To move beyond the gender binary for Alok is to look beneath the surface of what the eye can see. While reading Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok he describes what is the ” norm” for people who are gender fluid. Looking through the lens of Alok I was able to understand there isn’t just man and woman but instead wherever you feel comfortable. For me that’s how I live my life as well I’m very open-minded and accepting of those around me. I believe my acceptance came from being rejected for my sexuality I never would want someone else to feel that way. I recently met someone who is gender fluid and uses they/them pronouns. It was hard for me at first to not misgender them but to use their born-gender pronouns. It was as if my mind was seeing one thing but my mind knew the proper way of identifying who was standing in front of me. We all have to teach ourselves to accept someone for their are is a genius action and not just a tolerable action. Many will say I accept but behind closed doors, their face will be misgendered or confused, and not try to find understanding. Gender is the shell we live in but we don’t have to confirm this shell. Our shells that we are born in can be designed in any way we want that makes us happy.

I identify as a cisgender female, but I may not be everyone’s typical cisgender female. I’m into fashion so my fashion isn’t just what people will call ” girly style”. I will label myself a sneakerhead with a twist, what that means is the majority of the time I will have on the latest sneakers and will only wear heels for a dinner. My best friend always makes a joke that I have testosterone in my body because I don’t like the typical girly styles much. It hasn’t offended me when he has said that to me because I know he accepts e for me. You will rarely see me in many prints I prefer black, natural tones, and subtle tones in my clothes of choice. I can’t even say I own a polka dot, stripes, or floral print shirt like “cisgender females” have. I prefer to look fashionable and usually go against my gender identity that way. I do fit my gender binary norm because I’m very into my looks as well. My nails, eyelashes, and eyebrows are always done, I love to look nice and give myself that “feminine” look at all times. I have enhanced my feminine side as well my getting certain plastic surgeries done to feel comfortable in my skin.