I've always had very macho taste in movies.

"I've always had very macho taste in movies," Divine once declared, her words carrying with them the weight of both defiance and self-understanding. In this brief yet evocative statement, she speaks not only to the films that captured her attention, but to a deeper truth about identity, expression, and the complexity of the self. Divine, known for her larger-than-life persona and defiance of societal norms, brings forth a paradox: she, a figure often associated with flamboyant femininity, confesses to a deep connection with the world of macho movies, which are typically dominated by men of strength, aggression, and physical prowess. What she reveals is a fundamental aspect of the human spirit—that our desires and tastes are not confined to the boxes the world places upon us, but can span the full spectrum of experience, unshackled by expectation.

In a world where identity often follows prescribed patterns—where men are expected to embrace masculinity and women to embrace femininity—Divine's statement stands as a testament to the power of self-definition. She challenges the notion that one's taste, or the art one chooses to engage with, must align with conventional gender roles. Divine's connection to macho films is not a rejection of her own identity, but a profound expression of her authenticity, a reminder that we are not limited by external labels. Her confession speaks to the deeper truth that we can love and appreciate the energies of the world without being confined by them.

This idea, that the self is a vast and varied landscape, is echoed throughout the stories of history. Consider the warrior queens of antiquity, such as Boudica, who led her people in revolt against the Roman Empire with the strength and fury of a man, but whose courage and leadership also spoke to the deeply feminine power within her. In this fierce queen, we see a merging of seemingly contradictory elements: the masculinity of the warrior, the femininity of the mother and the ruler. Boudica's legacy, like Divine's taste in film, challenges us to see the world and ourselves as multifaceted—to understand that the boundaries of identity are often illusions, and the true strength lies in embracing all that we are, without restriction.

Divine's choice to express affection for macho movies is a declaration of her refusal to be limited by society’s expectations. Movies are a reflection of society, and often, they shape and reinforce the roles we are given. Yet, Divine, in all her brilliance, recognized the power in flipping the script. She embraced films that celebrated masculine energy, not as a rejection of her femininity, but as a celebration of her ability to navigate the full spectrum of existence. By aligning herself with this genre, she reclaimed the power that was often reserved for men on screen, asserting her own strength and versatility. This is a reminder for us all: the stories we choose to embrace shape our identity, and we hold the power to choose stories that reflect the complexity of who we truly are.

In our own lives, we are often given paths to follow, choices that seem dictated by our roles in society, by the circumstances of our birth, by the expectations placed upon us. Yet the true heroes of history—the ones who leave a mark on the world—are those who embrace their authentic selves, unafraid of contradiction or complexity. Think of Leonardo da Vinci, who, though known for his intellectual brilliance and mastery of art, also studied anatomy, mechanics, and engineering with the fervor of a soldier. His curiosity and desire to explore the full breadth of human experience made him not just a man of art, but of science, of invention, and of exploration. Da Vinci, like Divine, was not constrained by the expectations of others, but rather, he expanded the very definition of what it meant to be human.

The lesson, then, is clear: do not be afraid to embrace all parts of yourself. Like Divine, we must refuse to let societal labels determine the boundaries of our tastes, interests, or passions. We must explore the full range of human experience, appreciating and engaging with all aspects of life—whether they seem to fit with our outward identity or not. In doing so, we find not only greater freedom but a deeper connection to the world around us. It is in the mixing of elements, in the blending of the seemingly incompatible, that the most powerful versions of ourselves are born. Like Divine’s taste in movies, we too must find comfort in the contradictions that make us whole, and trust that our authentic selves can only be realized when we honor all that we are.

Thus, as you walk your own path, take a moment to reflect on the places where you may feel constrained—the roles and labels that have been placed upon you by others or by yourself. Release the fear of embracing what does not seem to "fit", and celebrate your own complexity. Just as Divine found strength and inspiration in films that defied expectation, so too can you find your power in the full spectrum of your being. Live boldly, live authentically, and in doing so, you will create a life that reflects not the world’s narrow vision of who you should be, but the vast and glorious truth of who you truly are.