> The flâneur is traditionally depicted as male and is a figure of urban affluence and modernity since he has the free time and ability to wander detached from

> The flâneur is traditionally depicted as male and is a figure of urban affluence and modernity since he has the free time and ability to wander detached from society, with no other purpose than to observe contemporary society with keen interest. I used to walk around a lot on the weekends with no destination in mind. However, after my transition from male to female, I realized the truth of this quote from the article. This sort of aimless strolling is mostly available to men. Although I still enjoy walking around, and prefer to live in a walkable city, I usually have a destination in mind. Invisibility in public space is no longer afforded to me. Now I am a target for eyes and unsolicited comments, and occasionally aggressive behavior. The heightened awareness of risks to my safety has somewhat diminished the joy of flânerie for me.