After publicly expressing my desire for top surgery, many people instantly expected me to get bottom surgery as well. It seemed impossible for others to separate the two in their mind, due to society’s views on normalcy.

Any body outside of the binary anatomy of male and female is wrongly deemed abnormal. Because of this systematic view, I was encouraged to consider bottom surgery, even though it did not feel right.

But, there is no "right." Identities, bodies, and almost everything else in the world is on a spectrum. Luckily, I realized this and embraced my queer anatomy, while simultaneously, rejecting society’s views on normalcy.

Chella Man

In my opinion, normalcy should be discarded. It creates this mythical standard that forces individuals to compare themselves to others. The world should move towards the acceptance of bodies and identities as a spectrum without shame.

MaryV Benoit

My body does not fit into the anatomical binary, and it is just as valid as those whose bodies do.

MaryV Benoit

The world’s lack of diversity should not influence one’s self-love.

I should not feel forced to morph my body into others’ expectations and ideals.

Neither should you.

Chella Man is a 19-year-old, deaf, genderqueer, queer artist currently transitioning on testosterone. He is studying virtual reality programming at The New School in New York City, while creating art on the side. His main focus is to educate others on issues regarding being queer and disabled within a safe space.