Because I really don't/can't do girly on a day to day, but I do love to put it on sometimes (see: prom) and it does feel very much like costuming.

That makes sense to me now, too. That's very much me.

As someone with a peacock/brown living room, I approve of that colour scheme.

I have a definite opposition to calling that performing female. I would call that performing feminine.

Then there's the question of if it goes beyond clothing. I have no urge to change how I behave--I behave just as female as I ever want to.

I am totally copying you Sue!

ok. I feel good about that room, now on to my room.

I have a definite opposition to calling that performing female. I would call that performing feminine.

That's fair, but I do think that the stereotype or whatever is the same thing. The cultural -- not ideal, but maybe vision? of a woman is dolled up. I'm not saying it's always about poufy dresses in the world -- it could be the sexy secretary or whatever.

I am totally copying you Sue!

My living room always makes me happy. Except when it's a total mess.

I'm not saying it's always about poufy dresses in the world -- it could be the sexy secretary or whatever.

For me it's twofold--I wear skirts more often than not. My recent urges are definitely more than that. My normal look is definitely not androgynous, so feminine is the right adjective.

Also, when I wear jeans, I am also female, and I'm militant about that. Female is my default state, fighting, coding, sci-fi, comics, everything. The stereotype can go fuck itself.

Feminine is the cultural baggage, to me.

I'm inclined to agree with ita. My chromosomes and gender identification (cis) make me female. My use of socially constructed gender identifiers (wearing feminine clothes, makeup, accessories) may also make me look feminine. Or I could dress in a traditionally masculine way, complete with Old Spice bodywash and a Cocky belt buckle, and look somewhat masculine (although probably not very). But I'd still be female.

Also, when I wear jeans, I am also female, and I'm militant about that. Female is my default state, fighting, coding, sci-fi, comics, everything. The stereotype can go fuck itself.

Feminine is the cultural baggage, to me.

That's a good distinction to make, I think. I do feel very female when I'm dressed as I usually am (jeans, sweaters, boots) but there is a difference in how feminine I feel when I've got on nail polish or I'm wearing a dress.

I do feel very female

This is something that I think about a lot, for obvious reasons. And my conclusion is, I have NO idea what being female "feels like." (Which is not a slam on you, Amy; it's more my internal maunderings.)

Performing "feminine," I understand. (As well its corollary, performing "masculine.") But feeling female -- I don't know what that means *for me*.