Posing Me: Masculine Gender Non-Conformity in Academia

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With a name like "Abigail Sewell", people are usually surprised to meet me -- black, queer, masculine-of-center woman. Intending to put my gender non-conforming self on blast, I showed up to my Emory photo shoot by Bryan Meltz this past Fall in full gear -- tie, sweater vest, fancy socks, bright colored button down, and oxfords. I was pleased a couple of weeks later when Bryan sent me pictures that revealed myself as strong, confident, and at ease. This is the face that I want to present to students: We are not all battle-weary. Instead, the battle to be and write authentic fuels me to look to myself as the source of my own safety net and creative muse. Basically, it starts with me.

I was reminded of that when a student in a class I guest lectured in this past Fall came to me and asked: "I hope you don't mind, but...Where do you buy your clothes?" A bit startled, I fumbled a bit for an answer. Yet, as this fellow Black masculine-of-center, gender non-conforming person looked at me quizzically for a credible answer, I found my voice steadily. Where I shop for my clothes is a deeply personal act of resistance I take against a racist gender regime that does not love my body. It's also a very personal act of comfort, so I will not be sharing the answer in public.

Nonetheless, I share with you this picture reel of five (5) shots taken by someone who did not try to put me into a box. They simply asked me to act "natural" so they could capture the essence of the look behind my eyes.

Enjoy!














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