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Immelmann

Gender Identity Update

Hey everyone, got a personal announcement to lay down.

TLDR version: I'm coming out as trans and will be identifying as female from now on. Please call me "Rebecca" and use she/her pronouns, thank you <3


Alright so here's the longer version: People who have known me for years will not be surprised that gender identity has been a confusing topic for me for a very long time. Those feelings and thoughts sort of came to a head within the last month or two and I had to do some deep contemplation about what I really wanted from my identity.

Over the years I've kept snapping back and forth between feminine and masculine, and I've come to realize that most pushes towards something ultra manly was often me running away from being feminine, which is what I actually want. It was always a "you can't pull this off" feeling, but I know with time and work I can, and that it'll be worth it.

I'm not asking a great deal of any of you really. I'm going to be wanting female pronouns (she/her) and I'm going to be pushing my name as Rebecca where I can. I'll keep "Immelmann" account names and will just treat it as a brand or character last name. "Immy" is pretty gender neutral so I won't complain about that, but I really will prefer Rebecca and variants of it.

Fairly sure I'll be staying a raptor, just in a redesigned fashion which I'll be uploading soon, but you never know how I'll feel about animals in a month or two.

I guess that's it, any support and respect will be appreciated and I'll answer any questions that aren't super rude or stupid.
Viewed: 449 times
Added: 6 years, 2 months ago
 
Loupy
6 years, 2 months ago
If it is what make you feel good about yourself, go for it
Selene
6 years, 2 months ago
*hugs*
GraceTheGoldenFurred
6 years, 2 months ago
Rebecca is a pretty name, and I'll do my best to remember. You've definitely got my support and my respect, and I'm glad that, after everything you've gone through, you were able to find yourself. I know it's not an easy thing to do even in the best of cases, but I hope it will help lead you to being happier in yourself.
RokukeShiba
6 years, 2 months ago
Sure thing Rebecca! :D
Stumpycoon
6 years, 2 months ago
Nice to meet you Rebecca my old friend.
Otlan
6 years, 2 months ago
Good for you Becca n_n ! Be who you are n_n . And not to sound rude, but it seems to me, you ran to being Masculien when you thought being feminine would be a sign of weakness. Let me tell you though, there's nothing weak about woman, and there's nothing wrong with being feminine. If anything, I think it makes people stronger n_n .
Maxicoon
6 years, 2 months ago
Cool can't wait wait to see the new design Becky. ^^
biozz
6 years, 2 months ago
congrats for coming out!
Coop
6 years, 2 months ago
congrats, i guess, im open minded  but may confuse some. specially when your taught if you got a cock your a him, got a vag and boobs your a her, again i dont wanna offend  so amma say im happy for ya
SerathDuo
6 years, 2 months ago
You're not offending anyone @Coop, because you're being totally honest about it.   If anything you've summed up the whole problem, rather nicely.
Coop
6 years, 2 months ago
Guess I was trying not to say the wrong thing I guess I don't fully understand
SerathDuo
6 years, 2 months ago
I know the feeling only too well. That's why I wrote back with a  little encouragement for you.
Coop
6 years, 2 months ago
:)
IronIvy
6 years, 2 months ago
Nice to meet you Rebecca!
Amuzoreh
6 years, 2 months ago
I know I've never commented, but I figured now's a better time than any-- glad you found yourself.  I can sympathize with gender identity issues as well, almost to a tee, cept the other way around (female to male), however I can't bring myself to take the plunge because I'm just so used to being...well...female.  So...I choose to take on either pronouns or identities when needed.  Might change someday, never know.

Much respect for taking this step, and I wish you the best. :3
jhonbob
6 years, 2 months ago
Well you have my full support Rebecca :3
graymuzzle
6 years, 2 months ago
Hey, you just be you.
(hugs)
Furlips
6 years, 2 months ago
What he said.

Bunners
unsent
6 years, 2 months ago
must resist temptation of 'no its becky'
Novusuna
6 years, 2 months ago
No problem, Rebecca. Congrats on figuring things out.
PepperOtter
6 years, 2 months ago
Heyoo, you do you girlfriend! PS, I've loved your stuff since you started Concession, and I'll love your stuff for years to come I'm sure!
AdairZephyr
6 years, 2 months ago
No prob, do what you feel is best Rebecca. ^_^
SissyLeo
6 years, 2 months ago
Congratulations Rebecca. I wish you the best in this new chapter of your life.
Raverwolfboi
6 years, 2 months ago
Huh. This is actually really surprising. But I doubt anyone will go against you.

The main question I have is how will this affect art?
Immelmann
6 years, 2 months ago
Believe it or not, girls can draw!
Raverwolfboi
6 years, 2 months ago
No no I don't mean it like that at all

I just mean will the type of art change at all?
Immelmann
6 years, 2 months ago
No, why would it?
Sammilicious
6 years, 2 months ago
Why.. would you even assume hes thinking like that... o.o;
caramelthecalf
6 years, 2 months ago
Goodluck! =D
winkin
6 years, 2 months ago
Congrats. :3 I've always loved the name Rebecca. ^^ Mostly thanks to Rebecca Cunningham of Tailspin fame. :D <3

So best of luck in your future feminizations. Love your art, more power to ya. ;3
Firefox1342
6 years, 2 months ago
As a trans girl who originally went through life trying to be as masculine as I could, I completely understand what you’re going through, and I’m super proud that you’ve finally had the courage to admit to not only yourself, but your friends and watchers too, something to deep and personal! I wish you all the best in life, Rebecca, and I hope you find happiness! <3
NinaTheSlutticorn
6 years, 2 months ago
Woo! Hello Rebecca! ^.^
SatyrWorkshop
6 years, 2 months ago
Congratulations on finding yourself
Demesejha
6 years, 2 months ago
Cute name. Also congratulations on finding the courage to be public about it. Ive been through a lot of the same struggle and I sympathize. Youre doin great.
FurleyLavandria
6 years, 2 months ago
grats X 3
XZeddX
6 years, 2 months ago
Hope it goes well for you :3
dropNchop
6 years, 2 months ago
First off, thank you for trusting us and opening up about your feelings. It's always hard to come out to people, whether it's LGBT or Q, anywhere on the spectrum really. Fortunately there is a rich community here and on FA to help support this change. I hope the the best for the future and will continue to love your work, because you've always been a good person.
Thanks for every thing that you do and don't ever be ashamed of who you are. Because the worst lie that we can tell, is one to ourselves and those lies deprives us of our true potential.  
Kepora
6 years, 2 months ago
I'm sorry, but...no. Please, go see a psychiatrist. If you truly think you're a female if you're a male, you need help. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to support mental illness. I'm not trying to be ugly - but it's the truth. Whether you listen to it or just go for the short-term feel-good, though, is up to you. Until then, I suppose.
Firefox1342
6 years, 2 months ago
How do you know she hasn't? And Gender Dysphoria is only in the DSM insofar as treatment options. Like it or not, transgender people exist, and there is nothing wrong with us. And trying to or not, you're being extremely ugly with those comments
Drakue
6 years, 2 months ago
I mean, the american psychiatrist organisation recently announced that being trans is not a mental condition. That means it's not really supported as a fact as being one.
TheRealMedley
6 years, 2 months ago
Not defending anyone at all, just pointing out that not too long ago we thought that electrocuting and labotamising people cured them of basic mental illnesses (schizophrenia, depression, bipolar, BPD, etc) when it did more harm than good. Not to mention science isn't exact or true day to day, what's true today can be disproven tomorrow and proven again the next. Its a never ending series of yesses and nos. Again 100% not defending anyone. Also to note we are still in what can be called a neanderthal like state of being when it comes to understanding the mind and its quirks. A mental illness in the late 1900's was being gay but now its being up for debate as "being a choice v/s not being a choice" and now depression is being looked at under a microscope and now people who have been misdiagnosed with biploar in the past are being properly diagnosed with BPD which wasn't cinsidered a mental disorder until recently. Things can change. Regardless of what one group of doctors say. (Lest we forget the pack of doctors who are anti-vaxxers and support that chaotic mess).

I reiterate for the thrid time I am in no way defending anyone or their personal views. I am simply pointing out how we as a species are still trying to figure out our own brains, and how science isn't an exact or perfect all the time, and things change day to day and different doctors say different things about different subjects especially when it comes to psychology. Nothing more or deeper than this.
Sammilicious
6 years, 2 months ago
You uh.. you do know they've done tests on FtM and MtF patients both pre and post op and have found that the brain reacts more like the gender they want to be, right? That certain parts of the brain act exactly like their "proper" gender, right? This is literally a case of the mind and its not something thats like "oh its just a phase youll get over it" or that someone is being delusional. You need to learn, my dude.
dropNchop
6 years, 2 months ago
I have some questions so that I better understand your position on this.
1. What is the majority psychiatric position on this issue?
2. Is this request to seek professorial help placed to help them work through these issues?
3. If they have sought professorial help, would you change your mind if they where said to be normal by that professinal?
4. What does it mean to support a mental illness?
5. If one doesn't support a mental illness will it be cured or go away?
6. What verifiable cases can be demonstrated to show that not supporting this will cure it and what is the success rate for this cure?    
HattieTheHat
6 years, 2 months ago
Lemme ask you this; Are you a thylacine? I'm guessing that's the species you identify as, but I have a strong hunch you have a very human-looking body hiding inside your computer room. Does that make you less of a thylacine? No, it does not. Identity is about how you feel. And if Rebecca feels like a woman, then by gum she is one. And that's that. Why do you even care if her genitalia matches the way she feels? Sounds awfully objectifying if you ask me.
Oh, and about mental disorders? I'm mildly autistic, thank you very much. But I'm not out getting therapy to try to act as neurotypical as possible. I like my brain the way it is.
FallenCryers
6 years, 2 months ago
Leave. No one wants your transphobic bs here.
TheRealMedley
6 years, 2 months ago
Question. I hope you don't take this as a stupid one but I'm genuinely curious.

What's it matter if you're feminine or masculine?

I ask because I was raised in a fairly gender nuetral household from birth, not on purpose but because my parents aren't normal but at the same time they are normal? What I mean is, there were no dead set gender bias or roles (save for girls shouldn't sit with their legs open in skirts but that's just common sense imo). I never really learned the concept of being feminine or masculine until I was in my late teens/early twenties and to this day it literally confuses me on a daily basis.

I am not a feminine female, but I'm not masculine either. I'm just me. When I asked my boyfriend for a shiny pearl pink glittery phone case he said "No, because you're not girly" when I pointed out that I do indeed parade around in small black dresses and thongs with matching shoes he agreed that yes I can act girly but my basic nature isn't girly. While on the other hand my roommate points out my very girlish tendencies and how very "cute" or "womanly" I act sometimes.

I like cute things, fuzzy things, pink things, girly clothes, jewellery, make-up(even though I'm allergic to it), doing my hair and nails, cars, video games, horror and action films, working out, fixing cars, hello kitty, the binding of isaac, playing monster hunter, and sweets. I like both very feminine and masculine things, but I don't let that choose what I am. Since apparently I am neither and both? I myself do not have "Gender Dysphoria" or "Identity Issues" (sorry if that came off as rude its not my intent) but I wonder why liking certain things pigeonholes you into being a set thing?

My father likes to bake, and dance, likes getting boxes of chocolates, likes cleaning, loves candles and flowers and playing princess tea party with his granddaughter, while my mother loves battle movies, war movies, guns, going days without shaving, jeans and gaming t-shirts and cussing like a sailor. They have "reversed gender roles" but still lead full lives and are very secure and mentally well in their femininity and masculinity to where they 100% identify as their birth genders yet aren't afraid of what they enjoy and aren't ashamed to like what they want regardless of their gender or sex.

So my question stands. Can you please answer with the utmost truth? I am genuinely curious of others views considering my odd upbringing and my lack of awareness as to what gender specific likes/roles are in life.
Pokeblue
6 years, 2 months ago
How I look at it, it's really just a cause of society we live in as a whole. I've always heard it's because society (at least in western society) loves clean definitions and avoiding dead center in-betweens.

While probably, I'm not one to talk, considering I have to qualms regarding my masculinity and the gender I had since birth, I do get what you mean about whether it really matters in the long run when defining an individual. As I've mentioned, I have no issues with the gender I was born with, but that's not to say I enjoy acting it as society had dictated. I only cared for sports once in my life, and that was just because it promised no homework for the day if the team won, I watch 'girly' shows, I adore cute fuzzy things, my hair is long, and I have nails long enough my mom actually teases me about letting her paint them; yet, I'm fine leaving the house without shaving my mustache and beard, I play violent video games, and I don't care about getting down and dirty while working in the front or backyard.

The only thing that leaves me wondering, and I don't mean to offend you or your parent's style of upbringing, is about your "odd upbringing". I'm genuinely curious how you avoided becoming aware of the whole feminine/masculine thing until at least your late teens? While my parents didn't care all the time about my preferences from wearing my hair long to going to the movie's to watch the MLP Movie, as long as it didn't look like I crawled out of a dumpster, I still got it a little from them and society as 3rd grade was about the time I picked up on the instances of how guys should and shouldn't act publicly, when and guys and girls in my class really started separating to guys hung out with guys, and girls hung out with girls. Again, I don't mean to offend, and I apologize greatly if I did, I'm just curious is all.
TheRealMedley
6 years, 2 months ago
No offense taken at all.

" I'm genuinely curious how you avoided becoming aware of the whole feminine/masculine thing until at least your late teens?


We (my siblings and I) were never really... "popular"... We didn't have friends so to speak and our cousins were much older than us, so we only had each other to play with until our teens, and by then the idea of feminine/v/masculine had never solidified in our minds from our peers or parents, we never took to the idea of it even when being around other children, maybe because other children and "tweenagers" (for lack of a better word) were more focused on their own things and would pay us no mind, hence not giving us the desired social interactions, and thus not allowing us to ever grasp the concept of "boys toys/girls toys". When encountering a sexist view point (be it mysandric or mysgynist) my parents bluntly told us that the sexist thing we were confronted with was wrong, so taking the word of our parents like the law we simple obeyed and took it too heart, cementing it in our brains that there is no such thing as "masculine" or "feminine" to dictate how we carry ourselves, or identify ourselves, my parents also said if we ever were gay they wouldn't care one way or the other because its our lives we get to live them. I understood there was "women only" and "men only" stuff (mostly medical tbh) but I never understood why anyone would be shamed for liking something especially if it didn't hurt themselves or others, I always saw females in male dominated areas, not as role models or shining stars or even heroes, but just as people doing people things, never once did I think "Oh wow a female boxer now that is so very gender role breaking" I would normally think "Oh neat a boxer". I might be talking in circles now but you get what I mean at this point right? I have no concept of manly/womanly but I understand it exists, and most of it is nurture vs nature, and no matter how hard I try I cannot grasp how liking certain things should dictate such aspects of ones life like self identification.

If you have any other questions about this "odd upbringing" (I say that because it certainly isn't the norm for the early to late 90's and early 2000's) ask away I am an open book about my lack of the social construct that is gender roles.
StabbityDeath
6 years, 2 months ago
Grats Rebecca!
AxleFurret
6 years, 2 months ago
Whatever floats your boat.

Believe whatever you want to believe, just don't expect everyone to play along with your chosen identity.

I'll never understand why so many people are obsessed with gender stereotypes and crossdressing and genital mutilation lately.
GaziPack
6 years, 2 months ago
Congratulations miss, Rebecca
Can't wait to see the redesign!
 ^w^
Sussurak
6 years, 2 months ago
I have no idea if it's good or bad that this doesn't come as any real surprise to me.

I also don't know if it's good or bad that the first thought was you and Tsumi either in matching wedding gowns, or fighting over who gets the cutest dress...
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa1
6 years, 2 months ago
Hope you're right about this.
WeirdPurpleBunny
6 years, 2 months ago
Wishing you all the best :)

*offers encouraging bunnyhugs when needed*
Welof
6 years, 2 months ago
Congratulation for this brave step ^^

SerathDuo
6 years, 2 months ago
I'm not sure if congratulations is the right word to use, but I will always support anyone who makes a commitment to be more true to themselves. While I admit it's a surprise to me, I have no problem with you coming out as Trans. If anything, I have a very large, toon mallet at my disposal, and I won't hesitate to use it on anyone who gives you trouble. *Hugs*
HattieTheHat
6 years, 2 months ago
Congrats on coming out, Rebecca. You have my full support. Don't let what people like
Kepora
Kepora
say affect you.
JackDesert
6 years, 2 months ago
Jack slow claps, "I will refrain from referring you to Immel-lass, but I can easily use the feminine with you.  I hope this will make you happier in the years to come and don't let anyone get you down."
IcewindtheGreat
6 years, 2 months ago
Hey, You go for it. I support you all the way Rebecca. Fuck the haters.
admael7014
6 years, 2 months ago
good luck with the transition. 3 years in and still struggling in some ways.
Pokeblue
6 years, 2 months ago
Congrads on coming out! And I certainly applaud your courage in doing so.

With that said though, I don't comment too often, but allow me to apologize in advance if I mistakenly refer to you as a male. I need some time to properly get it in my mind to no longer see a guy behind the name I've associated with one of my favorite web comics. Shouldn't take too long to do so, but you know...I am still human and I can still potentially make mistakes, and want to say sorry for any potential error regarding the matter when I type.
Retired
6 years, 2 months ago
I've tried to keep myself of of this topic, but you have been a long source of pleasant memories for me, I have admired alot of your work for years, and it's a shame it has to end this way. With no hate or disaproval in my heart, I believe that we are born a gender and that is final, no matter how feminine or masculine you may be or feel to me you can only ever be a masculine or feminine or anything in between version of what you were born as.  Being any more of either doesn't change that, you don't have to identify with being female to embrace feminine life or emotions and feelings as a male, and a name or identity won't change that you are. In all reality, I say this just to express how I feel, you don't have to go back for me or anyone and I am sure you know that. This is just how I feel. Untill further notice, i'll miss you.
kamimatsu
6 years, 2 months ago
The real shame is that you'd let this end all interaction with someone. Whatever you may think, that reason is petty, and so are you.
FallenCryers
6 years, 2 months ago
If you're going to let someones gender identity ruin a friendship with them, you were never a real friend in the first place.
Retired
6 years, 2 months ago
Guys, I've never even talked to the fellow, I just meant in general.
Mattspew
6 years, 2 months ago
Awesome! :D
Nezumi
6 years, 2 months ago
Glad to hear it! Always nice to see another trans girl come to accept herself.
Duffwuff
6 years, 2 months ago
Admittedly as an idle watcher of your art, I don't know you as well as I wish I did, but this is no small decision to be made, it takes a lot of guts, and I'm here in full support. You aren't so much changing who you were before, so much as you are embracing who you really are and have been deep down inside all along. Welcome, Rebecca. <3
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