hi Matt,
From the age of about 2–4 my son went through a stage of loving girl things, especially a long pink “princess” dress and pink tutu. His sister was 3 1/2 years older, both instantly in love since his DOB in 1991. She loved to dress him in her party clothes and accessories, sometimes adding lipstick. He reveled in her attention. Sometimes he casually slipped the pink dress on at home when he detected a “special occasion,” such as when his aunt and uncle visited us in New York from Dublin. When he wore the princess dress to trick or treat in the neighborhood with his pre-school class, (the only child to gender switch) people seemed surprised. Our physician commented, “I’m sure he’ll be alright.” At first I couldn’t even understand the reaction. During his birthday party a few months later, my son was oddly restrained. Then he stripped and put on the pink dress. Only after that did he become truly joyful. At this time, he was neither completely male or female. His behavior fluctuated. Sometimes he wore the tutu to pre-school over pants. Finally, stupid remarks from educated people got to me, and I began to wonder, “Will wearing pink or purple really make my son gay?” At a regular check-up, his pediatrician must have sensed that I was concerned and asked me if there was anything on my mind. I told him what had been happening, and asked, “If he’s gay, shouldn’t I just love him anyway?” (Which says so much about my confusion.)
I shared some of your experiences. Just hold on and love him.