are used in a positive way and even if you are not active in these subcultures, the words describe your bodyshape, body hair or age (appearance). And it has nothing to do with wheter you are attracted to those types or not.
-> Read how bears celebrate winter in ‘Bears on Ice‘
Women could make their lives so much easier by describing themselves and others in similar ways. In a proud way that is. And no, not as fruits, because pears, oranges and kiwis too often have been used in a negative way already.
To me, women are more likely to be described as flowers. They are beautiful no matter what shape, just like flowers. And as fragile, in a sense.
So come on, elegant extravagant lily, slim and tall orchid, firm tulip or big fat magnolia: be proud and show the world what you got. The flowerball is just starting and you should show some girl…eh…flower power!
Ach kom. Slechts 2 foto’s?
Interesting point but I don’t really agree. There’s still a very much stereotypical gay look, portrayed in media – and that’s the look that wins out in getting attention. Look at gay media as well, and it’s always covering the same type of guy….
Well, Adam, I agree that society and media like stereotypes that will always be used to get attention. Nevertheless I think that in general the diversity of gay subcultures is something we can be really proud off, as gays accept these subcultures and their richness. I never see straight subcultures like fat girls or guys being so proud to show off as a subculture. They are merely looked upon as weirdos, don’t you think?
Well, I found this super generalizing and unenlightened really. I am a woman, super confident and self possessed. I don’t look normally attractive. I get plenty of (straight guy) attention. The women I hang around with are similar and no more insecure than most PEOPLE (in this ultra appearance based environment generally, and, yes, Rotterdam in particular). You lump “women” all together in a way that poorly informed people lump “gays” … (flowers?!? Really? WTF? patronizing).
I think you are missing the point here, or just lacking a sense of humor. But I agree, flowers are just as patronizing as furry animals. Please come up with a better idea of naming subcultures/ characteristics of women like you, before I call you a cactus 🙂