Website Update!

Been a minute, because I've been doing the daily grind over there at flickr (where, if you're not a member, you can't see most of my works, cuz they're set to "moderate" or "restricted," mm hmm, but I've finally got my act together, and redesigned my website (where you can see everything). Ta da!

There's a new front page, too.

Okay, so the Claiming Masculinity galleries are down, for the moment. You all will have to let me know how you feel, about that. Over the last year, I've been talking with all of you, and there have been so many changes, I'm leaning toward a whole new set of everybody (not just you, Big Daddy Dre *s).

Meanwhile, I've been photographing femmes. Yup, you heard right. So y'all masculine types can rush over to my galleries, and let me know what you think of the new works.

And most of the recent models have been coming to me to heal trauma. This has evolved into a portfolio I'm calling The Art of Scars. Hey, we've all got scars, whether visible or not. Photographing the beauty of survival is part of the wonder of my work.

And . . . are you wondering . . . is the rumor true: did Emmanuela break ranks with the butch-femme dance? Let me put it this way: I've never been one for "ranks" and, if you've been paying any attention to me at all, over the last several years, you know that's right. What does it even mean, to pay allegiance to one form of loving over another? I was the girl who said butch on butch is hot, hot, hot . . . remember? *s

So, yeah . . . it's true: I fell for one of those women who don't quite identify as "butch." Neither does she identify as "femme." There are still some regions of the world where those markers just don't make any sense, for the citizenry. What're ya gonna do.

I'm happy, and I'm still me. Now, as to whether I'm still seeing that one, let the rumors fly . . . *s

xo

Excuse Me, I Just Tripped Over My Own Assumptions

Today, I write a few friends:

I began this day with a question, one admittedly based on an assumption.

I wondered whether it was true that many to most masculine-ID'd individuals consider themselves protective of femmes.

My assumption/bias has been that yes, they do.

Then I have to wonder whether that's only applicable to lovers and partners. I do know many AGs, butches, etc., who are chivalrous toward all femmes . . . at least in social situations.

Next, I consider the professional realm. Does the protectiveness extend to a femme acting in a professional capacity? That's been my experience, but things are changing.

And, finally, the reason I'm whining: does a camera make me a threat?

I'm noting that masculine-ID'd individuals are suddenly much more concerned about their own shyness, vulnerabilities, and such, than considering whether I am putting myself at risk, in agreeing to photograph strangers, either in unfamiliar locations, or in my own home.

My last thought was: "I thought they would be different than men. Guess I was wrong."

And what I think about bio men relative to my experience of safety is not always so happy, believe me.

Is there one or more errors in my logic, here?

A Whiny, Foot-Stomping Femme *s


One sweet, chivalrous butch responds to tell me that most butches are protective of femmes in general, not just in private or social situations.

But I don't see the truth of that, at the moment . . . excepting with that particular butch (to whom I send out a great happy wave and a smile).

In many instances, however, this project is bringing to the fore a great deal of intensity about privacy.

Part of my job, yes, is to offer the most professional assurance I can that all matters will be handled in such a way as to provide for the safety and concerns of each participant.

The guidelines for participation do detail my needs for clear communication between myself and those with whom I'm working, and that all collaboration leads to a project that is positively effective for everyone involved.

What surprises me is that I'm so often told talking with me is phenomenally easy, and I'm now finding my questions to participants are somehow troubling the waters.

A wise friend says, "Focus on those with whom there's a good fit. That's going to make for the best project outcome. Don't worry about the rest."

Have I mentioned I fret over just about everything?

Today, I have learned that project participants are allowing me views of aspects of themselves many wouldn't ordinarily see. I'm honored by that.

Things will settle into a natural groove.

As soon as I dust myself off from tripping over those damned assumptions *s


~Emmanuela