[ or, toxic masculinity from the perspective of a trans guy ]
when i came out as trans my warm and loving family supported me
but they treated me differently
when i came out as trans my dad asked if he should start slapping me on the back and socking me in the arm instead of hugging me.
when i came out as trans my mom wanted to know if i would still got with her on fun trips to the mall to buy clothes and home decor items.
when i came out as trans my grandfather looked positively startled and overjoyed when i kissed his cheek and told him to drive safe.
when i came out as trans my grandmother asked if it was okay if she hugged me in public or if it would embarrass me.
when i came out as trans my dad told me that he had a lot to teach me— he said this because i told him i thought make up was fun.
when i came out as trans my aunt apologized for kissing me on the forehead.
when i came out as trans my uncle gave me a handshake rather than a hug.
when i came out as trans my cousins hesitated to hug me at the door.
when i came out as trans my family hesitated to show me the casual affection and platonic love they had previously felt free to give.
end toxic masculinity.
show your sons as much affection as you would show your daughters.
let your sons indulge in beauty when they want to and always support them.
do not think for one second that the societal expectation of masculinity is more important than the individual feelings and needs of someone you love.
