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@Emilia
I may have missed the boat a bit, but I'm a girl-who-rides-fixed and couldn't resist standing up and being counted.
Re. the technical boy-stuff - well, first of all it's not just boy-stuff - one of the best mechanics I know is a woman. But I have to admit that I'm crap at it (this probably has more to do with being a Pisces than with being a woman). I'm living proof that you can get by with the help of more technically minded friends, and by embarrassing yourself in bike shops. And if you're anything like me, you'll get very good at riding up hills, in order to balance out your pride!
Re. massive tyrannosaurus thighs - hmmmmm. I think it depends on how you're built to start with. I'm stocky, and put on muscle easily, so my legs are HUGE - but I've seen loads of female couriers (who probably do far more miles than me) who look all lean and toned and lanky. It might also have something to do with what gear you ride - I'm on 48x18. Any thoughts, anyone?
Re. getting away from lights at speed - I find I'm a bit slower than most (especially Bromptons) for the first couple of seconds, but usually overtake them before we've cleared the junction. I also find accelerating and cruising a lot more ...relaxing on fixed.
Re. Pentonville Road, etc. - much easier on fixed (but see 'massive tyrannosaurus thighs', above). I've got practically no experience of single speed, but I imagine that you'd lose all the benefits of gears, without gaining any of the benefits of fixed. But then again, so many people seem to ride them that perhaps I'm missing something...
Re. fashion thing - well yes. That's the only drawback as far as I'm concerned.