This boi's life

 So why is this blog called "News Boi"? What is a "boi," anyway?

The term "boi" originated in queer communities of color. "Boi" can have lots of meanings, but to me it means a queer woman who presents as masculine.

I have been presenting as masculine ever since I was a little kid. When substitute teachers showed up and I raised my hand, they would call on me by saying something like, "that boy in the striped shirt." I always had short hair and wore "boy's" clothes. I wonder now why clothes are even labeled "boy's" and "girls." But that's a discussion for another day.

For a long time, I tried to fit in by wearing clothing that was more feminine. It never felt right, and I I was unhappy. I guess I didn't accept myself for who I really was. Once I did accept that part of me, I began wearing masculine clothing again. And if someone calls me "sir," I don't feel bad at all. In fact, I enjoy it.

As a cis-gendered woman, I know I will never face the discrimination that transgender folks do. But still, going into a public restroom is always difficult. I often get looks from women who seem to be wondering what the heck I'm doing there.

For a long time I wondered why I never quite fit into the neat little gender boxes that society has created for us, and I wondered what was wrong with me. Now I realize that I don't have to fit in. I am my own person. Perhaps I'm a boy in a woman's body. And that feels really good.

So what does being a boi have to do with my love of writing? I'll talk about that next time.

What do you think about the term "boi"? What are your thoughts on gender? If you'd like to comment and don't have a Google account, click on the arrow on the very top left of this post and then click "follow." That will allow you to post.