My main goals and missions with this venture is to document underrepresented or minority subcultures, storytelling these cultures in unique manners, showcasing different realities and lifestyles in its own light, and creating one-of-a-kind projects that are eye-opening and shake the viewer to their core. I want to be unique, gritty, accurate, unapologetic and to start or add to important conversations with my productions and storytelling.

My main focus is to create alternative and niche media by using nontraditional rules of cinema and creation.

“Discourse”: The process of creating knowledge or culturally constructed representations of reality.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

“Counter Cinema”: The integration of alternative cinematic forms & images. Women and marginalized groups of people are put in charge of directing and producing films.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

I want to challenge the normal, create disruption in normality, and “ruffle feathers” to create change through digital storytelling & media projects.

I want to shine a spotlight on the individuals and groups that don’t receive the proper attention or the accurate storytelling that they deserve.

Another main goal that I have is to include and integrate an open minded and diverse team and cast. Every one of all backgrounds are welcome, accepted and important to TayTheTomboy Studios and productions. I want everyone who works with me to feel like they are seen, appreciated, safe and welcomed! Diversity and representation are very important to me and this venture. Every one of every background are deserving of an opportunity and deserves to be recognized.

I want to create films and projects that have accurate queer representation and LGBTQ+ characters. This includes any gender identity or sexuality within the LGBTQ+ (such as Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Non-Binary, Bisexual, Queer, Asexual & Intersex individuals for example).

“Subversive Gaze”: The viewers who refuse to gaze the way typical filmmakers anticipate by making different kinds of movies and recognizing the way identities are constructed & performed.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

“Queer Theory”: The way gender & sexuality are socially produced and used as instruments of power, how they challenge the gender binary, & expand on the meanings of being a “man” or “woman”. Queer Theory also highlights the challenges, experiences, and discrimination within identifying as transgender or non-binary.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

“Gender Assignment” : The gender given to us at birth based on physical body type and the decision of the parents.

“Gender Performance” : The behaviors, attire, activities, etc. you perform based on your gender assignment.

“Gender Expression” : How we perform and express gender to ourselves and the world & those around us.

“Gender Acquisition" : The practice of gender performance aspects & learning of the "appropriate" thinking and behaviors of our gender assignment.

“Doing Gender” : Doing the performance of your gender (walking, talking, looking & acting, etc.)

“Gender Fluidity” : When an individual does not identify or fit in with either category of femininity or masculinity. They do not conform within the binaries & blur the lines of the gender binaries. 

“Gender Queer” : A person who challenges social norms regarding gender or does not with the gender binaries. 

“Gender Fluid” : An individual whose identity shifts or changes.

“Gender Questioning” : A person who is questioning, exploring or is discovering their gender identity.

“Gender Non-Conforming” : An individual whose gender expression differs from the cultural norms of their sex assigned at birth.

“Non-Binary” : An individual whose gender identity differs from the traditional binaries. They may use other gender indicators or choose not to identify with a certain category of gender.

“Transgender” : A person whose gender identity does not align with their gender assigned at birth.

Definition(s) from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

The “Regimes of Truth”: What is perceived as “appropriate” in any given context for any gender or sex. These are taken for granted rules about what people can say, who it is possible to be & what is possible to do.

“Queer”: Emphasizes fluid notions of power & identity and seeks to dismantle normal gender binaries.

Definition(s) from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

“Feminism” : There are several definitions and interpretations of “feminism”. One such definition is that feminism is a personal & political theory about understanding yourself and society regarding equality, justice, & social movements for all, especially the inclusion & affirming of women and their rights & expressions.

“Femininity” : The certain behaviors and performances that are ascribed to the binary of being a woman. These differences put women into fixed & oppositional boxes by the social processes of power and are constructed by a given society or culture. The definition of femininity can shift and change within a society as well.

Definition(s) from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

I want to use my platform to create media pieces or films that have or display political messages or drive for change, either straightforwardly or indirectly. These messages would be told creatively and spark thoughts within the viewer themselves.

One of my main goals is to shatter what people expect of me. I want to surprise people who do not believe in me or have doubt in me about the impact I can truly make. I want people who underestimate me, to have to bite their tongues.

Another goal of mine is to raise and use my voice, for a purpose and change. I have always been introverted and on the shy side, but it’s been suffocating.

I want to make meaningful and impactful connections through this journey.

When an individual makes premature judgements without having adequate information or based on inaccurate information received.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

The hatred of or contempt for women.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

Sexism: The discrimination against women & gender conforming individuals.

Genderism: The discrimination against individuals who don’t identify with the gender binary.

Looksism : The discrimination against individuals based on their look and appearance.

Definitions from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

Homophobia: The fear or dislike of individuals who are not or don’t identify as heterosexual.

Transphobia: The fear or dislike of individuals who are transgender.

Definitions from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

The system in which adult cismen dominate due to the power, resources, & authority given to them in society.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

Term coined by Laura Mulvey; Mainstream Hollywood movies are essentially made through and for the “male gaze” to fulfill a voyeuristic desire for both men & women. This encourages the audience to look at the women who are depicted as “objects” and look through the eyes of the male protagonist and viewpoint.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

What is perceived as “appropreciate” in any given context for any gender or sex. These are taken for granted rules about what people can say, who it is possible to be & what is possible to do.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

Seeing the body as an object and separate from its context, which is enforced and supported by the media, entertainment industries, & fashion practices.

Self-Objectification: The internalized beauty norms within yourself & seeing yourself through others.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

What is considered, expected & the standards are for a woman’s appearance.

Definition from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612

A system and ascribing power, resources & authority to certain aspects of gender arrangements. 

First Rank: Masclinity over Feminity 

Second Rank: Female/Male binaries over other gender identities/non-conformity 

Third Rank: Intersectionality (sexism, racism, heterosexualism, inequalities, privileges, etc.)

Definition(s) from or interpreted based on: Susan M. Shaw and Janet Lee. (Eds.) (2022). Gendered Voices Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings. 8th edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780197622612