This animated gif presents myself, and pieces from my past and present wardrobe, as part of an online dress-up game for kids. It’s largely an acknowledgement of the role digital customization plays in many trans and gender-nonconforming people’s young experiences, as a place for self expression and gender exploration free from financial restraint, social stigma, discriminations, and violence. I expressly included pieces of clothing I used to wear as a way of overcompensating the femininity I didn’t feel I had, and wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing now, in opposition to clothing and ways I present myself currently that are more comfortable in relation to how I view my own gender. Though I’m uncomfortable with my past presentations, they are still valuable ways of gender expression– and potentially could be mixed and matched into how I present myself now, if I ever feel inclined.
