A few months ago when eating lunch with friends, one of my friends offhandedly commented that ‘men must love [me]’. I realized that she was referring to my ability to fit a large amount of food in my mouth, and assuming that I would use this ability to give great blowjobs (something I have no interest in doing). This got me thinking.
cisnormativity
Cisnormativity: here, there, and everywhere
Sometimes, it’s tough to keep inclusivity in mind. I get that; I really do. When you’re talking about breasts, breastfeeding, bras and breast cancer, women are put front and center — and hey, wouldn’t you know it, most people with breasts are women. (At least, that’s the mentality.) Similarly, you’ll find that talking about vaginas — I’m looking at you, Vagina Monologues — and penises and other gendered body parts similarly revolves around the one gender designated to have those parts. Fair enough, right? Discussions of men vs. women, boys vs. girls, “both” sexes, and being attracted to the “opposite” sex; each of these things sound pretty much par for the course based on what our society as a whole knows and acknowledges. I usually am inclined to give folks a free pass, to hold my hands in front of me defensively and say “alright, alright, you don’t know, it’s whatever.”
Except, it isn’t something that should just be shrugged off. Not really.
Unruly Bodies 