Let’s talk about J. C. Leyendecker. One Mr. Joseph Christian Leyendecker. Specifically, how his paintings make me feel a sort of way. If you know J. C. Leyendecker at all, it's probably from his iconic image of the Arrow Collar Man who defined American masculinity for decades. Perhaps you have seen him in a poster … Continue reading Leyendecker Paintings Ranked by How Bad They Make Me Want To Move to a Mansion by the Sea With My Boyfriend And Throw Extravagant Parties
Jo and Laurie Are Trans and I’ll Prove It
When I first heard that Greta Gerwig’s next film would be an adaptation of Little Women, I was skeptical. Little Women has received countless adaptations over the years, including Masterpiece’s 2018 TV miniseries, released only a year before Gerwig’s film. The only way my interest in a new movie could be piqued was if it … Continue reading Jo and Laurie Are Trans and I’ll Prove It
Drake or PUP: Can You Guess Who Wrote Each Lyric About Being A Sad Man on a Toronto Motorway?
1. I take Eglinton to 401 East And exit at Markham Road in the East End 2. And back in the city I was on a tear High-fiving every shithead on Queen Street 3. Queen Street visions that nobody believed in 4. I'm on Bloor where you can't shop 5. I'm driving fast to get … Continue reading Drake or PUP: Can You Guess Who Wrote Each Lyric About Being A Sad Man on a Toronto Motorway?
Diana Vreeland’s “Why Don’t You?” For Transmascs
Diana Vreeland, famed fashion writer and editor for Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, had a regular column in the former titled Why Don’t You..? She started writing it early in her career, in the summer of 1936, and it helped establish her reputation. In this column, she floated whimsical, eccentric style ideas that were best enjoyed … Continue reading Diana Vreeland’s “Why Don’t You?” For Transmascs
Amy Discovers Jo’s AO3 Handle and Drags Her in the March Family Groupchat
THE MARCH SISTERS GROUPCHAT Amy: hey wheres jo do we know where jo is rn Meg: She told me she was seeing Knives Out with Laurie Beth: yeah she posted about it on Instagram a half hour ago Amy: ok good so shes not here to defend herself Beth: hm don't like where this is … Continue reading Amy Discovers Jo’s AO3 Handle and Drags Her in the March Family Groupchat
Trans Dude, Drag Queen: A Niche Interview with Andromeda VII
Krem Zaroogian plays many roles: an artist, an illustrator, an animator, a long-time friend of mine from our [REDACTED EMBARRASSING WEBCOMIC] fandom days. But most nights, Krem isn't Krem at all - he becomes Andromeda VII, intergalactic drag queen par excellence. Rare among drag queens, Krem's also a trans guy. Read on to learn how … Continue reading Trans Dude, Drag Queen: A Niche Interview with Andromeda VII
Samurai Tops to Tokugawa Twinks: Ten Favorite Moments From Japan’s Gay Tokugawa Literature
From the dedicated, warrior top, to the Tokugawa twinks of Edo, these character archetypes enjoyed wide public knowledge and appreciation, which was unheard of in contemporary areas of the Western world. The literature produced in this time reflected a world where love and sex between men could be accepted and celebrated.
Did Riverdale Base its New Season on That Esquire Article About Bennington College In The 1980s?
We talk a lot about representation here at The Niche. But I feel like something's missing from that conversation, a form of representation that hasn't been addressed yet. What is this form, you ask? It's when you're watching the show you hate-watch drunk every week with your best friends and said show suddenly becomes very … Continue reading Did Riverdale Base its New Season on That Esquire Article About Bennington College In The 1980s?
Five Influential Mustaches That, In Retrospect, Should Have Made Me Realize I’m Trans
1. Inigo Montoya When I was a kid, the movie I insisted on watching way too often was The Princess Bride. I was obsessed. I can do all the best quotes -- yes, with the voices too. I recently re-watched it for the first time in many years and was struck with two realizations: the … Continue reading Five Influential Mustaches That, In Retrospect, Should Have Made Me Realize I’m Trans
Wilhelmina Slater is the True Trans Woman of Ugly Betty
As a trans woman, I find it disconcerting that I can’t remember a single trans character from my childhood except for Alexis Meade from Ugly Betty. As a barely-out-of-the-closet queer 18-year-old, I watched the series with a feral intensity. I felt drawn to Marc’s unashamed flamboyance, his playful and loving friendship with Amanda, Betty’s ambition … Continue reading Wilhelmina Slater is the True Trans Woman of Ugly Betty