Gender-fluid influencer opens up about being a 'shapeshifter'

07/05/2024

A gender-fluid influencer has opened up about being a ‘shapeshifter’ – and candidly revealed they have received death threats after finding social media fame.

August, 28, grew up ‘confused’ about their gender and experimented with clothes, makeup and hairstyles in a bid to find a look that made them feel comfortable.

But over time, the Minnesota native, realized that this changed day-to-day and started expressing themselves as gender fluid.

Now, the data specialist adapts their wardrobe by enhancing or modifying their facial features, along with wearing wigs, to align with their identity that day.

gender-fluid influencer opens up about being a 'shapeshifter'

Gender-fluid influencer August has opened up about being a ‘shapeshifter’ – and candidly revealed they have received death threats after finding social media fame

The 28-year-old grew up ‘confused’ about their gender and experimented with clothes, makeup and hairstyles in a bid to find a look that made them feel comfortable

The practice has often resulted in August being mistaken for two different people – often having to introduce themselves more than once.

‘I have met people multiple times and they didn’t know it was me seeing them again.

‘At my previous job, I had to “meet” a colleague three times until they finally realized I was the same person.

‘Online, people think I’m two different people running my account or that I have a secret twin.

‘For me, it validates my fluid identity. I appreciate the recognition of my diverse gender expression.

‘The only thing I find humorous is the diverse reactions and treatment I receive solely due to the shifts of my gender expression.’

August started their journey five years ago but recently took to social media to demonstrate how clothes do not equal gender.

In a clip posted on TikTok, which has racked up 16.1 million views, they show how the same outfit can be styled in two different ways to create two different gender expressions.

August started their journey five years ago but recently took to social media to demonstrate how clothes do not equal gender

In a clip posted on TikTok, which has racked up 16.1 million views, they show how the same outfit can be styled in two different ways to create two different gender expressions

Users have flocked to the comments in their droves to share their reactions – with many left baffled that it is the same person.

‘I thought this was a couple sharing outfits at first,’ one user commented.

Another said: ‘There is no way you are the same person… the gender envy I feel is so unreal – teach me your ways!’

‘This is the first time I REALLY understand what gender fluid means,’ someone else added.

A fourth said: ‘I know it’s the same person, but my brain doesn’t accept it lol. You’re a shapeshifter.’

‘Why are you hot in different fonts,’ someone else added.

August candidly shared: ‘I come from a small, conservative town and I often felt isolated, with an urgent need for connection.

August is often mistaken for two different people – often having to introduce themselves more than once

August candidly shared: ‘I come from a small, conservative town and I often felt isolated, with an urgent need for connection’

‘I looked for that through social media. I started receiving hate comments online, with things like: “You’re just changing clothes, you’re not gender fluid.”

‘So I selected outfits in which I felt confident while identifying with both she/her, and he/him pronouns to visually demonstrate the contrast in gender expression.

‘[The reaction has been] mostly positive, though I’ve gotten a death threat here and there.

‘I get messages daily thanking me for my transparency and even some parents message me looking for advice on how to be more inclusive.

‘Overall, when someone begins to see, and understand my gender fluidity, the reaction and exchange are filled with many questions, but always inclusive of me.’

For August, this freedom of expression has helped them with their fears of judgement while out in public but also in their dating life.

They added: ‘By openly embracing my gender fluidity, I attracted a partner who is accepting and supportive of my identity.

For August, this freedom of expression has helped them with their fears of judgement while out in public but also in their dating life

Users have flocked to the comments in their droves to share their reactions – with many left baffled that it is the same person

‘Life is a privilege and everyone should strive to live it in a way that maximizes their comfort and well-being,’ August said

‘Being true to myself allows me to confidently express my needs and desires in the relationship.

‘My advice is to start with self-reflection and comfort.

‘Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and be patient with yourself.

‘Give yourself permission to explore and evolve at your own pace.

‘It’s okay if your style changes over time.

‘It brings me so much joy hearing how people are finally finding the courage to live the life they were given.

‘Life is a privilege and everyone should strive to live it in a way that maximizes their comfort and well-being.’

OTHER NEWS