Thank you, thank you - so glad I found the time to read this :)
I think this is the first time I've read a concrete description of the differences between "persona", "presentation" and "person" in the context of the SCA, and it's useful for me in explaining myself to others. As a relatively rare/fringe participant, I think your "it's not a persona, it's a wardrobe" is the shorthand I'm going to use from now on.
I initially started doing period menswear in order to pursue my 21st c. interest in 17th c. rapier - this was an activity seldom participated in by women so I figured that for greater historical accuracy I needed to adopt the male trappings to participate in this male activity. Over time I've found other reasons, many of which you describe above: taking the male role in fencing and dancing, ease of movement (my modern body trips over long skirts), feeling attractive without attracting aggressive male attention.
Lots to think on here, and I'll be bookmarking/directing others here.
no subject
I think this is the first time I've read a concrete description of the differences between "persona", "presentation" and "person" in the context of the SCA, and it's useful for me in explaining myself to others. As a relatively rare/fringe participant, I think your "it's not a persona, it's a wardrobe" is the shorthand I'm going to use from now on.
I initially started doing period menswear in order to pursue my 21st c. interest in 17th c. rapier - this was an activity seldom participated in by women so I figured that for greater historical accuracy I needed to adopt the male trappings to participate in this male activity. Over time I've found other reasons, many of which you describe above: taking the male role in fencing and dancing, ease of movement (my modern body trips over long skirts), feeling attractive without attracting aggressive male attention.
Lots to think on here, and I'll be bookmarking/directing others here.