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Masculinity Quote by Mitch Kellaway

“The term “FTM-Butch Border War” just sounds like an alien land of yore. How is it that the gravitational pull of my beard and low-voice should hold [my lesbian friend's] masculinity in deferential orbit? That when standing side-by-side we are supposedly read in comparison, rendering her…” quote by Mitch Kellaway
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““The term “FTM-Butch Border War” just sounds like an alien land of yore. How is it that the gravitational pull of my beard and low-voice should hold [my lesbian friend's] masculinity in deferential orbit? That when standing side-by-side we are supposedly read in comparison, rendering her unalterably more feminine—shorthand, in patriarchal societies, for “lesser than”? Masculinity has more than enough space to spare. But sometimes its flesh-and-blood vessels act as if we have to wound each other for it, like dogs fighting over too few scraps. Anyway, [she] and I know without speaking that in reality, right here and right now in our present moment, that she and I are two different sides of the same coin; two keys sung for the same tune." - from "Snapshots: "Sharing Space with Women," Original Plumbing Magazine 2014””

Mitch Kellaway

About This Quote

Source Magazine: Original Plumbing, “Snapshots: Sharing Space with Women,” 2014

The quote reflects on gender dynamics, noting that masculinity and femininity are socially compared, yet ultimately complementary and interdependent.

In simple terms: Gender roles are socially compared but are two sides of the same coin.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shared humanity beyond gender labels.

Themes

gender identity masculinity femininity social comparison

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • friendship
  • activism
  • personal reflection
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

intersectionality social construct relational identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you experience gender comparison in daily life?
  • What can shift the narrative from competition to collaboration?
A Different Perspective

May overlook individual agency within structural constraints.

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