--- title: I Claim the Right to Choose My Ultimate Gender date: 2023-04-29T20:22:18-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-i-claim-the-right-to-choose-my-ultimate-gender" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# I Claim the Right to Choose My Ultimate Gender By Suneela Mubayi Suneela, "a male-to-female transgender or genderqueer person in a male body," shares some of her journey of coming to terms with her gender and sexuality. For her, being a woman is associated with femininity, but she rejects the notion of the "ideal woman" and any perceptions about "what a woman is or what a woman should be."I identify as a male-to-female (or male-to-feminine androgynous) transgender or genderqueer person in a male body. I was born and raised as a straight male but started questioning both my gender and sexuality around the age of 16 for many complex reasons. When​ I was little, kids in school would make fun of me by calling me “Suneela” to characterize a perceived weak and effeminate nature. I decided to reclaim this, but in a way that would make people think and not assume my gender when they look at my name (Suneel is a boy’s name in Hindi). It gives me an androgynous quality, which I like. Often I’m plagued by self-doubt — am I doing this just to attract attention? I answered it myself when I expressed these doubts to my friend Erica (thank god for her) and she asked me the most fundamental question of all: What does being a woman mean to you? To me, being a woman means having an identity that is feminine but without any preconceived notions, ideas, or mind-sets about what a woman is or what a woman should be — in any sense, be it in terms of looks, actions, habits, social roles, or anything else. Everybody feels like there is some kind of “ideal” man and “ideal” woman. Well, I reject that. I am a woman with no conditions and no strings attached. And no presumptions, either. You may find me rather androgynous, deviant, and gender-bending. I like to dress up, be pierced, and be effeminate or girly. Yes, I am all those things, or rather, I possess all those qualities. But I claim the right to choose my ultimate gender beyond my traits, looks, qualities, and features, even if it is different from the sexual organs I possess. And whether that’s feminine or hermaphrodite or my desired blend of masculine and feminine is my choice. You can love it, be OK with it, be uncomfortable with it, be revolted by it, or leave it. But it’s my choice. Being a woman means being a woman. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ sexualities, gender, and relationships](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexualities-gender-relationships) - [trans](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trans) - [genderqueer](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/genderqueer) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Finding an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Long-Term Care Community A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders. ![Georg arthur pflueger elder care unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-guide-to-finding-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-long-term-care-community) [ResourcesRead ## 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Abortion Explained: Queer and Trans Justice Stories of queer and trans folks who are involved in the fight for abortion rights, with a useful glossary of gender and sexuality terms. ![Abortion Explained- Queer and Trans Justice](data:image/png;base64,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) Stories of queer and trans folks who are involved in the fight for abortion rights, with a useful glossary of gender and sexuality terms.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-explained-queer-and-trans-justice) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Understanding Changes in My Sexuality MB shares how her sexuality has changed over the years, explaining how she felt during each transition. ![My Story- Understanding Changes in My Sexuality](data:image/png;base64,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) MB shares how her sexuality has changed over the years, explaining how she felt during each transition.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-understanding-changes-in-my-sexuality) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Coping With Mental Health Issues Before Transitioning MB explains how her mental health has improved since her transition and how her mental health conditions were connected to gender dysphoria. ![My Story- Coping With Mental Health Issues Before Transitioning](data:image/png;base64,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) MB explains how her mental health has improved since her transition and how her mental health conditions were connected to gender dysphoria.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-mental-health-issues-before-transitioning) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Experiencing Changes After My Transition MB shares some of the physical changes she has gone through since beginning her transition. ![My Story- Experiencing Changes After My Transition](data:image/png;base64,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) MB shares some of the physical changes she has gone through since beginning her transition.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-experiencing-changes-after-my-transition) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Searching for a Doctor as a Trans Woman MB discusses her disappointing experiences as a trans woman navigating the healthcare system, even when dealing with staff who were trained to care for trans patients. ![My Story- Searching for a Doctor as a Trans Woman](data:image/png;base64,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) MB discusses her disappointing experiences as a trans woman navigating the healthcare system, even when dealing with staff who were trained to care for trans patients.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-searching-for-a-doctor-as-a-trans-woman) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Giving Advice to Anyone Starting Their Transition MB gives advice to people who are starting their transition, highlighting the importance of support from trans friends. ![My Story- Giving Advice to Anyone Starting Transition](data:image/png;base64,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) MB gives advice to people who are starting their transition, highlighting the importance of support from trans friends.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-giving-advice-to-anyone-starting-their-transition)