I stood before David Bowie's iconic music video "Boys Keep Swinging" at the V&A exhibition, lost in his bold dance moves, sharp suits, and androgynous swagger. The year was 2011, and I had just come out as a lesbian, only to find myself questioning my own identity.
At that moment, something shifted within me. I identified with the drag performers in Bowie's video – their discomfort, their frustration, their yearning for freedom from societal expectations. And then, something unexpected happened. One of them ripped off his wig, smudged his lipstick, and revealed himself to be David Bowie. It was a moment that stunned me into recognition.
I realized that I too wanted to shed my societal skin and become someone else – or rather, embody the masculine energy I had been living in. But I knew it wouldn't be easy; transitioning would require courage, vulnerability, and acceptance from those around me.
For years, I hid behind the mask of masculinity, afraid to take the next step towards self-discovery. I cut my hair, changed my clothes, and even altered my name and pronouns – but deep down, I was still uncertain about who I truly was.
Then came the David Bowie Is exhibition in Brooklyn five years later. As I stood before that same video, something clicked inside me. The message on screen, "Boys keep swinging, boys always work it out," resonated deeply within me. It wasn't my clothes or makeup that made me feel trapped; it was my body.
In that moment, I knew I had to take the leap and start my transition. I booked a doctor's appointment, took a deep breath, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
It wasn't easy – there were fears, doubts, and moments of uncertainty. But ultimately, nothing came from trying to be something I was not. As I continue to navigate this new chapter in my life, I've come to understand that the freedom to play with gender, like Bowie did, is mine to reclaim.
Today, I'm proud to say that I am a masculine man who has been living in drag his whole life – and it's liberating to finally be true to myself.
At that moment, something shifted within me. I identified with the drag performers in Bowie's video – their discomfort, their frustration, their yearning for freedom from societal expectations. And then, something unexpected happened. One of them ripped off his wig, smudged his lipstick, and revealed himself to be David Bowie. It was a moment that stunned me into recognition.
I realized that I too wanted to shed my societal skin and become someone else – or rather, embody the masculine energy I had been living in. But I knew it wouldn't be easy; transitioning would require courage, vulnerability, and acceptance from those around me.
For years, I hid behind the mask of masculinity, afraid to take the next step towards self-discovery. I cut my hair, changed my clothes, and even altered my name and pronouns – but deep down, I was still uncertain about who I truly was.
Then came the David Bowie Is exhibition in Brooklyn five years later. As I stood before that same video, something clicked inside me. The message on screen, "Boys keep swinging, boys always work it out," resonated deeply within me. It wasn't my clothes or makeup that made me feel trapped; it was my body.
In that moment, I knew I had to take the leap and start my transition. I booked a doctor's appointment, took a deep breath, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
It wasn't easy – there were fears, doubts, and moments of uncertainty. But ultimately, nothing came from trying to be something I was not. As I continue to navigate this new chapter in my life, I've come to understand that the freedom to play with gender, like Bowie did, is mine to reclaim.
Today, I'm proud to say that I am a masculine man who has been living in drag his whole life – and it's liberating to finally be true to myself.
just saw the exhibit at V&A on David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging" 
and honestly, I'm still reeling from how much this video resonates with my own journey as a trans guy 
I mean, who can't relate to feeling like they're stuck in someone else's skin? 
it's like Bowie is speaking directly to your soul 
and that iconic moment where he rips off his wig is EVERYTHING 
the message on screen still gives me chills - "Boys keep swinging, boys always work it out" 
those words just spoke to something deep within me, you know? 
. I've always been fascinated by how Bowie's music and art can be both timeless and timely at the same time. He truly was a trailblazer 
. What I love about this story is that it shows how one moment, one performance, can spark something deep within you 
. And honestly, it's so empowering to see people embracing their true selves and finding freedom in that process 
i mean, what's the point of having a 'drag' section at an exhibition if they're just gonna leave it out? like, come on! david bowie is literally the OG drag icon 
. and can we talk about how outdated the whole 'boys keep swinging' vibe is? it feels so...2011 
. and what's with the lack of queer representation in the exhibition itself? i mean, i'm all for inclusivity, but c'mon! make sure your exhibition is actually representing your community 
. and btw, can we get a 'the history of drag' section that goes beyond just david bowie? there's so much more to explore 
.
So, I gotta ask: do you think it's easier for people to come out as non-binary or genderqueer now compared to when the author first started questioning their identity back in 2011? 
i can only imagine how tough it must've been for u to come out & navigate ur identity, especially with david bowie's iconic video being a huge part of that journey 
transitioning can be super scary but i think it's so important to be true to urself 
But also, so inspiring! The author's honesty about their journey and growth is really raw and relatable 
I just saw the most amazing video about David Bowie at the V&A exhibition and it gave me all the feels! 
I was watching this one part where he's dancing and being so bold and I'm like "Yaaas, I need that in my life!" 
But then I realized how much he must have gone through to be so confident in his own skin. Like, can you even imagine having the courage to switch up your identity like that? 
saw this article about David Bowie's music video "Boys Keep Swinging" at the V&A exhibition and gotta say, I'm all about that retro vibes 
- who else remembers listening to "Let's Dance" on CD player back in 2001? 
anyway, it's so cool to hear someone's personal story about how Bowie's music affected their identity. i mean, it's like he always said, "Fashion is not something that exists independently in the world... fashion is what you're wearing when you're nobody" 
Just saw an amazing story about how David Bowie's music video inspired someone to come out as trans! 
The way the performer reveals himself as David Bowie is like a mirror to their own journey of self-discovery... I can totally relate to feeling trapped by societal expectations and needing to break free. 
it's crazy how something as simple as a music video can shift your perspective on life and identity. I think what resonates with me is the message "boys always work it out" – it's not about changing who you are, but finding freedom in being yourself 
let's give it up for david bowie - a true trailblazer in every sense of the word 
. Anyway, the vid is actually really inspiring - it's like Bowie was a superhero who helped this person find themselves. And omg, I'm dead...I never knew being a drag queen could be so liberating