#where feminists were advocating for a woman’s right to wear pants

[acowardinmordor]

Fucked up thought as I do material spec: transmasc Eddie Munson who gets bullied and called a guy because of how he dresses and acts (transphobic so bad they looped back to what Eddie wants on accident) dating Steve post S2, who knows and supports him, but still has to misgender his bf in public until they can get out of Hawkins. Eddie fails again, they get in a fight about whether they should leave, and aren’t broken up, but aren’t really together as S3 starts. So when Eddie visits Scoops, Steve is so happy to see him that he calls him Eddie and he/him in public, just like the bullies, and can’t explain to Robin, who is absolutely pissed that Steve is treating her Eddie like that.

[gatheringbones]

[“First wave feminism and an increasingly ethnically diverse population were also likely factors that sparked new efforts to regulate public gender variance beginning in the 1850s. First wave feminism is usually defined as the wave of reform that spanned the entire nineteenth century, beginning with late-eighteenth-century calls for female emancipation such as Mary Wollstonecraft’s Vindication of the Rights of Woman, gaining momentum with the Seneca Falls Convention on the rights of women in 1848, and culminating in the suffrage campaigns that won women in the United States the right to vote in 1919. Dress reform was an important focus of first wave feminist activism. Amelia Bloomer, for example, argued in the 1840s that long skirts and cumbersome undergarments were essentially a form of bondage that dragged women down, and she advocated that women wear pants-like clothing instead. Nineteenth-century antifeminist opinion, which saw in feminism a threatened loss of distinction between men and women, considered dress reform to be tantamount to cross-dressing.

On the West Coast, where the California gold rush and subsequent silver strikes attracted many trans-Pacific immigrants from Asia, cultural diversity added another element that upset conventional Euro-American assumptions about gender. Gold rush–era newspapers are full of stories about how difficult it was for European Americans to tell Chinese men apart from Chinese women, because they all wore their hair long and dressed in silky pajama-like costumes. To understand the historical conditions for contemporary transgender activism, we thus have to take into account race, class, culture, sexuality, and sexism, and we have to develop an understanding of the ways that US society has fostered conditions of inequality and injustice for people who aren’t white, male, heterosexual, and middle class—in addition to understanding the difficulties particularly associated with engaging in transgender practices.”]

susan stryker, transgender history

[automatismoateo]

Hijab is not just a scarf... Rant of a middle eastern woman via /r/atheism

Submitted January 30, 2021 at 04:19PM by Truthgo (Via reddit https://ift.tt/3oxAa5N) Hijab is not just a scarf... Rant of a middle eastern woman

1- hijab being a choice is a privilege.

Hijab culture is so toxic it's pretty much women one upping eachother on how invisible they could be because the more you cover up, the more browny points you get on being a "good muslim women".

This reaches it's top in the niqab whose women give up their enitre idnetity becasue it's a race to the bottom. How invisible can you be to avoid triggering men sexually.. well the face is an attractive part of the body.. cover that.

Instead of advocating that women live their life freely the hijab advocated that women live their lives trying to avoid triggering men sexually. For example you shouldn't speak softly to avoid triggering men with your voice. Another example there is a religious saying by the prophet that if a woman wore perfume and walked by a group of men and they smelled it, she is considered an adulterer cus she might trigger them with her perfume lol it's so effed up

2- the pressure on men to enforce it

Because of honor culture women are already not free to do what they want anyway, add to that the idea of hijab and you have a society where women's clothes is considered a reflection of how much of a man her husband is.

So, not only is the woman considered less because she doesn't cover up, her husband is also considered less of a man because he doesn't make her do it. Men are shamed for how their wives dress/behave and are called dayouth ديوث ie why do are you letting your wife showing her body to people ..This is because of a hadith by the prophet mentioning the dayouth word

3- Extreme slut shaming.

Women are called / "motabraja" which is a dergatory term for uncovered women or those who wear makeup/ whores / "naked meat" "cheap meat"/ the wood of hell fire if they take the hijab off. This is because of one "hadith" ( a saying by the prophet mohammed) where the prophet goes to the upper sky and sees women tortured because they were " dressing nakedly"

Women are constantly made to feel guilty over how they dress. To give you an example most women are made to feel guilty for wearing pants or jeans.. Even if she's covering every inch of her body she isn't wearing "proper hijab" becaause to be a good muslim women you should wear clothes that " don't show the size of your legs" why? well ofc to avoid triggering men sexually

4- victim blaming is the norm

Women are almost always blamed for their sexual assault, they weren't modest enough and did the ulitmate sin of triggering the guy sexually. This happens everywhere but here it's to the extreme. again "nromal clothes" like a wearing a t-shirt or showing your hair are considered immodest and provoking the attack

5- it's not oppressive because some freely wear it?

Some people will say some women freely wear hijab so it is not oppressive for me it's like saying some Chinese people freely like the CCP so there's no political oppression in China. You can freely wear it but taking it off requires you have to consider the backlash you will face from everyone around you and the physical danger you would be in if you spoke out against it. I was one of those ppl who freely wore at 11! But when I grew up found out that I can't freely not wear it.

6- it's only in the middle east that's oppressive?

Some people say it's only in the middle east.. Please watch Dina Tokio's video where she's reading hate comments of being called a whore and a porn star because she is showing her hair. This has happened with many Muslim hijabi youtubers who chose to take it off. So it's a problem with the Muslim community everywhere!

7- other religions have it too?

The difference between the Islamic rules and other religions is that people take them incredibly seriously and literally. Liberal Muslims are a minority. The laws of the most Muslim countries is mainly inspired by the religion or out right theocratic. In the west you can escape your religious family and live a normal life else where. In the Middle East you have to leave the whole country for that which of course not everyone can afford.

8- that's just culture?

Some ppl will say it's culture but this is not true it's a mix of both toxic religious ideals of what a good woman is like plus a toxic patriarchal culture. Women being considered adulterers for wearing perfume is a religious saying for example! How do you expect a culture inspired by that will be like?

9- so you want us to ban hijabs

Ofc not. I just hope western feminists will stop accepting it as freely as they have. It's incredibly naive to try to water down the experiences of millions of women who were programmed with the toxic religious mindset and just start promoting that it's a choice without questioning why the hijab exists in the first place. Western women don't know how good they have it just being able to Show Your Hair. Wear what they want. Wear cute dresses. Show some skin. It's sth I had to spend 25 years of my life trying to do.

.

[maximuswolf]

Hijab is not just a scarf... Rant of a middle eastern woman via /r/atheism

Hijab is not just a scarf... Rant of a middle eastern woman

1- hijab being a choice is a privilege.

Hijab culture is so toxic it's pretty much women one upping eachother on how invisible they could be because the more you cover up, the more browny points you get on being a "good muslim women".

This reaches it's top in the niqab whose women give up their enitre idnetity becasue it's a race to the bottom. How invisible can you be to avoid triggering men sexually.. well the face is an attractive part of the body.. cover that.

Instead of advocating that women live their life freely the hijab advocated that women live their lives trying to avoid triggering men sexually. For example you shouldn't speak softly to avoid triggering men with your voice. Another example there is a religious saying by the prophet that if a woman wore perfume and walked by a group of men and they smelled it, she is considered an adulterer cus she might trigger them with her perfume lol it's so effed up

2- the pressure on men to enforce it

Because of honor culture women are already not free to do what they want anyway, add to that the idea of hijab and you have a society where women's clothes is considered a reflection of how much of a man her husband is.

So, not only is the woman considered less because she doesn't cover up, her husband is also considered less of a man because he doesn't make her do it. Men are shamed for how their wives dress/behave and are called dayouth ديوث ie why do are you letting your wife showing her body to people ..This is because of a hadith by the prophet mentioning the dayouth word

3- Extreme slut shaming.

Women are called / "motabraja" which is a dergatory term for uncovered women or those who wear makeup/ whores / "naked meat" "cheap meat"/ the wood of hell fire if they take the hijab off. This is because of one "hadith" ( a saying by the prophet mohammed) where the prophet goes to the upper sky and sees women tortured because they were " dressing nakedly"

Women are constantly made to feel guilty over how they dress. To give you an example most women are made to feel guilty for wearing pants or jeans.. Even if she's covering every inch of her body she isn't wearing "proper hijab" becaause to be a good muslim women you should wear clothes that " don't show the size of your legs" why? well ofc to avoid triggering men sexually

4- victim blaming is the norm

Women are almost always blamed for their sexual assault, they weren't modest enough and did the ulitmate sin of triggering the guy sexually. This happens everywhere but here it's to the extreme. again "nromal clothes" like a wearing a t-shirt or showing your hair are considered immodest and provoking the attack

5- it's not oppressive because some freely wear it?

Some people will say some women freely wear hijab so it is not oppressive for me it's like saying some Chinese people freely like the CCP so there's no political oppression in China. You can freely wear it but taking it off requires you have to consider the backlash you will face from everyone around you and the physical danger you would be in if you spoke out against it. I was one of those ppl who freely wore at 11! But when I grew up found out that I can't freely not wear it.

6- it's only in the middle east that's oppressive?

Some people say it's only in the middle east.. Please watch Dina Tokio's video where she's reading hate comments of being called a whore and a porn star because she is showing her hair. This has happened with many Muslim hijabi youtubers who chose to take it off. So it's a problem with the Muslim community everywhere!

7- other religions have it too?

The difference between the Islamic rules and other religions is that people take them incredibly seriously and literally. Liberal Muslims are a minority. The laws of the most Muslim countries is mainly inspired by the religion or out right theocratic. In the west you can escape your religious family and live a normal life else where. In the Middle East you have to leave the whole country for that which of course not everyone can afford.

8- that's just culture?

Some ppl will say it's culture but this is not true it's a mix of both toxic religious ideals of what a good woman is like plus a toxic patriarchal culture. Women being considered adulterers for wearing perfume is a religious saying for example! How do you expect a culture inspired by that will be like?

9- so you want us to ban hijabs

Ofc not. I just hope western feminists will stop accepting it as freely as they have. It's incredibly naive to try to water down the experiences of millions of women who were programmed with the toxic religious mindset and just start promoting that it's a choice without questioning why the hijab exists in the first place. Western women don't know how good they have it just being able to Show Your Hair. Wear what they want. Wear cute dresses. Show some skin. It's sth I had to spend 25 years of my life trying to do.

.

Submitted January 30, 2021 at 08:19AM by Truthgo via reddit https://ift.tt/3oxAa5N

[noctomania]

Expression (please excuse the novel length)

I remember back in elementary school when my school district voted on whether to turn my school to uniform policy. It was a public school and i had never felt so attacked before then or felt such a strong opinion about something personally. Mind you, i was maybe...10-12 yrs old (if that). This was a time when my self expression was about to take off and bloom. Suddenly though it was halted by uniform policy. I had heard both sides of it and valid points existed on both sides but i still feel it was wrong to enact because i am an advocate for open self expression (i mean without encroaching on other's rights so like my self expression couldn't be to sit on stranger's laps without invitation for example), mostly because that is how i connect best with people. I can't easily just strike up convo with strangers (trust me i have tried). Back then, it was usually a snarky message on my shirt that would draw people in to talk ("good morning is an oxymoron" or any emily strange stuff for example) I've always relished in (and grateful for) having autonomy over my appearance, it's one of the most rewarding things to be able to almost turn yourself inside out and tell the world "see? Do you see me now?" Whereas uniforms...they felt like a prison, like the erasure of my individuality. It also made everyone else seem so 2-D. Schools sometimes had trouble with students showing up in tshirts advertising alcohol or with inappropriate language on them, which is where I think the uniform idea came through most strongly. The economic hardship was left to the families though. Luckily i was allowed to wear pants and not forced into a skirt. I highly doubt guys would have been allowed to wear skirts though, but i never experienced any situations of that at my particular school. I wasn't social enough though to be sure it never happened. Something similar did occur in my high school years later though but instead of a skirt it was my friend and he would wear makeup but was repeatedly sent to detention for it because it was "distracting" I remember also in high school when i was going to be getting my senior picture which I didn't want in the first place. The senior photos were binary traditional and you had to wear this funny neck garment according to your, or what they assumed to be your, gender. This was all before i knew trans and i just knew i preferred the tux one to the one that looked like a dress. The photographer refused unless i got permission from the journalism teacher and I think the only reason she allowed me was because i was a "good quiet" student. But she was sure to let me know she felt it was highly inappropriate. I remember when i got a free leatherman jacket from being in my high school book club (i am The Coolest™) and we got to choose what name we wanted embroidered on the back. I'm proud to say i have my current name, andy, on it because even though the book club leader/librarian did try to push back on my request and tried to sway me into putting my birth name on it, i was insistent. I still have it and still wear it and otherwise i may not have even taken it. (It was free so turning it down wouldn't have been a big deal to me though I woulda been bummed to not get one even though they kinda forced me to take one anyway? It's complicated and thats all besides the point) See I'm someone who craves expression. I bottle up enough shit. Some things i wanna wear on my sleeves. Or my face. Or my hair. My gender expression has been pretty strong since day one. Not to say I wouldn't or have never gone more feminine in my appearance, it's just to say that i have not been the type to adopt an appearance based on what someone else says i am or should be. I don't feel the need to be absolutely masculine 100% i dont fear that which is feminine or androgynous. And i still remain critical of the unnecessary binary that is forced in societies. The products "for men💪/for women🌼" the bullshit of women just cannot be as strong as men the bullshit that women are inherently emotional moreso then men the absurd concept that to be a woman means to have a pussy and tits and to be a man you needa have a package (because clearly you just lose your identity when you get breast or ovarian or testicular cancer). "SO DUH ABOLISH GENDER SO MEN AND WOMEN CAN BE TREATED THE SAME" To turn a blind eye to the differences and intricacies along the gender SPECTRUM (or any innate identity spectrum) is to pretend we don't all have our own distinctive experiences and issues and is in fact a rejection of them. My gender is expressed how i see fit. Perhaps it is quite masculine and yes i did in fact get some surgery but no surgery is going to turn me cis, no hormones will remove all the experience i had as a AFAB for 20yrs no surgery is going to change my interests. I didn't seek hrt or surgery because of anyone else or to spite anyone or to attack anything, i did it to achieve a sense of Self I had never experienced before due to the limitations of my physical expression. I did it because i know how my mind perceives my body and it's never fit right until now. Like ive been a mismatched set of Tupperware that's finally been organized properly. My lid fits, i am a complete set on my own now, as opposed to trying to fit the mold of other's lids. I didn't change to be someone else, i changed my appearance to match who I Am. FORCED gender roles/expression is detrimental, not because of the gender, but because it's forced; because it's someone exerting (or trying to) inappropriate control where they have no right. Are cisfem who choose to take on the ultimate 50s nuclear family housewife life/look any less valid than a cisfem who refuses to fit any gendered life/looks? Or should both be seen as equal and valid in their accession of and right to their autonomy to identify themselves and express themselves how they see fit without any external criticism/dictation as to what is "right" or "appropriate" based on antiquated and/or irrational factors/ideologies? The point of identity is nobody can tell you what​/who you are. Perhaps they could guess, but that doesn't mean they are right or that they have authority over your identities. it's not a problem that gender exists. It's a problem that is has been monopolized and mutated and mythologized by people (yes of all varieties bc ideologies know no bounds) trying to dictate other's lives. It's a problem that it has been used as a tool to oppress rather than express. I've met just as many misogynistic women as i have men or even trans and non-binary folk. Everyone has the ability to be oppressive of someone else. When you have been oppressed, or fear being oppressed, you might take on an oppressive role yourself as a form of offense before you ever have to face bein on the defense, if you aren't critical of or moderate yourself. Though the effort may come from a place of self-preservation, it can still cause unnecessary harm and even be counterproductive, if not hypocritical. If we approach the problem for what it is (insertion of opinion where it is unwarranted and unnecessary) instead of attacking it's symptoms (gender expression), we will get to the real resolution with less inner-community squabbling. Don't pretend like you can tell someone who they are. You can argue your point without doing this. Don't pretend you are the ultimate source of knowledge for what you are fighting for. If it were all up to you there wouldn't be a movement, just you. Terfs and radfems may believe i should not have transitioned. Perhaps they feel I could have easily just continued to be a "tomboy", as i was frequently referred to as, and just bind my chest for the rest of my life and never feel a real connection with my Self. I would have remained in a state of self loathing and not only forever feeling less than i was meant to be (not because of my female form but because I wasn't able to be my Self) but forever having to face people identifying me incorrectly and always feeling that disconnect in communication when someone rejects or denies your identity. While being trans does still make me (only slightly due to passing standards and me being white) a target for hate crimes, before resolving my identity i was more likely to take my own life on top of still being a target for harassment due to being untraditional in my expression. Me being me, I've never had an issue with bein an untraditional person (very little about me is traditional), but when you have an inner war going on and you know you can do something good about it, I would never sway someone away from resolving that. Honestly i felt more a distance from feminism before transitioning because i never felt right if i tried to "proudly proclaim" bein a woman/womyn. i felt like a fraud which ultimately made me question if i was a feminist at all. Like I didn't not like women, and i was/am a proud feminist, i just didn't feel as if i was a woman and felt more like i was lying when the words came out which did to an extent feel like a form of betrayal to women and it wasn't til much later i understood it wasn't. I tried various forms of gender expression as a female but even in the best case scenarios it didn't sit right. Not knowing who you are foundationally makes it hard to know how you feel about others or how to accept others. Empathy and compassion require a certain level of knowing yourself so you can identify with another on our human level. If you're at fault with yourself it can be hard enough to love yourself much less anyone else. I feel trans-exclusionary feminists are stuck in that same stage i was stuck in when i was resolving my gender identity. But removing the issue from the context of gender kind of helps. Its not the identity itself that i hate, it's being forced into an identity i am not, never have been, and never will be. Imagine being forced to be a different person. How people identify you is all wrong and any time you try to assert your identity it is rejected. It's not an identity you can change (like a religion or a political leaning that may or may not change), but it's something not readily apparent, or is obstructed by the predisposition people may have about you based on what they see you as. You can call a bear a silly man who needs a shave and wears a fur coat but that's not going to change the fact that the bear is a bear, not going to change the bear's needs or instincts (reference from The Bear That Wasn't) I guess my point overall is: distinctive identity titles are born out of necessity, because thise identities exist. Identities also present the opportunity for us to recognize one another's differences and to learn how we connect and where we lack understanding of one another. Identities allow us short hand how to express ourselves verbally, yanno when interpretive dance is out of the question or inapplicable. Expression of identity is integral to feeling a sense of Self, to be able to trust yourself, and to be able to trust others. Identity should never be erased whether it be gender, sexual orientation, race, ability etc. Before I understood my gender identity i was compensating my lack of masculine appearance with overly-masculine attitude instead, which inevitably lent itself to toxic masculinity. I would catch myself acting that way sometimes and earnestly didn't know what was wrong with me. Now i know i was insecure. Now, I'm much more neutral and comfortable in my attitude since I'm not feeling the need to compensate for my appearance with my attitude. My transition was good for me and those around me. It allowed me to be a little less concerned with my issues and more concerned with the issues of a wider community. So I know this is long and I'm sorry. I don't expect anyone to have read this and i doubt that anyone who disagrees with me read it thoroughly (3 times top to bottom) as they should (to avoid making themselves look impulsive and irrational or cherry picking) before asserting their opinion, but here it is now and it's not goin anywhere. Thank god it's my weekend coming up... (Please if you respond do so respectfully. If you only wish to spit at me, do so in a direct message and leave the notes on this open for respectful conversation/debate, thank you kindly!)

[denisemarsh]

History

Today most people wouldn’t bat an eye at a women wearing pants or a bow tie (in the western world), but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, prior to the late 19th and early 20th century, social customs were very strict regarding women’s clothing, with women wearing dresses, underskirts and painfully tight corsets. Similarly, women’s hats conformed to a stereotype with the styles popular with prominent male members of society being worn only by women considered as daring and outrageous.

In the 1850’s, women’s rights activist, Amelia Bloomer, started to shake things up. She advocated for women to ditch the tight corsets and heavy petticoats worn under their skirts. Initially inspired from Turkish dress, the wide lose fitting pants worn under a knee length skirt, were aptly named the “Bloomer”.  The Bloomer became a symbol of women’s rights in the early 1850s and was worn by famous feminists, like Susan B Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. But still with the exception of the famous fashion for turbans (imported from the exotic East) the fashion for men and women’s millinery remained distinctly different.

The Roaring Twenties…

Then in the 1920’s, there was another big shift in women’s clothing with women entering the workforce during WWI and gaining the right to vote. They had to think more practically about their outfits, and demanded less restrictive, more casual attire. Although women continued to wear skirts, their clothing became more masculine, loser and sporty.

One of the most influential fashion icons of the 20’s was Coco Chanel. She rebelliously dismissed the feminine styling of her day and embraced androgynous style. She accelerated the already growing movement towards female empowerment and paved the way for menswear-inspired clothing, designing elegant suits, tweed blazers and simple everyday-wear for women. She was best known for wearing nautical stripes, trousers, and chunky knit sweaters. Similarly women advocating suffrage began to also adopt men’s millinery styles.

  The Golden Era…

The 30’s brought menswear-inspired fashion to the forefront, with actresses such as Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn sporting suits, top hats, trilbies and bow ties in popular movies.

The Big Sleep (1946) Directed by Howard Hawks Shown: Lauren Bacall (as Vivian Sternwood Rutledge) When: 13 Aug 2014 Credit: WENN.com **This is a PR photo. WENN does not claim any Copyright or License in the attached material. Fees charged by WENN are for WENN’s services only, and do not, nor are they intended to, convey to the user any ownership of Copyright or License in the material. By publishing this material, the user expressly agrees to indemnify and to hold WENN harmless from any claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or connected in any way with user’s publication of the material.**

Although Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn rocked trousers before the 30’s, it was really only considered socially acceptable for women to wear pants in specific situations, like sports or during the wars when they took over many of the men’s jobs. With their husbands away at war, women took on what were previously male dominated roles such as farm or factory work. Since traditional women’s attire wasn’t appropriate for the more physically demanding work, they raided their husbands closets and altered them to fit.

In 1939, Vogue illustrated a woman in a pair of pants on the cover of it’s May issue. The editors wrote, “Our new slacks are irreproachably masculine in their tailoring, but women have made them entirely their own by the colors in which they order them, and the accessories they add.” However the article goes on to depict when, where and how these slacks may be worn, stating  ‘One Iron Rule is that they are well-cut and well-creased to appear properly ‘feminine’ and stresses the necessity to avoid the ‘mannish accessories’ that characterised the ‘early, experimental days’ of  trouser-wearing. So women could be free to wear whatever they wanted as long as they still looked like a Stepford housewife and looked pretty for their husbands!

Peace Love and Millinery

Although there were instances of women wearing men’s clothes throughout the 20th century, it really wasn’t until the 60’s and 70’s that menswear inspired fashion was no longer considered a rebellious political statement. In the 60’s women made large strides toward equality with the passing of Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which both gave women more rights in the workplace. In 1961 Audrey Hepburn wore black capri’s in the movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, inspiring a new resurgence of women breaking away from traditional feminine clothing.

Portrait of American actor and director Diane Keaton, 1996. She wears a purple & black striped suit coat, bowler hat, and, around her neck, a large black crucifix (Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images)

Yves Saint Laurent took menswear-inspired styling to new heights with his “Smoking” Tuxedo Jacket,  hailed as the alternative to the Little Black Dress. As he said himself, “For women, the tuxedo is an indispensable outfit, which they feel comfortable with, so they can be who they are. This is style, not fashion. Fads come and go, style is forever.”             Another influence was credited to the 1977 movie “Annie Hall” starring Diane Keaton, where Diane Keaton’s menswear-clad character donned bowler hats, vests, wide ties and button-up shirts.

Girl Power…

Then the 1980’s was all about the power suit, which included a tailored jacket with large shoulder pads and a knee length skirt. A recent article from Vice magazine about the evolution of the pant suit, stated, “These big shouldered jackets and pants disguised a women’s figure and took the focus off her gender, creating a feeling of authority as the traditional sex roles continued to blur.” UK prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, always wore a suit, saying that “she was in a man’s world, and she had to look the part.”  Celebrities paired this look with a variety of male inspired millinery from the Stetson to the Fedora and Bowler hat.

04 JUNE 2009 – NEW YORK – USA BRITISH CELEBRITIES PEACHES GELDOF AND FEARNE COTTON MAKE A TV REALITY SHOW ON THE STREET IN SOHO, NEW YORK! BYLINE MUST READ: XPOSUREPHOTOS.COM ***NOT AVAILABLE FOR USA OR AUSTRALIA*** *THIS IMAGE IS STRICTLY FOR PAPER AND MAGAZINE USE ONLY – NO WEB USAGE ALLOWED UNLESS PREVIOUSLY AGREED. PLEASE TELEPHONE +44207 377 2770 FOR UK OR +1310 562 7073 FOR USA*

Fashion Forward

In the last twenty years, “menswear-inspired fashion” has increased in popularity from sculptural shoulders, buttoned vests, plaid patterns, classic fedoras, bowler hats, Stetsons, pork pies, beanies, classic flat caps and trench coats to slouchy boyfriend jeans and suit sets. But, until recently it still had a feminine element with cinched waists, addition of ribbons or lace, and pastel colours. In the last five years this trend for menswear-inspired fashion has continued to grow, but there has also been a growing demand for women��s clothing that is masculine without the feminine touches; so no longer just inspired from menswear, instead it is actual menswear designs fitted to the female body. This style has been given many names, but most commonly referred to as androgynous fashion, tomboy style, or menswear-inspired fashion.

The New Normal

At Hat Couture Creations we have been working for some time with traditional male shapes in our creative millinery projects given a feminine twist.  Here is a small selection of some of the projects custom made for our clients.  Some of these designs are still available to purchase online at www.hatcouturecreations.com.

Guys Getting it On…

Here at Hat Couture we’ve been receiving lots of great feedback from our customers but it seems that we’ve been neglecting a large portion of our potential market with many new enquiries coming in from guys wanting to find custom millinery with added pizazz.  Our potential customers include those working in the theatre, movies, media and music industries (as well as those who would just like to look like they do). So our next big thing will be the launch of a range of flamboyant custom made Fedora’s, Trilbies, Homburgs and Bowler hats designed to make our male clients also feel exceptional.

Girls on Top… History Today most people wouldn't bat an eye at a women wearing pants or a bow tie (in the western world), but it wasn't always this way.

[wellpersonsblog]

Power Portrait: Andrea Williams

Author’s Note: Andrea Williams has been a member of Unapologetically Powerful coaching since August of 2017 and while you can already see how warm-hearted and enthusiastic she is in the photo above, her strength and tenacity should not be underestimated. A trainer herself, Andrea embodies what Jen and I call our favorite motto, “Always be learnin.” She is a genuine and enthusiastic cheerleader for her fellow coaching members, with lifting chops to boot: she has added 40 pounds to her squat, 20 pounds to her bench press, and 20 pounds to her deadlift. I simply adore this woman and by the end of this profile, I know you will too.

Take it away, Dre! 

First, the basics! Your name, age, and where you live.

I’m Andrea Williams, aka Dre to my friends and clients. I turn 42 on March 28 and I live in Littleton, Colorado, just southwest of Denver.

JVB: Let’s dig right into it: what does becoming Unapologetically Powerful mean to you?

I’ve always been a head-strong person, accomplishing pretty much anything I set my mind to. The past few years, as I’ve matured and become more and more comfortable with the woman I am, I’ve felt less and less shy about expressing my thoughts on what it means to be a strong woman, both physically and mentally.

JVB: Everyone’s entry to powerlifting is a bit different: how did you find yours? 

2 years ago I had a wild-hair idea that I wanted to compete in powerlifting.  Spontaneous moves are how I like to do things, but I still kept my head because the very first thing I did was seek out a coach. I worked with a local coach, learned the foundations of the big three and gained a bit of strength. But when the meet I had my eye on drew nearer, I had to eat some humble pie: my body was just not ready. My knee was sore and I didn’t have the confidence I needed to go in and perform well. I took some time off over the summer of 2016, and jumped into Unapologetically Powerful Coaching with JVB last fall. BEST DECISION EVER because now I feel more than capable and strong all over.

JVB: Think about where you started and where you are now: what did you find most helpful when learning how to powerlift?

JVB talks about the negative consequences of “energy leaks” while executing a lift, and that concept was life—and lift—altering for me. I had a habit of dancing with my feet when I set up for my squat and not grounding my feet to the floor took more stability away from the lift than I had previously considered. When JVB pointed it out and I focused on rooting my feet to the ground my squat took off. I also learned how a strong grip on the bar makes a big difference—wrap your thumb around the bar and squeeze the hell out of it! Those two small cues helped me move much more weight, much easier and quickly.

JVB: Let’s talk about challenges. What was your biggest hurdle when you first started powerlifting? How did you overcome it?

A valuable life lesson I’ve learned is that if I don’t know something, it’s OK to admit that and take advice and cues from someone who does.  Years ago, (and the result of another wild-hair idea)  I attempted my first triathlon. I decided to  train myself—hey, I can swim, ride a bike, and run, so why not?—and I was an epic DNF failure on race day. (DNF=Did Not Finish.) After I licked my wounds and my ego recovered, I found a coach. “Teach me,” I asked.

When I decided to powerlift, I knew that working with heavy weight was no joke, and good coaching would be important.

I’m a personal trainer but I allowed myself to be putty in the hands of my coaches. I also really learned to listen to my body, particularly after I hurt both my knee and my back before joining the Unapologetically Powerful coaching program. The biofeedback aspect of the UP program taught me that it’s OK to rest or take my workout down a notch or two on a particular day, if my body isn’t feeling it (and to go harder when it is). I advocate for that to my clients all the time—even the trainer needs to be trained from time to time!

JVB: In just three words, describe how you feel after a powerlifting workout?

Badass. As. F$ck.

JVB: All three are awesome, but if you must pick from squat, bench, or deadlift, which one is your favorite? What do you love about it?

This is a trick question! Not fair!

It varies week to week for me, but I have been loving on my bench the most lately. It feels pretty badass to shove a heavy weight off of my chest. In a dramatic movie sort of way, it makes me think I could escape easily if I were in a disaster and something heavy fell on me.

JVB: Time to get your PR pants on! Tell us about your most memorable personal record.

The day I deadlifted my own body weight for reps I danced around the gym and celebrated with a bacon maple donut. Squatting my own bodyweight is next on my list (and I’m close!). When I nail that lift, I’m going to drive to Voodoo Donuts in downtown Denver and get another (better) maple bacon donut from my favorite donut shop, not the grocery store!

JVB: OK, now a biggie: What is the biggest impact becoming UP has had on your life?

I naturally have a larger frame, the acceptance of which I’ve struggled with over the years. I’ve been a personal trainer for the past 5 years and I admit to having imposter syndrome about own body, and have felt like it didn’t live up to the picture being a personal trainer presents. I lead a very active lifestyle, I eat well, and I study and work with mentors to increase my knowledge as a trainer, but because of the shape of my body there have been days when I didn’t feel that I’m in a position advise others on how exercise.

But the Unapologetically Powerful program has helped me own my body, more than I ever did before. When I started powerlifting, I felt and saw changes in my body and I embraced the strength I was building. Now I think, “So what if my belly is a little bigger than it was when I was in my 30’s? My ass is much stronger and shaplier than it was then, too!” Being unapologetically powerful and proud of what my body can do is a lifestyle for me now, and self-doubt is much less frequent.

A big bonus is that my clients see my lifting videos on social media and are getting interested in lifting heavy for themselves. Yesssssssss: the message is spreading.

JVB: We know that improving your physical strength has a way of bleeding into every aspect of your life. In what ways are you Unapologetically Powerful outside of the gym?

I have always been a feminist in my beliefs but I didn’t always have the courage to speak my mind or stand up for what I thought was right. As I become more powerful in the gym, I find myself becoming more vocal outside of it as well. I believe women are a driving force in creating change in our country and world, and I am now more confident about adding my voice and power to the movement.

JVB: You’ve come a long way, baby! What has been the biggest contributor to your powerlifting success so far?

Consistency! Lifting 3 days a week for 12 weeks straight earned me gains I’d never seen before. When it comes to powerlifting, I truly believe you need to show up for your training consistently to see any sort of results. General strength training 2 days a week with endurance training mixed in was enough to keep my overall fitness level in check, but once I jumped into the UP program I was very pleased with the strength gain and progress lifting technique.

JVB: I know you love to do more than powerlift! Tell us about it!

Besides powerlifting I train and race with a local women’s triathlon group, Karma Multisport. My tri training focus is on sprint distance, in the Athena division. This year I’m branching out by attempting my first Xterra off-road race! Mountain biking is brand new to me — a sad thing to admit for a native Coloradan — and trail running is not my forte but I am excited and nervous to get on the course.

I totally live up to the Colorado stereotype of often venturing outside and into the mountains, hiking with my dog, husband, and friends. An admission — I don’t ski or snowboard! I prefer watching the snow from inside with a hot bevvie or craft beer.

JVB: Talk to the reader: What’s your best piece of advice for them if they’re interested in training for powerlifting?

Find a good coach you trust and who challenges you (in safe way!). Working with a coach has been my most powerful tool in making consistent progress. And when you decide to do it, approach the weights with confidence because you are in control. Embrace the strength you gain. Become a badass.

Do you love to lift and are interested in joining a community of like-minded lifters for a week of strength-oriented fun? The fourth #UPowerful virtual powerlifting meet is going on RIGHT NOW, and it’s not too late to join! Everyone of all strength levels is invited to compete, and no, you do not have to already be on a powerlifting program to participate. Once you join the team, the (free!) Unapologetically Powerful Ecourse will deliver everything you need to know about how to execute the big three safely and strongly, right to your inbox.

You can participate in this meet even while lifting in your own gym. That is the beauty of the #UPowerful meet: you’re able to participate from anywhere on the globe! (And you don’t even have to wear a singlet.) Join the team now!

The post Power Portrait: Andrea Williams appeared first on Thrive with Jen Sinkler.

First found here: Power Portrait: Andrea Williams

[sportsandfitnessinfo]

New Post has been published on http://fitnessandhealthpros.com/fitness/power-portrait-andrea-williams/

Power Portrait: Andrea Williams

Author’s Note: Andrea Williams has been a member of Unapologetically Powerful coaching since August of 2017 and while you can already see how warm-hearted and enthusiastic she is in the photo above, her strength and tenacity should not be underestimated. A trainer herself, Andrea embodies what Jen and I call our favorite motto, “Always be learnin.” She is a genuine and enthusiastic cheerleader for her fellow coaching members, with lifting chops to boot: she has added 40 pounds to her squat, 20 pounds to her bench press, and 20 pounds to her deadlift. I simply adore this woman and by the end of this profile, I know you will too.

Take it away, Dre! 

First, the basics! Your name, age, and where you live.

I’m Andrea Williams, aka Dre to my friends and clients. I turn 42 on March 28 and I live in Littleton, Colorado, just southwest of Denver.

JVB: Let’s dig right into it: what does becoming Unapologetically Powerful mean to you?

I’ve always been a head-strong person, accomplishing pretty much anything I set my mind to. The past few years, as I’ve matured and become more and more comfortable with the woman I am, I’ve felt less and less shy about expressing my thoughts on what it means to be a strong woman, both physically and mentally.

JVB: Everyone’s entry to powerlifting is a bit different: how did you find yours? 

2 years ago I had a wild-hair idea that I wanted to compete in powerlifting.  Spontaneous moves are how I like to do things, but I still kept my head because the very first thing I did was seek out a coach. I worked with a local coach, learned the foundations of the big three and gained a bit of strength. But when the meet I had my eye on drew nearer, I had to eat some humble pie: my body was just not ready. My knee was sore and I didn’t have the confidence I needed to go in and perform well. I took some time off over the summer of 2016, and jumped into Unapologetically Powerful Coaching with JVB last fall. BEST DECISION EVER because now I feel more than capable and strong all over.

JVB: Think about where you started and where you are now: what did you find most helpful when learning how to powerlift?

JVB talks about the negative consequences of “energy leaks” while executing a lift, and that concept was life—and lift—altering for me. I had a habit of dancing with my feet when I set up for my squat and not grounding my feet to the floor took more stability away from the lift than I had previously considered. When JVB pointed it out and I focused on rooting my feet to the ground my squat took off. I also learned how a strong grip on the bar makes a big difference—wrap your thumb around the bar and squeeze the hell out of it! Those two small cues helped me move much more weight, much easier and quickly.

JVB: Let’s talk about challenges. What was your biggest hurdle when you first started powerlifting? How did you overcome it?

A valuable life lesson I’ve learned is that if I don’t know something, it’s OK to admit that and take advice and cues from someone who does.  Years ago, (and the result of another wild-hair idea)  I attempted my first triathlon. I decided to  train myself—hey, I can swim, ride a bike, and run, so why not?—and I was an epic DNF failure on race day. (DNF=Did Not Finish.) After I licked my wounds and my ego recovered, I found a coach. “Teach me,” I asked.

When I decided to powerlift, I knew that working with heavy weight was no joke, and good coaching would be important.

I’m a personal trainer but I allowed myself to be putty in the hands of my coaches. I also really learned to listen to my body, particularly after I hurt both my knee and my back before joining the Unapologetically Powerful coaching program. The biofeedback aspect of the UP program taught me that it’s OK to rest or take my workout down a notch or two on a particular day, if my body isn’t feeling it (and to go harder when it is). I advocate for that to my clients all the time—even the trainer needs to be trained from time to time!

JVB: In just three words, describe how you feel after a powerlifting workout?

Badass. As. F$ ck.

JVB: All three are awesome, but if you must pick from squat, bench, or deadlift, which one is your favorite? What do you love about it?

This is a trick question! Not fair!

It varies week to week for me, but I have been loving on my bench the most lately. It feels pretty badass to shove a heavy weight off of my chest. In a dramatic movie sort of way, it makes me think I could escape easily if I were in a disaster and something heavy fell on me.

JVB: Time to get your PR pants on! Tell us about your most memorable personal record.

The day I deadlifted my own body weight for reps I danced around the gym and celebrated with a bacon maple donut. Squatting my own bodyweight is next on my list (and I’m close!). When I nail that lift, I’m going to drive to Voodoo Donuts in downtown Denver and get another (better) maple bacon donut from my favorite donut shop, not the grocery store!

JVB: OK, now a biggie: What is the biggest impact becoming UP has had on your life?

I naturally have a larger frame, the acceptance of which I’ve struggled with over the years. I’ve been a personal trainer for the past 5 years and I admit to having imposter syndrome about own body, and have felt like it didn’t live up to the picture being a personal trainer presents. I lead a very active lifestyle, I eat well, and I study and work with mentors to increase my knowledge as a trainer, but because of the shape of my body there have been days when I didn’t feel that I’m in a position advise others on how exercise.

But the Unapologetically Powerful program has helped me own my body, more than I ever did before. When I started powerlifting, I felt and saw changes in my body and I embraced the strength I was building. Now I think, “So what if my belly is a little bigger than it was when I was in my 30’s? My ass is much stronger and shaplier than it was then, too!” Being unapologetically powerful and proud of what my body can do is a lifestyle for me now, and self-doubt is much less frequent.

A big bonus is that my clients see my lifting videos on social media and are getting interested in lifting heavy for themselves. Yesssssssss: the message is spreading.

JVB: We know that improving your physical strength has a way of bleeding into every aspect of your life. In what ways are you Unapologetically Powerful outside of the gym?

I have always been a feminist in my beliefs but I didn’t always have the courage to speak my mind or stand up for what I thought was right. As I become more powerful in the gym, I find myself becoming more vocal outside of it as well. I believe women are a driving force in creating change in our country and world, and I am now more confident about adding my voice and power to the movement.

JVB: You’ve come a long way, baby! What has been the biggest contributor to your powerlifting success so far?

Consistency! Lifting 3 days a week for 12 weeks straight earned me gains I’d never seen before. When it comes to powerlifting, I truly believe you need to show up for your training consistently to see any sort of results. General strength training 2 days a week with endurance training mixed in was enough to keep my overall fitness level in check, but once I jumped into the UP program I was very pleased with the strength gain and progress lifting technique.

JVB: I know you love to do more than powerlift! Tell us about it!

Besides powerlifting I train and race with a local women’s triathlon group, Karma Multisport. My tri training focus is on sprint distance, in the Athena division. This year I’m branching out by attempting my first Xterra off-road race! Mountain biking is brand new to me — a sad thing to admit for a native Coloradan — and trail running is not my forte but I am excited and nervous to get on the course.

I totally live up to the Colorado stereotype of often venturing outside and into the mountains, hiking with my dog, husband, and friends. An admission — I don’t ski or snowboard! I prefer watching the snow from inside with a hot bevvie or craft beer.

JVB: Talk to the reader: What’s your best piece of advice for them if they’re interested in training for powerlifting?

Find a good coach you trust and who challenges you (in safe way!). Working with a coach has been my most powerful tool in making consistent progress. And when you decide to do it, approach the weights with confidence because you are in control. Embrace the strength you gain. Become a badass.

Do you love to lift and are interested in joining a community of like-minded lifters for a week of strength-oriented fun? The fourth #UPowerful virtual powerlifting meet is going on RIGHT NOW, and it’s not too late to join! Everyone of all strength levels is invited to compete, and no, you do not have to already be on a powerlifting program to participate. Once you join the team, the (free!) Unapologetically Powerful Ecourse will deliver everything you need to know about how to execute the big three safely and strongly, right to your inbox.

You can participate in this meet even while lifting in your own gym. That is the beauty of the #UPowerful meet: you’re able to participate from anywhere on the globe! (And you don’t even have to wear a singlet.) Join the team now!

Originally at :Fitness – Thrive with Jen Sinkler Written By : Jennifer Blake

[girlyandunruly]

The 21st Century Feminist

When I was 10 years old I remember being in the kitchen with my parents and I was discussing how my own house would be in the future. I wanted to have a gym and a library… (Sounds a bit unrealistic now haha) and my father’s response was “but why do you want to get married so soon?” which I answered with no hesitation “who said I need to be married to have my own house?”

I didn’t think much of it at the time but I’m now realizing I was always a feminist without even knowing there was a term for it. I never thought I was different than boys. I’ve always thought I was capable of anything. If I wanted a house, an engineering degree, climb the highest mountain, travel through another continent by myself… I will do it and I’ve never thought I needed anyone for financial support or physical protection. I’ve never followed or believed in society’s rules such as the man being the provider. I split checks with my boyfriend every time we eat out, I pay for my own expenses, I don’t believe in a “role” for women or men, I believe a relationship is a partnership where both parties should be respected, supported and no one is “wearing the pants” as people like to say.

There’s a new feminist movement rising which has boosted after the last U.S presidential elections. There has also been controversy opposing the women’s demonstrations, basically saying women have it good in America, there’s no need to protest anything, we just want attention and there are other countries with real problems… But here’s the thing. We elected a misogynist to be the leader of the free world.

A presidential candidate caught on tape calling a woman a bitch, wanting to cheat on his wife and bragging about sexually harassing women – all in a few seconds recording. And this is only one of the numerous times he has disrespected women before and during his campaign. This is not okay. This is not normal. And women are pissed. 

So you ask why is there any feminist movement in 2017? 

This is my life:

   • I grew up with two brothers and my parents never treated me differently than the rest, especially never expected less intellectually or physically.    • I feel safe in my home with my loving, supportive and respectful partner.    • I have great health insurance.    • I work for an environmental organization where women are valued and respected.

But this is not the case for every woman in this country and in the world. There are women that did not have the opportunity to grow up in an environment where they were treated equally. I do not protest for my own personal benefit but to stand up and speak for those without a voice. I speak up against domestic violence, sexual harassment/assault, to preserve women’s reproductive rights and for women to be valued in the workplace. How can anyone oppose this?

And that is why I joined the Women’s March on January 21st, 2017 in my wonderful city: Denver.

The official Women’s March mission statement:

1) All women shall maintain the freedom and lawful protection to choose what is best for them as it concerns their biological and reproductive health.

2) The diverse and vibrant communities of the United States of America shall be protected from political factions that would seek to inhibit their expression and existence by implementing legal restrictions on personal freedoms. These diverse and vibrant communities are the fabric of our great country and shall not be torn by hateful, divisive, and racist rhetoric or actions.

3) All people, regardless of gender, gender identification, ethnicity, racial heritage, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and/or socioeconomic status shall be treated equally and equitably, with respect, dignity and justice for all.

By bringing thousands of people together online and in person at Denver’s Civic Center Park, we strive to provide an outlet and support for those who wish to:

1) Advocate for and defend the most marginalized members of our society.

2) Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations within local Colorado communities.

3) Serve as a model of peaceful demonstration for the young women and men, and girls and boys, who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

4) Honor the women and men who have come before us and fought for human and women’s rights.

A march and rally to voice our unity and support for human rights and social justice.

The moment I read about the Women’s March coming together, I gathered a group of friends to join; people that have never protested in their life. 

Being a veteran activist myself, I came prepared with important phone numbers sharpie written on my arm -in case I got arrested or my phone got stolen- and a GoPro cam attached to my chest filming the whole time in case shit went down.

Luckily it was quite the opposite! The march started as a peaceful demonstration and it ended with the same intention. The Women’s March has been one of the most awe-inspiring events I’ve participated in the U.S. Being surrounded by 200,000 likeminded people from all walks of life, showing their solidarity, love and support for women’s rights, Black Lives Matter, freedom of religion, refugees, freedom of the press, Affordable Care Act, LGBT rights, immigration reform and climate change. You know, the long list of issues to protest…

I didn’t even know this event was a worldwide protest! It was the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history. It’s estimated a worldwide participation of 4.8 million people. At least 408 marches were planned in the U.S. and 168 in 81 other countries. It was a great day.

Those opposing the march asked what are we going to accomplish with this protest? We exercised our first amendment’s right to make our voice heard. And judging by how much the hot topic issues have been discussed, I’d say we’ve accomplished A LOT. And this is only the beginning.

Even though celebrities are NOT the face of the movement, Aziz Ansari NAILED it with great material following the Women’s March success with his SNL opening that same night:

“Change doesn’t come from presidents. Change comes from large groups of angry people. And if Day 1 is any indication, you are part of the largest group of angry people I have ever seen.” - Aziz Ansari.

Only one week of Trump’s presidency and we’ve had “alternative facts”, executive orders jeopardizing the environment, media intimidation and blackouts, mosques in Texas burned to the ground, the unnecessary wall being built with our tax dollars and the latest news: closing the borders to refugees from around the world and temporarily suspending immigration from several predominantly Muslim countries.

I guess the Women’s March is one of the many protests I will be involved in going forward. I’m not an illegal immigrant, I’m not a Muslim, I’m not gay, I’m not a single mother, I don’t have a disability, I’m not a person of color… but Trump wants to threaten their human rights and mother earth? NOT ON MY WATCH.