What It Means To Be Genderqueer: Exploring Beyond the Binary

This world is full of beautiful people who belong to various identities. In this blog, we are going to discuss the identity of being Genderqueer, and who is better than Genderqueer Rapper Dean FM to weigh in.

The Definition of Genderqueer

This phrase is frequently used in the LGBTQ community as an umbrella term that includes those who are of different gender identities. In order to provide you with a direct perspective, we decided to invite Genderqueer Rapper Dean FM, as a rapper who falls within the Genderqueer spectrum for an interview session with JB-Top picks. This blog post defines “What is Genderqueer” and through a creative and real-world viewpoint, explores the challenges and thought processes involved in thinking in a way that deviates from gender norms.

It is important to understand Gender identities. Genderqueer is an umbrella term used to describe gender identities that exist outside of the traditional binary of male and female. People who identify as both male and female, neither male nor female nor something in between. Transgender, non-binary, third gender, genderfluid, agender, and many other labels are also identified as genderqueer. 

In our JB-Top picks, We asked our multi-talented, non-binary rapper & mental health advocate Dean FM, the same question.

The Definition of Genderqueer

What is Genderqueer

Q: What is Genderqueer to you?

A: The technical definition is, in simple terms, a gender identity where you lie outside the gender binary. I feel it’s incredibly important to understand that I as well as others don’t necessarily identify with terms that we 100% know the technical definition for. I use the term because it’s safer and I feel comfortable as an outside descriptor, rather than saying androgynous or cross-dresser as obviously there are negative connotations with these descriptors.  

I feel like I identify more with Genderqueer in that while I’m undecided and searching for where I’m going to fall in the range of identity in terms of gender whether male or female or between, I enjoy the way I am. Unfortunately identifying with Genderqueer is just how people will look at me so I leave it at that.

In this video, lesbian rapper JASS BIANCHI and Genderqueer rapper Dean FM briefly discuss the definition of Genderqueer.

Genderqueer and Mental Health

Genderqueer and Mental Health

Genderqueer people often experience mental health challenges due to a lack of understanding and acceptance from society. Gender non-conforming individuals are more likely to face discrimination, harassment, or abuse. They may also struggle with a sense of social isolation and exclusion from traditional gender roles that don’t fit their identity.

For this reason, Genderqueer people often feel lonely and feel forced to hide their true selves from the world. This way of thinking frequently results in the creation of a universe separate from the one that people who are gender-confirming live in. This lifestyle occasionally poses a threat and can result in substance use, unhealthy romantic partnerships, and social anxiety.

Genderqueer and Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources for the Genderqueer

Considering the above, genderqueer individuals need to have access to mental health resources that are specifically built toward their unique needs to create a safe space for them to express themselves in all possible ways. Knowing that there is a supportive community, society, or neighborhood out there that understands and accepts them can make all the difference in helping genderqueer individuals manage their mental health. At the end of the day, we all want to feel accepted and loved.

By advocating for Genderqueer rights and providing Genderqueer people with the resources they need, we can create a more inclusive and informed society where everyone can feel accepted and valued.

In the video below, lesbian rapper JASS BIANCHI and Genderqueer rapper Dean FM briefly discuss Genderqueer Mental Health resources.

Educating society: “What is Genderqueer”

What is Genderqueer?

Educating ourselves on Genderqueer issues and sensitivity towards Genderqueer people can also go a long way toward creating more inclusive environments where the Genderqueer feel welcome and accepted.  Genderqueer people should not be ashamed of who they are. 

Everyone deserves to live in a world where they can be their true selves and express themselves freely without fear of discrimination or judgment.  Genderqueer people should always feel safe knowing that there is a supportive community out there that will accept them for who they are.

There must be more mediums and channels for educating society about the fact that “They are human and have feelings”.

What is Genderqueer: The Necessity to Express Through Creative Means

As you might expect, the inflated pressure of hiding one’s true self can result in a constant desire to find a secure way to express it. 

Dean FM is known for his bold personality in the genderqueer community. He is an inspiring voice in the genderqueer community and continues to advocate for a more inclusive society. He has used his music and art to express how he feels about being genderqueer and to provide a platform for other genderqueer individuals. 

Her works explore what it means to live outside of the traditional gender binary, challenging people both outside and even inside of the LGBTQ community to rethink their preconceived notions about gender and how we see ourselves. A direct example-, you may have noticed in this article that we have referred to Dean FM as he and she, but not they. These are the pronouns that Dean FM is most comfortable with.

Considering this necessity to express oneself through creative means, we asked Dean FM about his own experience in doing so.

What do you feel is the most important part about creating?

Dean FM: Creating provides me with an outlet always. At the end of the day we all die so you gotta be able to indulge your spirit. Yes you can make a tremendous cultural impact but to achieve greater progress in your skill get involved and passionate with what you are doing, but for yourself too.“

The Genderqueer Identity

Identifying as Genderqueer

To understand the artist, we must also consider digging beyond the creative and delve deeper to learn more about Dean’s identity outside of being an artist.

How did you figure out that you are Gender nonconforming?

Dean FM: “ It was impossible to avoid. 14 years of effeminate feelings unexpressed, and of “weird” feelings about boys, at some point you have to at the very least acknowledge feelings you have if potentially completely contradictory to how you thought you were. Even if for whatever reason you feel uncomfortable with coming out or acknowledging in the presence of others, just accepting a feeling and coming to terms with it I believe in and of itself is very mentally liberating.”

Outside of being Genderqueer, what makes you, you?

Dean FM: First of all, and interestingly enough. I don’t know but I think that it is valuable to address that question. Being gender queer and having been so daily in some way shape or form , I can’t necessarily generalize my life experience to the community as a whole, out of respect for the other gender queer members. 

In my journey there are so many strategies that go through my mind that I must contemplate and choose which ones I use to defend myself against the intense societal impact on my view of myself. Combining these enormous societal pressures with my diagnoses of social anxiety and depression has consequently resulted in a lot of conflicting signals  to the point where seeing any absolute “truth” in my life is virtually impossible. 

For me, and probably many others with these clinical diagnoses, there are ongoing struggles to get through these inner obstacles and survive through daily life, and I continually try to build emotional strength. In attempting to do that , I sometimes ending up shutting down constructive thought to focus on creating a safe space where I feel more secure. In summary it’s either I’m having internal dialogues daily even , or I’m at home ruminating, sad and depressed because it’s so engraved on me.

I emphasize my emotional struggles are not  typical of all queer people. My point is that it’s OK if you are not confident in your identity, and this does not invalidate you. For me, aspiring to be an activist, notable rap performer, and humble role model for gender questioning youth, all depends on my efforts to bolster my emotional strength. 

So from my perspective, I cannot speak nor do I want to speak for anybody or to anybody a prescriptive solution to mental health or dysphoria,  and that’s why I don’t, but that by itself is certainly relatable to others therefore more emphasis on uncertainty is what I peddle. Baby steps and being a late bloomer all should be normalized into the spectrum of adult behavior.

A Message to the Genderqueer Community

A Message to the Genderqueer Community from BIPOC Genderqueer Rapper Dean FM

Considering there may be other genderqueer people out there reading this that can relate with Dean, we asked her what she would recommend to those who still are determining where they fit within the gender spectrum.

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to figure which gender identity they identify as?

Dean FM: Personally I cannot advise anybody of internal gender discovery and how to find your identity in the spectrum,  or anything related to mental health. Not saying it’s a mental problem in a stigmatic sense but it is for sure an issue to talk out, with if not family or friends, doctors, therapist, whatever you feel most comfortable with because it’s an individual journey for everybody. I represent the concept of being gender queer in dressing way outside of any expectation in the binary. Don’t think about how you appear to others, but about how your appear to yourself in how you dress. After all your journey is about you.

Conclusion:

After reading “What is genderqueer” and placing a spotlight on the problems and struggles within this community, it is important to realize that instead of judging, let’s accept people for who they are! We hope Dean’s example will inspire our community to continue challenging gender norms and create a world where we can all be accepted regardless of whatever gender we belong to.

If you’d like to learn more or be considered for an interview, please contact us at yourfriends@colorinsound.com! Thanks for reading and most of all, thanks for keeping an open mind!