It was really lovely visiting my former home (and forever home of my heart,) Chicago for a week around Thanksgiving. I'm actually writing this from one of my old haunts, a local bike messenger hang out. Sigh, I wish I was as cool or as pretty as they are. But I digress. Definitely one of the highlights of this trip was getting to hang out and make some art with one of the coolest people I've had the privilege to call friend in this vast city, Rachel. We shot in their South Loop apartment, a place they considers a part of them. It's beautiful, and they're quite justifiably proud of the space they've created. I was dubious because it's kind of dim in there this time of year, but in the end it felt right to be in a space that fit them like a glove. If you want to see the full set, check out my Patreon at http://patreon.com/hellapositive.
After our shoot I asked Rachel a few questions, a format I'm definitely going to try to keep up. Here's what they wrote:
How do you identify?
I identify as a non-binary woman—for me, this means I feel comfortable moving through the world as a woman and being read as a woman, but I don't believe in the gender-binary and I don't want to prop it up. She/her and they/them pronouns are both excellent ways to refer to me. I'm ethically-non-monogamous, bisexual, and queer. My moods almost entirely fall into the categories Old Tegan and Sara or New Tegan and Sara, and my gender presentation ranges from femme for the summer to butch in the winter. Since I like farmers markets, yoga pants, flannel and all-pumpkin-everything, and my apartment is twee af, you could also call me a basic butch.
What makes you feel sexy?
I started training in aerial circus earlier this year, and while there's nothing sexy about falling on my face 20+ times a day, watching myself get stronger and seeing my body as a tool for doing some pretty cool tricks, rather than as an object of aesthetic pleasure, has ironically made me feel sexier. I guess it's like, "Hi, I can do pull-ups for days. Let's make out?" You know those T-shirts that say "The Future Is Female"? I recently bought one that says "The Future Is Female Ejaculation." I expect to feel sexy when I wear it.
What is your favorite part of you?
In keeping with the previous question, I'm going to have to say my lats, brah. It keeps startling me to see photos of them (I'm sure I'm the only one who really notices this, but I feel like they've gotten huge!). Downside: I don't fit into some of my cuter, underwire bras anymore. Very much upside: I am not really wearing bras anymore.
Is there anything else you want the world to know about you and/or your views on sex/sexuality/relationships/sexinessthings?
Yes. Here is my unsolicited advice/PSA for couples out there looking for a unicorn: Be open to splitting up sometimes, and be the unicorns you want to see in the world. Queerness isn't a choice for everyone, but it can be. Make it happen. We will all get laid more and it will be glorious.