Androgyny Made Accessible:

Let’s face the facts, boys: we girls are quickly tiring of your oppressive masculinity. We’re weary from your testosterone-driven antics and we’re ready for a change. What is my suggestion? Hop on the gender-blending train to the land of pseudo-androgyny, because there’s something simply irresistible about blokes expressing the best of both worlds. For those of you whose hearts are fluttering faintly at the thought of such a lifestyle change, fear not – within the next few minutes, you’ll receive enough instruction and assurance to send even the football team captains to a drag show fully equipped and confident.

Before you hastily abandon your ties with too much testosterone, there are a few concepts you ought to be aware of in this gender-bent land. For starters, you'll soon encounter many words and phrases that truly transcend your standard ideas and definitions of male and female. Using such jargon, you’ll find the "lady-boys," or the males with a strong female spirit who often show it off by means of outer style. You’ll also encounter the "nancy-boys," winning your heart by gently gracing you with their effeminate airs and nature despite a very male body. A term encompassing almost all of the femme boys – from the subtle and shy ones to even the most ostentatious and flamboyant – is the "boi." Quite simply, you are going to endeavor to create yourself anew as a boi instead of a boy. Brace yourself for some unconventional relationships and keep your eyes peeled for the girls of theater, art, and music – they’re magnets for your kind. Also, the boi (commonly and affectionately called the pseudo-androgyne) plays an integral role in subcultures, such as the goth and the glam.

Bearing the new terminology and your anticipation of androgynous bliss in mind, you’re ready to begin your transformation. Throw your dull polo shirts and boring khakis in the trash, darling, because you’re about to be made over. Choose your new wardrobe carefully; preferably, go shopping with a companion who can assist you in your new style. Remember the girl from drama club who always wanted to dress you in period costumes? Friends like these make ideal shopping partners. Tight clothing that emphasizes a sleek, tender physique are ideal; however, long and flowing clothes have their rightful places in complimenting the tighter ones as well. Place a high priority on acquiring interesting and feminine textures, i.e. velvet, satin, and soft leather. Don’t be afraid to wander into (or exclusively shop in) the Misses and Girls’ Juniors departments for some items. With enough time, you’ll be bold enough to go for the kilts and the long, flowing skirts as well.

Underneath those fabulous outfits, you’re going to need to tend to your body. Most bois are opposed to body hair (as are the girls who admire them), so you’ll have to work some shaving time into your routine. Eat healthy and exercise enough to keep your body sleek and well-toned. Remember, the aim is to be trim and smooth – not muscle bound or sloppy.

With your hair, body, and clothes in place, you’ll be ready to fix up your face. Some bois will go all out and perform a full make-up regimen daily while others simply go au natural – the choice is yours. Remember to keep your skin and lips well moisturized. If you do play with cosmetics, highlight your best features – bois must accentuate the positive and the pretty! One timeless tradition of boi-hood tells us that whether you’re lining those lids or making those lashes lustrous, your eyes are one of your best bets to draw attention.

Aside from the obvious exterior, boi-hood requires that a certain attitude prevail. Embrace liberalism and ideals of tolerance, diversity, and beauty on all levels. Be prepared to have your sexual preference attacked; therefore, refrain from gender-blending if your sense of sexual orientation is not a secure one. Above all else, remember that you’re representing the best of both worlds – so do it with grace, style, beauty, and kindness!

With these key items in place, you’re ready to take on a whole new world. I assure you that you’ll soon develop a cult following of girls – and maybe boys – so be prepared! You’ll be able to find other bois as well as the female admirers within the social realms of glam rock, gothic subculture, etc. Movies such as Velvet Goldmine and bands like Placebo are good conversation starters and also serve as red flags to identify bois and boi admirers. In conclusion, I offer you the timeless words of the great boi Richey Edwards (of Manic Street Preachers fame), "stay beautiful" – inside and out!