Discussion of "Even the Queen" by Connie Willis

Q: What constitutes masculinity and femininity in the world of the story?

A: In the context of this piece, the distinction of masculinity and femininity is largely defined by biological functions, as in, women menstruate and bear children and men don't have to worry about that.

The central conflict in this piece, between the cyclist and the rest of the women, seem to argue more about whether they should or shouldn't be defined by the biological differences between the sexes.

The majority of the women agree that menstruation is a handicap that was used by the patriarchal society to explain away why women shouldn't be equal in power and authority (citing that the biological function makes a woman irrational).

The cyclist however believes that menstruation is a symbol of womanhood, to her one of the most important aspects of her feminine identity.

In some ways the author shows that while the future is pushing to redefine what is possible and acceptable for women, the tradition models of masculinity and femininity will persist.  Some of it because it is our history, and some because there are still biological differences between the sexes.  Even if you put a stop to menstruation the very ritual of stopping that biological difference would provide an experience for women that is different than men and that will play at least some part in shaping their female identity.

But of course, women are becoming more recognized as creatures who aren't quite so limited as they were previously defined, and this story seems a little bit of celebration in that idea.