If you’ve stumbled across the term “sissy boy” and are coming up clueless, then you’re in the right place. Perhaps you’ve seen Assigned Male At Birth (AMAB) individuals embracing their sissy identities on social media and wonder what the deal is.
Whether you think you might be a sissy boy or you’re just trying to be a better ally, wonder no more because today we’re talking sissies.
Photo: RDNE Stock project via Pexels
Isn’t Sissy Boy a Slur?
Sissy boy finds its origin in the word “sister.” Like many other sex and gender identity terms, it was indeed originally a derogatory term. Once upon a time, sissy or sissy boy were bigoted insults for gay men and guys perceived as too effeminate or just not masculine enough.
Suppose you were a man who enjoyed cooking elaborate meals or showing your sensitive side. In that case, you might well have been on the receiving end of this verbal abuse just for being yourself. Thankfully, more people than ever accept that there’s no such thing as not being masculine enough.
Now, some AMAB individuals who embrace differing gender roles and identities are reclaiming the term as an unapologetic expression of their femininity. Talk about a glow-up!
Slaying Gender Norms – Sissy Boys Today
So, what exactly does being a sissy boy mean in today’s world? Well, it covers a range of bases, but at its heart, it’s about playing with and subverting gender norms and exploring more feminine ways of being and presenting. This can include:
Serving looks with flawless makeup and fierce nail art.
Rocking skirts, dresses, and other classically femme fashions.
Using or experimenting with she/her pronouns.
Styling hair or donning wigs in stereotypically “girly” ways.
It’s crucial to understand that sissy boy isn’t a one-size-fits-all term. It can hold different meanings for different people. For some, it’s a deep-rooted gender identity, which may fall under the genderqueer or gender non-conforming umbrella and can overlap with transfeminine and non-binary identities.
Others see it more as a label describing how they present to the world. Both are valid, but the distinction is something to bear in mind if you hear someone use the term to describe themselves.
Photo: Dhemer Gonçalves via Pexels
Shattering Sissy Boy Stigma
Like other people who don’t conform to gender norms, sissy boys can face a barrage of misconceptions and discrimination. Despite the term being reclaimed, the bigotry this story began with hasn’t gone away.
One of the best ways to fight prejudice is through greater understanding. That’s why it’s so important to debunk the myths and reduce the stigma around sissies. Let’s tackle two of the biggest misconceptions head-on.
Not all Sissy Boys are Gay
It’s a common misconception that all sissies are gay. But in reality, sissy boys can have any sexuality. There are straight sissies, pansexual sissies, asexual sissies. Sissy boys cover the whole sexual spectrum.
Not all Sissy Boys are into BDSM
Some people think that being a sissy boy means having a sub kink, but this isn’t the case. The confusion can stem from the practice of sissification on the kink scene. This refers to a submissive male being trained or forced—with consent—to behave in feminine ways.
For some sissy boys, being a sub is an important part of their sissy identity, but this is by no means the case for everyone. Nor does everyone who enjoys sissification as part of a scene identify as a sissy outside the bedroom.
Photo: cottonbro studio via Pexels
Celebrating the Sissy Boy
Whether you’re exploring the sissy space yourself or are simply an enthusiastic ally, hopefully now you feel a little better informed.
At the end of the day, sissy boys are another part of the rich tapestry of sex and gender identity. They’re pushing back against the policing of how we should express ourselves and asserting the notion that anyone can be as feminine as they damn well please.
So, let’s raise a glass… or a perfectly manicured hand… to all the sassy, sissy people breaking gender norms everywhere. Keep calm and sis on!
