Embracing My Gender Fluid Journey

Sep 24

Genderfluid artist Elina / Volk Kinetshniy — Genderfluid Elina / Volk Kinethsniy

Hey everyone! I’m Elina/Volk, and today I’m opening up about something very personal: my journey of understanding and embracing my gender fluid identity. Growing up, I always felt different. I never really identified as strictly a girl or a boy, and luckily, my parents didn’t impose those roles on me. I was free to explore activities like Taekwondo and rhythmic gymnastics without any pressure to conform.

Genderfluid Elina / Volk Kinetshniy — Genderfluid Elina / Volk Kinethsniy (Childhood photos)

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Despite not being bullied, I often felt out of place. My classmates found role models in pop culture, but I struggled to connect. The characters I related to were often misunderstood or non-human, like the little pirate cowboy I imagined or the quirky figures from Tim Burton films. It was a challenge to find my identity in a world that didn’t seem to have space for someone like me.

Things changed when I watched some gay movies with my sister and cousin. For the first time, I saw characters who were different but simply lived their lives, not defined by stereotypes. Movies like Fox and His Friends and Happy Together were milestones for me, helping me realize that I wasn’t alone.

I still cherish this lucky keychain from my first Pride event—a symbol of my journey. While I sometimes thought I should be a gay boy, I’ve come to embrace my gender fluid identity, understanding that I don’t fit into traditional romantic roles. It’s not always easy for others to grasp, but it’s my truth.

Support has been crucial, especially from my sister, who has always encouraged me to be myself. I gravitate towards open-minded friends and the LGBTQ+ community, where acceptance is more natural.

Art has been a powerful outlet for me, a way to express my identity and emotions. Through my mixed media paintings and sketches, I explore themes of gender fluidity and representation. My characters often reflect the complexities of identity, and I infuse my experiences into every piece. I also co-authored a book, Ideal Sinner, which touches on these themes, further intertwining my artistic journey with my personal story.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you feel different, know that you’re not alone. I encourage you to share your own experiences and stories—let’s create a space where we can all be ourselves and support one another! Your voice matters, and together we can celebrate our unique identities.