The idea hit me while I was drawing something else completely different: a non-binary mummy, who’s tattered strips form the color scheme of the non-binary pride flag. It was weird and silly and I knew I needed to draw it immediately. As I started to sketch ideas, I knew that I didn’t want this character to just exist in a blank void on the page. I brainstormed possible scenarios, and I landed on what would clearly be the most plausible. This non-binary mummy rising from the tomb to correct male archaeologists who keep misgendering them. This ended up being the first piece I pitched and created for Gender Terror, and the first of many more ideas I have.

This piece recalls horror that’s much cheesier by today’s standards, such as the old Universal mummy movies, but it also does touch on a very real horror of misgendering and a loss of control. Sometimes, it would be easier to have a monster spook someone into acceptance rather than correct them and talk about your preferred pronouns. But having this discussion can be an immensely empowering experience (as long as you’re in a safe environment to do so).

Enjoy my painting! I’m Will Jamison, a genderqueer cartoonist/illustrator, and you can find more of my artwork on Instagram and Twitter under @thewilljamison. Thank you so much for checking this out, and please let me know what you think!

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