Hermaphrodytes

My Tivo decided I would be interested in a show on the Discover channel about hermaphrodytes called "Is it a Boy or a Girl?". Tivo was right. It was fascinating. And last night, I had a dream in which I unexplainably grew a beard and alienated my family.

This spring was a bit genderly challenging as I played a man in the musical "Kiss Me Kate." Besides the opportunity to sing "Too Darn Hot," I was able to explore feelings about being a woman, something I often socially resented, and pretending to be a man, something I really didn't feel comfortable doing. Not only did I not get to have all the fun hairstyles the other females had in this 40's - 50's era, but I was kind of an alien: the men didn't really accept me and I wasn't one of the girls, either.

Through this experience, I realized that I rather liked being female, but without all the social trappings and expectations. For example, I opted to not have children. I'm not really even comfortable being married and usually chafe against any sort of binding coupledom. I love being in love, as long as I'm free. But I like my woman's body and my woman's mind and my woman's point of view on the world.

Interestingly, "Kiss Me Kate" is a sort of anti-feminist plot involving corporal punishment and the breaking of one's spirit to conform to social norms. Many of the women in the cast were quite upset with some of the lines and outcomes of the plot. Although a feminist, I wasn't really bothered -- too much -- by it all. But I did have to act on stage like I was one of the boys, agreeing with Kate when she lamented that "women are so simple." Now, that was acting.

Being born a woman in the 50's, coming of age in the 70's, it was confusing enough to try to define what it means to be a woman. I can't imagine not at least having a clear message from my body that I am one. If you get a chance to see the show on Discover, don't miss it.