During her sophomore year of high school, our youngest daughter shares with me that one of her girlfriends, a friend she has known since kindergarten, now identifies as male. He cuts his hair, changes his name, and updates his clothes. At first, when she, that is he, comes over to the house, I have to make a conscious effort to use the correct pronoun. Once I yell downstairs, “Do you girlies need anymore popcorn?” Realizing my blunder, I hesitate and add, “I’m sorry. I mean do YOU need more popcorn?” He is always gracious about my “mistakes.” Within a short period of time, seeing her as him is no longer an effort, like dipping your toes into icy cold Lake Michigan; at first you feel a slight jolt, but within moments you’ve adjusted. It’s not quite so easy for my daughter’s friend at home. His parents cannot yet embrace the new story of their daughter. I’m glad that he finds … [continue reading...] about You Cannot Become What You Cannot See