George

This podcast episode titled "George - Butch on Butch," recorded on February 22, 2015, features George Mapplebeck, from Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, in conversation with Jac Lynch. Throughout the approximately 20-minute discussion, Mapplebeck delves into their personal history and experiences, reflecting on their individual journey and the broader concepts surrounding female masculinity and the butch identity.

Raised on the Kapiti Coast in a middle-class family with educator parents, Mapplebeck describes a childhood filled with imagination and close bonds with their siblings. They recount a sense of independence and a tendency to pursue their own interests rather than conform to gendered expectations, influenced by their mother's belief in gender role flexibility and the mantra that "girls can do anything."

Mapplebeck reveals their participation in the Butch on Butch photo exhibition as a means to engage in discourse about the meaning of butch and its relationship with female masculinity. Identifying as butch, they express that this facet of their identity is ever-evolving and reflects their own understanding and experience of their gender.

Throughout the interview, Mapplebeck recounts acknowledging their butch identity later in life, having previously been perceived as aggressive and non-conforming to traditional feminine interests. They discuss societal reactions and daily challenges faced due to their gender presentation, such as misgendering in public spaces, work settings, and occasional confrontations, but overall, reflects on a positive trajectory in terms of self-acceptance and public perception.

The podcast touches on the shared experience, support, and camaraderie with other butches, emphasizing the value of those connections. Mapplebeck points out that while butch might be a visible identity, leading to certain stereotypes, it is possible to embrace these stereotypes while still being authentic to oneself.

The community's reaction to the Butch on Butch exhibition was largely positive, encouraging ongoing dialogue about butch identity, which can vary among individuals. Mapplebeck also underscores the desire to continue to embody the positive aspects of butch identity, influencing their future relationships and ambitions.

As a role model for younger individuals navigating a butch identity, Mapplebeck advises self-compassion and authenticity while recognizing the increased diversity in self-identification among today's youth facilitated by online platforms like Tumblr.

Additionally, Mapplebeck speaks about involvement with the Queer Trans* Fight Club, a space for queer and trans* people to learn martial arts and self-defense in a supportive environment. This aspect highlights the importance of community spaces that acknowledge and foster diverse queer identities.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

George Mapplebeck

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