Self-Organizing Man

The Ordinary Man Project - Willem Elias Dunham

May 13, 2005 – 3:26 pm

Wil Dunham was born and raised in the Midwest and has been living outside D.C.  for the past three years. 

“I’m moving on to Richmond, Virginia for a bit, then out to travel for a year or so to work on a book project.  I’m 47 (until this fall), and am almost 2 years into my transition and pre-operative due to financial constraints and lack of insurance.  Surgery will be self-funded, unless I hit the lottery.

I’ve been self-employed off and on as a handyman and have worked at a good number of other occupations.  My love, my passion is photography.

I’m about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime…living a free rambling life and working as an artist. I have 3 series of cards due to come out shortly.  I’ve been accepted into a national juried show for next year, and I have several artistic photo projects in the planning stage.  I’ll spend the next year or so travelling the U.S. and Canada, interviewing and photographing queers for a book about being ‘Everyday Queer’. 

It’s my hope that by showing the commonality of the human condition across race, gender, class and orientation, it may serve to move us forward on the road to equal citizenship.”  See Wil’s work.

What is the most marked characteristic of masculinity that surprised you?
The changes to my face…my head looks square and I look like another version of the me I’ve known all these years.

What is the quality you most like in being a man?
Finally being taken seriously.

What do you most value being a man?
The inner peace I’ve found and the extended life expectancy.

What is a characteristic of masculinity that appalls/disgusts etc?
My own masculinity?  I’m fine with it.  The masculinity of others? The posturing and machismo.  It’s so unnecessary.

What is it that you most dislike about being a man?
Realizing that I can be accused of a myriad of things that never occurred to me before.

What is it that you most like about being a man?
Again, the inner peace and finally having recognition of my skills and abilities.  (Even though they were the same pre-transition.)

What are three things you want to share with nontrans (natal) men about what you’ve learned as a man about being a man?
Women are not the adversary.
Kindness, compassion, and tenderness are not your enemy, nor are they a sign of weakness.
We are not the center of the universe

What advice would you give to a man just starting hormones?
Nothing is instant.  Relax and enjoy the ride.  Even if it seems a little scary or weird in your head…chances are  it’s been the same for others.  Look to your trans brothers for advice and just the sense of not being alone.

What is your motto?
Life is too brief not to live your dreams.

Boxers, briefs or commando?
Depends on where i’m at and what i’m doing.