Why Do I Look Like...This? The SexyCyborg Origin Story

Naomi Wu

Naomi Wu

37 min, 40 sec

Naomi Wu explains the reasons behind her unique appearance and gender expression, influenced by her upbringing and cultural context in China.

Summary

  • Naomi Wu, also known as SexyCyborg, shares her story in response to criticism about her appearance and to clarify misconceptions.
  • She was born during China's One-Child Policy era and was raised as a boy due to societal pressures, despite being biologically female.
  • Naomi's journey includes gender expression challenges and embracing her identity as a Dee, a term in Thai culture for an ultra-feminine lesbian.
  • Her appearance is an affirmation of her gender identity and visibility, rather than for sexualized purposes or male attention.
  • Naomi seeks understanding and acceptance while continuing to focus on her passion for technology.

Chapter 1

Introduction to the Issue with YouTube

0:00 - 1 min, 53 sec

Naomi Wu discusses a recent issue with YouTube demonetizing her content due to her appearance.

  • YouTube limits monetization on Naomi's video, citing the shape of a low-resolution cardboard dummy as sexually suggestive.
  • Naomi contests the decision, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and the platform's inconsistency regarding content from male creators.

Chapter 2

Sharing the Origin Story

1:53 - 57 sec

Naomi Wu decides to share her personal story to address public assumptions and misunderstandings about her appearance.

  • Naomi feels compelled to share her story to defend herself against negative assumptions about her looks.
  • She prepares the viewers for a personal narrative that explains her unique gender expression and the reasons behind it.

Chapter 3

Childhood and Family Dynamics

2:50 - 1 min, 57 sec

Naomi recounts her childhood in China during the One-Child Policy and the societal pressures that influenced her upbringing.

  • Born in Guangdong, China, Naomi was affected by the One-Child Policy, which led to a preference for male children due to societal obligations.
  • Her paternal grandparents insisted her mother become pregnant with a boy before marrying her father, a common practice at the time.

Chapter 4

Cultural Expectations and Personal Identity

4:47 - 1 min, 29 sec

Naomi explains how cultural expectations shaped her gender identity and the consequences of defying family wishes.

  • Traditional Chinese values of filial piety made it difficult for her parents to defy her grandparents' wishes for a male heir.
  • Naomi was conceived after several terminated pregnancies and was raised as a boy, despite being biologically female.

Chapter 5

Early Life and Gender Presentation

6:17 - 57 sec

Naomi discusses the early years of her life, living with a gender identity that did not align with her biological sex.

  • Naomi lived as a boy until she was 16, at which point her true gender was revealed when she attended boarding school.
  • Her struggle with gender identity was compounded by social and legal pressures, leading to a difficult and confusing adolescence.

Chapter 6

Gender Expression and Aspirations

7:14 - 1 min, 25 sec

Naomi shares how her aspirations for a feminine appearance were influenced by the women she saw during her childhood.

  • As a child, Naomi admired the beauty and femininity of the women she saw in her neighborhood, desiring to emulate their appearance.
  • Her experiences in boarding school allowed her to finally express her gender identity through clothing and personal style.

Chapter 7

Transition to Feminine Identity

8:39 - 1 min, 29 sec

Naomi describes her transition to living as a female during her teenage years and the support she received.

  • Transitioning to her feminine identity in boarding school, Naomi received support from her peers who helped her adapt to her new presentation.
  • She embraced her femininity and rejected any association with her previous male socialization.

Chapter 8

Discovering Sexual Orientation and Dee Identity

10:09 - 2 min, 58 sec

Naomi discusses her realization of her sexual orientation and her identification with the Thai cultural concept of a Dee.

  • Naomi discovered she was attracted to women and identified as a Dee, a term used in Thai culture for ultra-feminine lesbians.
  • She explains the Tom-Dee dynamic, similar to the butch-femme dynamic in Western lesbian culture, and her position as an Ultra-High-Femme Dee.

Chapter 9

Gender Expression and Cultural Differences

13:06 - 3 min, 36 sec

Naomi addresses the cultural differences in gender expression and the importance of visibility and identity in her appearance.

  • Her gender expression is not for male attention but rather for visibility and affirmation of her gender identity.
  • Naomi's appearance as a Dee is meant to assert her femininity and attract recognition from others within her community.

Chapter 10

Acceptance and Professional Challenges

16:42 - 4 min, 53 sec

Naomi reflects on the challenges she faces professionally due to her appearance and the importance of controlling her narrative.

  • Naomi's appearance has led to professional challenges, but she values the ability to control her narrative and maintain her reputation.
  • She seeks understanding and a fair chance to demonstrate her abilities, hoping to be judged on her skills rather than her appearance.

Chapter 11

Maintaining Gender Expression

21:35 - 1 min, 57 sec

Naomi explains the personal significance of maintaining her gender expression and the negative impact of attempting to conform.

  • Attempts at a more conservative appearance led to personal distress, highlighting the importance of her chosen gender expression for her well-being.
  • Naomi acknowledges her unique journey and accepts the reasons behind her appearance, despite external criticism.

Chapter 12

Career Development and Personal Growth

23:32 - 1 min, 34 sec

Naomi discusses her career development in coding and personal growth, including her gender-affirming surgeries.

  • Naomi pursued coding as a career and underwent breast augmentation as a form of gender-affirming surgery.
  • She emphasizes that her implants are not about pleasing others but about reflecting her identity and feeling comfortable in her own skin.

Chapter 13

Life Choices and Relationships

25:07 - 1 min, 44 sec

Naomi shares her life choices regarding relationships and how she navigates societal expectations in China.

  • Facing the prospect of a loveless marriage for social acceptance, Naomi chose to live authentically and find a partner who understood her situation.
  • Her relationships and public persona are carefully managed to align with social norms while maintaining her true identity.

Chapter 14

Embracing Identity and Seeking Acceptance

26:50 - 3 min, 25 sec

Naomi embraces her identity and seeks acceptance while acknowledging the challenges of explaining her gender expression across cultures.

  • Naomi has found acceptance and understanding in Thailand's LGBT community, which has helped shape her identity.
  • She hopes for acceptance of her gender expression as a personal choice rather than a means to attract male attention.

Chapter 15

Conclusion and Reflection on Personal Journey

30:16 - 7 min, 20 sec

Naomi concludes by reflecting on her personal journey and the reasons behind her gender expression and appearance.

  • Naomi is happy with her appearance and the realization of her childhood aspirations, despite the misunderstandings it may cause.
  • She provides further resources for those interested in the cultural issues discussed and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to explain her story.