[flamesabers]

Yes. I see the choice of a user name and avatar as being an important aspect of one's on-line presentation that affects how others view that person, and how he/she views him/herself. Speaking for myself, if a forum member has a non-feminine username and avatar, I tend to assume that the poster does not have or acknowledge a feminine gender identity. That, in turn, will influence the way I interact with that member on-line, for example by responding to a poster less freely and personably. It's not intentional really; more like the way you'd react to a person wearing a mask.

Clara

Interesting. My user name is gender neutral but my avatar has always been female. If I were to use a female user name, I would pick a name like Jade or Nova. Ironically enough, the cover I have for my checkbook has the word 'Nova' on it, though it's in reference to the astronomy term rather than the name. Jade bears some resemblance both to my given name and my birthstone.