Feminine
By Adrija Jana, 17, India
If I wear my Father’s shirt, do I become a boy?
If I cut my hair short, do I cease to be Feminine?
What is Femininity anyway?
Must Femininity stand with downcast eyes and cover her head?
Must Femininity lower her voice and sit just so?
Must Femininity sweat in the kitchen and cater to Man’s every whim?
Must Femininity close her eyes, and cast aside every dream?
If that is what Femininity is to you,
Then I’m sorry to say
I’m not Feminine
Must Femininity not protest for her rights and freedom?
Must Femininity not vote in a democracy?
And yes, I’m a girl
But I don’t need to prove that
By wearing clothes you choose
By sitting the way you want me to
By wearing my hair the way you ask
If I wear my father’s shirts, you say
People might start to think I’m gay
So what if they do?
I know myself
And for me, that’s enough.
I don’t need your validation, nor your advice
I choose to exercise my freedom of choice, my Right
And I don’t need to be Feminine for love
And I will not change myself
For those who truly love me
Will accept me for who I am.
“Feminine” talks about the freedom of choice, and how gender stereotypes can restrict the personal freedom of individuals. It also talks about raising one’s voice against unjust demands.
Instagram: @adrija_jana2004
