Women
SheWired Presents: The United States of Tomboy
The United States of Tomboy Features Lesbians from Across the Country
Meet Tomboys from all around the country.
July 30 2014 11:58 AM EST
May 31 2023 3:57 PM EST
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SheWired Presents: The United States of Tomboy
Meet Tomboys from all around the country.
Hey Tomboys!
Introducing SheWired's United States of Tomboy! This blog post came from one simple Instagram comment on the photo below. Here's the post (that's me in Downtown, Los Angeles; Hello!):
And here is the comment that got this ball rolling from @wsmeier25: "California style so different than here in the heartland! ;-)"
So that got me thinking! How does style change depending on where you live? Many times I have been on the road for a comedy gig, donning my not so uncommon Los Angeles drop-crotch pants, and I get the, "You're not from around here are ya?" Someone even asked me that once at the airport. The airport!? So much of where we call home reflects how we are shaped is molded into our style.
Furthermore, what even constitutes "Tomboy" seems to have its range.
So what is Tomboy? How do we differ and how are we the same? The purpose of this post is to introduce ourselves to ourselves. From the heartland of the Midwest to the stop-and-go traffic of Los Angeles, from the beauty of Washington State to the ummmmm of Florida State. (Kidding! I grew up in FL. GO GATORS!)
Tomboys roll up our sleeves in all shapes and sizes, all walks of life, all ages and ethnicities. This slideshow provides what I think is just the beginning of some really fascinating insight. Flip through the first round of OG (original gangsta) Tomboys who have stepped up to rep their hometowns. States that participated are listed in close to alphabetical order. Presenting, the United States of Tomboy.
(BY THE WAY AND THE MOST IMPORTANTEST NOTE EVER: this is a rolling casting call. We want you to particpate and be a part of this project. Flip to the final page of the slide-show to see how you can have a chance to be featured on SheWired and involved in reppin' your hometown).
Without further ado! LET THE SLIDE SHOW BEGIN! ALABAMA is on the next page!
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - ALABAMA
Meet Jessy G. of Birmingham.
Hey America! I'm Jessy G. and I hail from Birmingham, Alabama. I am the barn manager for a jumper/dressage riding academy just south of the city. I am passionate about solving life's mysteries, but even more so, caring for and easing the load of those who cross my path. Currently I am planning my next tattoo. The one item I can't live without in my closet is my spirit horse necklace because it's a reminder to hone strength and journey forward with grace and freedom.
PS Jessy, Lianna here - Thanks for participating! Alabama Football Sux (rib-jab)
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - ALASKA
Meet Sinclaire Sexsmith from Southeast Alaska
Photo Credit: Meg Allen, www.megallenstudio.com
Greetings! I'm Anne Haley and I am proud to call the great state of Arkansas my home. I am a political strategist/community organizer/graphic designer and I am about to start graduate school to get my Masters in Public Service. My passion is LGBTQ advocacy and gender issues and I believe we must engage and transform our social, cultural, economic and political systems in order to ensure equity, eliminate injustice and effect positive social change. I am also currently on the board of a local non-profit working to create transitional living programs for LGBTQ homeless young adults. The one item in my closet I can't live without is my collection of blazers because I MEAN BUSINESS!
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - COLORADO
Meet "Queens & Cowboys" Star, Char Duran
Thank you SheWired for your support of Lianna's project - United States of Tomboy. It is an honor to represent my home state of Colorado. I'm Char Duran and I reside just north/east of the Mile High City - Denver Colorado but my heart and love lives in Leadville Colorado which is where I spend most of my free time. Leadville was once a thriving wild west mining town with over 30 thousand people including Doc Holiday, Texas Jack and the Unsinkable Molly Brown, but now has settled down into a small mountain community that is 10,152ft above sea level, so you can imagine the views! Currently I am a Fleet Maintenance Manager for a major rental car company, but my real life and passion is rodeo. I compete competitively on the International Gay Rodeo Circuit (IGRA) as well as Traditional (Straight) circuits. My horse (Snowball) and I are retired barrel racers and I now compete in Bull Riding and Chute Dogging (Steer Wrestling). Why Bull Riding? Well, because I suck at golf and I throw like a girl! Hahaha But all kidding aside, I am a thrill seeker and my beautiful state offers plenty of activities I love like hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and rafting but there is no thrill in the world like an 8 second ride! What other sport can make you appreciate your life one second at a time? I know most people think of Texas when they hear Cowboy or Cowgirl, but the western spirit is alive and well in Colorado. I bet you didn't know the very first Rodeo was held in just east of Denver in Deer Trail Colorado? Well it would be obvious to say that the one item in my closet I can't live without would be my boots or cowboy hat, but if I had to choose it would most likely be a hat. I usually have something covering my noggin like a ball cap, my summer straw or my dress felt cowboy hat. The only time my head isn't covered is if the occasion requires or a fresh haircut. You can discover more about me and my IGRA Rodeo Family in Matt Livadary's award winning documentary Queens and Cowboys. To learn about the film and know where it is playing please visit www.QueensandCowboys.com for details. Also, to help sponsor a Bull Rider (like me) or learn more about the sport please visit ToughBullRiders.com. Oh yeah you can like 'em on Facebook too! :-)
May all your dreams come true 8 seconds at a time!
Meet Lindsay M. of Stamford, Connecticut
Hey everybody! I'm Lindsay from Stamford, CT. I'm currently working in television as a Media Sales Planner. I've recently started dabbling in kayaking, frankly who doesn't find peace on the water. I've also started co-producing cabaret shows and am currently working on writing a book. I seriously can't live without my sneakers; Converse, Creative Recreation or Vans. I have quite the collection.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - DELAWARE
Meet Kaci Clark-Porter of Wilmington
Hi, America! My name is Kaci Clark-Porter. My wife and I live in Wilmington, Delaware where I currently serve as the Christian Education Coordinator at an awesome downtown Presbyterian Church. When I'm not writing a sermon or planning a Sunday school lesson, you can find me perusing TheTieBar.com (where I assuage my bow tie addiction!), enjoying a little wine and cheese with friends, or camping in the mountains with my lovely wife and our pit bull, Hazel. The two fashion items I couldn't live without are my bow ties (seriously, every occasion is an opportunity to rock a bow tie...even the beach) and good hair product -- American Crew, here's lookin' at you.
(And, if I might add, my fashion icon is Molly McGinnis of Louisiana. On top of being an fabulous Tomboy, she is an incredible person!)
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - FLORIDA
Meet Joan Hepsworth
Not all tomboy's are 22. I was a tomboy when girls were still required to wear dresses to school circa 1970. My only savior was that it was Ohio. Mom let me wear pants under my dress in the winter. I left the pants on and ditched the dress when I got to school. I let my mother dress me for my sister's wedding when I was 21. It was what I considered my mom's last hurrah to dress me as a girl. As you can see she forgot to give me walking lessons. I am now 49. I'm still just as much as a tomboy as I ever was. Appropriately named Joan. Thank goodness I haven't been burned at the stake yet! Sincerely, Joan Hepsworth
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - GEORGIA
Meet Destiny Ramos of Atlanta, Georgia
Hey America, I'm Destiny Ramos and I hail from Atlanta, GA. My passion is poetry and music, mostly because of the emotion and power both can have on an individual. When I write I want to bring out some type of feeling or reaction from my audience or myself. I am new to the city of Atlanta and looking forward to new experiences and people. Basically I'm just here to enjoy this specific chapter in my life's book. The items in my closet I can't live without are my button downs because I simply love them! Super grown & sexy if you wear it right. Makes me feel grown-upy... Ha!
United States of Tomboy - GEORGIA
Meet Keri of Powder Springs
Hey, ladies and all of you other folks! I am from Powder Springs, GA and currently live in Atlanta, GA. I have a degree in Psychology (which I'm not using ;)) and work for an insurance company. I love animals, so I am passionate about animal rescue. I adore Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and Fur Kids (Gotta rep local charities). I am also into aggressive inline skating. It's an extreme sport that is tons of fun. I only hope that more females get involved. I cannot live without my smartphone. I know that is a cliche answer, but it has my music, photos of loved ones, etc. What can I say?! Also, comfortable shoes are a must!!
Meet Kayla Tabb of Boise, Idaho
Hi everyone! I'm Kayla Tabb, 31, Aquarius, born and raised in Boise, Idaho. My business card says, "videographer, musician, comedy and cat enthusiast." Always dabbling in a lot of creative projects, I recently launched www.butchmountain.com and pitched a sitcom paying homage to my hometown and gender identity called "BOI" to NBC for a contest. One item in my closet I can't live without is a seasonally appropriate plain black hat because I cut my own hair.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - ILLINOIS
Meet Lindsay McRich
Hey America! I'm Lindsey - I hail from Chicago IL but I haven't forgotten my Southern upbringing, y'all. I am a pediatric behavior therapist and studying to be an occupational therapist. I am training for my first Chicago Marathon and fundraising for Team Up! Autism Speaks. It's a cause very close to my heart! The item in my closet I can't live without is my Willie Nelson T-shirt. I'm kind of obsessed with him.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - ILLINOISMeet Ali B. of Chicago, Illinois
Ali Borowsky here! I'm a designer based out of Chicago, Illinois, armed to the teeth with pencils, pixels, vectors and nearly everything else in between. I enjoy long walks down art store aisles, drinking in new sources of inspiration, crafting eye-catching design (aliborowsky.com) and creating captivating illustrations. When I'm not making the world more beautiful, I'm laying people out on the rugby pitch as a Center for Chicago North Shore Women's Rugby. I'm also founder/creative director at Find Your Anchor (www.findyouranchor.com). Simply put, Find your Anchor is a grassroots, pay it forward, organic movement all in one. Aimed at suicide prevention and awareness, it's purpose is to offer hope, resources, and inspiration to those thinking about or impacted by suicide. On a lighter note, I always, and I mean always have my longboard, bongos and frisbee in my trunk! What else does a girl need?!
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - IOWA
Meet Tuesdae of Des Moines, Iowa
Hey America, I'm Tuesdae and I hail from Des Moines. I work for the State Treasurer’s Office and enjoy doing anything outside, hanging with my friends and my dog Parker. The one item in my closet I can't live without are my cardigan sweaters because they go with everything.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - KENTUCKY
Meet Robin of Grant's Lick, KY
Hello! I'm Robin and I'm from a tiny spot in Kentucky called Grant's Lick. No joke. I am a public librarian and love to promote literacy and equality. I have a passion for social justice. Ask me what your local public library can do for you! All for free! I love to read short stories, bicycle to work, drive old pickup trucks, roam for antiques, and try to live by the idea that less is more. I've been a tomboy for my entire life but at some point the cowboy boots were switched out for Vans and believe it or not, I don't know a thing about horse racing.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - LOUISIANA
Meet Molly McGinnis of Shreveport, Louisiana
Hey America, I'm Molly and I hail from Shreveport, Louisiana. I just graduated from a Presbyterian seminary in Austin, Texas. My passions are writing, traveling, men's fashion, meeting new people, taking pictures, cooking, and hanging out with my corgi. I am currently roving around the United States and visiting friends and family, while I look for a job. The things in my closet I can't live without are my Polo oxford shirts. I have them in almost every color! It's hot in the South, and oxford cloth keeps you cool while still giving that polished, preppy look.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - MARYLAND
Meet Eli Webster of University Park, MD
Hi America, I'm Eli and I'm from University Park, MD. I work in a few museums in Washington DC, giving tours about women's rights-I'm a professional feminist! I also play rugby for the DC Furies, it's a great team full of great people (and we're always looking for more ruggers, come join us!) The one item in my closet I can't live without is a fitted black tee (actually I have 4), they go with everything! I'm all about simplicity.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - MICHIGAN
Meet Anna from Grad Rapids, MI.
Hey America, I'm Anna and I hail from Grand Rapids, MI. My passion is advocating for issues in several social justice movements -- mainly in the Disability and LGBT Rights movements. I am currently working towards my Graduate Degree in Communication with a Bachelor Degree in Sociology. The items in my closet I can't live without are my favorite pair of jeans and roughed up leatherboots because I'm a country girl at heart.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - MICHIGAN
Meet Melissa of Muskegon
Hey America, I'm Melissa Mills and I am from Muskegon, MI. I am a critical care paramedic. My passion is my job because I love being able to help people. I currently am adjusting to freshly turning 40 and I am loving life! The one item in my closet I can't live without is a plain white T.shirt because there's nothing better than putting on a clean, crisp tee with a pair of comfy jeans and a hat; wearing them all while getting into my Jeep next to my girl with our dog and taking a ride.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - MINNESOTA
Meet Christy "Critty" of Soutwhest Minnesota
Hey America, I'm Christy but you can call me Critty. I'm the blonde in the picture. The prettier one is my partner in crime. Her name is Mya. I come from a tiny town in southwest Minnesota. I am the Executive Chef at a steak house. My passion is anything I can get dirty doing; fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking through a local state park with Mya. Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy! The one thing I can't live without is my Buff because well ...it's badass.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - NEW YORK
Meet Anne Alexander of N.Y.C, New York
Well hey, I’m Anne and I’m from NYC, Bed Stuy specifically. I’m a part time bartender, full time hustler. I get myself into trouble hanging around town with friends, exploring this borough on my bike and traveling as often as possible. Recently myself and two other queer cuties started an international pop music media platform you can find on pgtfnyc.com. The one thing I can’t live without at home is fancy bar soap, because that’s how you know you’ve made it…well in the shower at least.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - NEW YORK
Meet Arizona of Brooklyn, NY
Hiya America, I'm Arizona and I live in Brooklyn, NY. I am an art department coordinator for a CBS TV show, which basically means I keep construction and set decoration on budget throughout a season. I absolutely adore my job but outside of work, I can be found rebuilding vintage mopeds, hitting up Rockaway for a surf session, or simply enjoying a hoppy brew at the local with friends. I also am currently working on a documentary project that is in the pitching stages for various networks (fingers crossed!). The one item in my closet I can't live without is...my shoes. All 50 pairs!
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - MASSACHUSETTS
Meet Karen from Boston
Hey there, I'm Karen from Boston MA. I'm a police officer by day and a new mom 24/7!! My beautiful wife gave birth to our baby girl 11 weeks ago and we couldn't be happier! The doctor actually let ME deliver her! Most amazing event of my life. Boston lesbian night life is eclectic and a great time. Come visit Boston we have plenty of style here for everyone!
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - NORTH CAROLINAMeet Ginny G. of Greensboro, North Carolina
Hey America, I'm Ginny and I hail from Greensboro, NC. I work for REI and make historical leather goods with Mojo Leather. My passion is fly fishing! I also am currently planning an 8 day canoe trip with my wonderful partner. The one item I can't live without is my Native Sunglasses because, well... they are amazing. I literally don't go outside without them.
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY - NORTH CAROLINA
Meet Collier Reeves of Durham, North Carolina
UNITED STATES OF TOMBOY to the North - CANADA!
Meet Kris from Toronto
Dear America: I'm Kris and I am Canadian. I hail from the big city of Toronto, found in Ontario, should you ever decide to visit our amazing country. I am currently working as a momma/nanny/musician/artist/writer. My passion is loving people because people are worth it. I also am a vegetarian, and no I don't eat bacon, fish or chicken just in case you were about to ask. The one item in my closet I can't live without is my oversized tanks, because in Canada, layers are key...and allow for fashion crossover between all the seasons.
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FOR TIPS & SUGGESTIONS & CONTACT: [email protected]
Lianna Carrera is a stand-up comedian and comedy writer living in Los Angeles, CA. This space is what happens when a comedian runs a fashion blog. Meet our newest Tomboy fashion blogger, here.