Roberta Colindrez, known for roles in A League of Their Own, Vida, Fun Home, discusses gender identity's influence on clothing choices, the struggles of embracing femininity, and the challenges of wardrobe choices for characters in film and television. They also talk about gendered interactions in the entertainment industry and the pressure on actors to represent the LGBTQ+ community.
The importance of discussing and understanding gender expansiveness and the exploration of queer masculinity in cis women.
The challenges of finding clothing that fits non-binary or plus-size bodies and the reliance on platforms like eBay to discover unique pieces that align with personal style.
Deep dives
Gender exploration and queer masculinity
The podcast episode delves into the concept of gender expansiveness and the exploration of queer masculinity in individuals who still identify as cis women. The speaker, a butch lesbian, shares personal experiences of unlearning societal expectations of femininity and embracing a more expansive understanding of women that includes queer masculinity. The importance of discussing and understanding gender expansiveness is highlighted, as well as the fascination with individuals who identify as male but have reclaimed queer femininity.
Navigating personal style and gender expression
The episode engages in a conversation about personal style and its connection to gender expression. The speakers share their experiences of rediscovering and reinventing their wardrobes to align with their gender identities. They discuss the importance of layering as a form of gender expression, noting that layering is often associated with a queer aesthetic. The speakers also reflect on the challenges of finding clothing that fits their non-binary or plus-size bodies, and the reasons behind their reliance on platforms like eBay to discover unique pieces that align with their personal style.
The intersection of femininity and masculinity
The podcast explores the intersection of femininity and masculinity, highlighting the complexities and insecurities that arise when failing to conform to societal expectations of femininity. The speakers discuss their personal journeys of being perceived as women while also embracing elements of masculinity. They share stories of feeling out of place in femininity and the pressure to prove their womanhood. The conversation delves into the tension between personal identity and societal perception, ultimately questioning the idea of authenticity in gender expression.
Acting, gender, and reclaiming narratives
The episode delves into the experiences of the guest, Roberta Calindres, as an actor and her portrayal of characters that align with her own gender identity. The discussion centers around the challenges and opportunities of being cast as a queer and butch individual. The guest reflects on the expectations and limitations placed on actors in terms of their personal gender expressions and how this impacts their ability to play diverse roles. There is a broader conversation about the need for actors and the industry to embrace greater diversity and allow for more varied representations of gender and identity in storytelling.
Roberta Colindrez (A League of Their Own, Vida, Fun Home) talks "Romy and Michele" skirts, getting they/them'd in a Target, and predicting that Ricky Martin was gay.
Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world.