Cath Nichols
How to tell your story: Part 1
In writing your memoir, remember not to be truthful. That is,
if you are a man born female. I guess
that your circumstances are straightened, compared to how things were,
the pressure to be female has returned. You need
the cash of a kiss and tell. Though, first you should judge
the climate of your time before going into print.
Get your cover story straight. Some periods of history require
heroics,
but display a lack of curiosity as to sexual preferences;
they take no fear - or delight - in lesbian inferences.
In fact, it’s not until the nineteenth century
that the frisson of a cross-dressed woman really comes into its own. Post-1800 feel free to flirt with female members of your audience.
Before this time you must play upon your celibacy,
fashion your adventures as a modern day Joan of Arc;
be consumed with a patriotic fervour, burn with a passion for your country
(and your countryman, where applicable). Do not confess
to a love of the dress, or uniform, nor a need for male respect
and a situation in life where what’s between your legs is less of an issue
if you are a man born female. I guess
that your circumstances are straightened, compared to how things were,
the pressure to be female has returned. You need
the cash of a kiss and tell. Though, first you should judge
the climate of your time before going into print.
Get your cover story straight. Some periods of history require
heroics,
but display a lack of curiosity as to sexual preferences;
they take no fear - or delight - in lesbian inferences.
In fact, it’s not until the nineteenth century
that the frisson of a cross-dressed woman really comes into its own. Post-1800 feel free to flirt with female members of your audience.
Before this time you must play upon your celibacy,
fashion your adventures as a modern day Joan of Arc;
be consumed with a patriotic fervour, burn with a passion for your country
(and your countryman, where applicable). Do not confess
to a love of the dress, or uniform, nor a need for male respect
and a situation in life where what’s between your legs is less of an issue
than how well you fire a musket. Cultivate
your sea legs, and do nothing to rock the boat.
Page(s) 46
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- Lamport Court
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- Magma
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- Matter
- Modern Poetry in Translation
- Monkey Kettle
- Moodswing
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- North, The
- Oasis
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- Paper, The
- Pen Pusher Magazine
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- Poetry Salzburg Review
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- Rialto, The
- Second Aeon
- Seventh Quarry, The
- Shearsman
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- Staple
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- Tabla Book of New Verse, The
- Thumbscrew
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