Class, Masculinity, and Packing

Give an update on putting off the collab channel for a bit and discuss my experiences in a new environment and how I see class (socioeconomic status) as it relates to masculine embodiment and my comfort level with my body.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• FTM
• f2m
• transgender
• transsexual
• queer
• class
• masculinity
• socioeconomic status
• gender
• trans
• men
• power
• sociology

[SpringOfAshes]

Hey! Thanks for this video. Appreciated you thoughtfulness and perspective on class and masculinity. One thing I didn't hear you talk about was race. As a darker skinned person, I keep wondering if within a higher socioeconomic context people with my complexion and racial background would be able to feel as confident that their bodies are not being as scrutinized. I don't know or want to assume your racial identity but I'd love to hear your thoughts or experience with race, class, & masculinity?

[reesekelly]

@SpringOfAshes Thanks for your comments. I talk a little about race in my video "Male femininity, class, and race," but it might not be what you're looking for. One of the things I've learned comes with light skin privilege in a high SES context is that I can, for example, walk around with sweatpants on or look like I just rolled out of bed and not be perceived as a threat by my neighbors. Darker skinned colleagues speak of "having" to dress professional where for me it feels like a choice.

[Zakabre18]

Does your trans-studies class have a sociological focus? I'm just curious because I'm planning on teaching a "Sociology of transgenderism" class at my university in the fall (we have student-initiated classes here, so that's what it'd be). BTW I love all of your videos, they are the perfect blend of the personal/political/academic.

[reesekelly]

Thank you for the compliment. Yes, my trans class has somewhat of a sociological focus - but it's a relatively interdisciplinary course in that it has history, lit crit, film and media, and psychology materials. Good luck with your soc of transgenderism course :)

[davinsokup]

what an amazing topic! admittedly, i was nervous to view this, just due to generalizations that are often made, but i really appreciated your point of view.

i'm originally from a rural, working class town in minnesota and i feel huge pressure to bind and pack at all times when i'm there. the things i wear even change. i am in burlington and at UVM, so i guess there couldn't be more of a polar opposite, but it never crossed my mind to think about it as a manifestation of class.

[reesekelly]

hey Davin,

i'm glad you watched the video and thanks for your comments. I'm wondering what generalizations you're thinking of. I have my assumptions...but you know what happens when you assume. ha ha.

[Imfromfrankston]

Sorry, fluid like adaptability. What An amazing journey it must be.

[Imfromfrankston]

I think because you weren't born a man and you have had to work so hard on a physical, mental and spiritual level to get to where you are, you don't take it for granted and thus have some incredible insights. I am in constant awe when I watch and listen to Transmens stories because you have to have incredible faith in who you are regardless of your physical appearance and fluid ll

[HappyHyperHippie]

that's really interesting, i live in the south, and work in a very rural area, and the majority of the guys, and especially the guys-at-the-top-of-the-pyramid­, are physically big, muscular guys, mostly due to the heavy physical labor most of them do for a living. i wonder how i would feel different about myself if i were around guys who valued intellect more.

[BonesDGAF021]

this was all full of very big words & supremely deep when i'm just looking to find out where trans-men order their dicks from. nevertheless, it made me think! you're spot on with the whole lower class hyper-macho thing. i think that's why i feel i can retain my feminine traits like my manner of speaking & somewhat emotional softness. i was raised upper middle class, but i've always worked for my things, i understand the value of a dollar enough to manifest the resources for all my own needs.

[agoodma1234]

Your video gives me hope! This video especially helped me because i currently go as an undergrad to a bourgie school and found a similar observation about masculinity in that environment. Thanks again for posting.

[icaleod]

Enjoyed your vid. My partner knows exactly what you mean!

[davinsokup]

i think there are just a lot of generalizations made about lower class folks, nothing specific to what you said. being at uvm, ive heard a lot of priveldged people in an academic setting talk about class in a way that ends up sounding entitled and classist, even though they may think otherwise. again, i didnt mean for that to sound like you were coming off that way.