My (much older) cousin shared what we call ‘the shirt story’. When he was very young, he saw a tee at a street festival with a large butterfly on it, and he really wanted that cool shirt. He never forgot how upset his parents were, and how he was aggressively dragged from the booth like he’d just declared his love for Satan.
This fellow is as heteronormative as they come. But thanks to this seemingly minor incident in his life, he’s just as aware as myself or any of my friends that the restrictions we place on gender in our society are ridiculous. We’ve allowed Things to define us — once we exit the womb that pink or blue box is waiting, the box filled with dolls and dresses or guns and cars, and don’t you dare peek outside!
I wish more parents were as intelligent and supportive as you. I love that you care more about his happiness, and less about him goose-stepping to the arbitrary gender rules.
