My Journey: Growing Up Different

👶My mother and maternal grandmother created a secret garden for me to express my non-conforming interests and play freely.

🏈I didn't fit into the typical masculine stereotypes as I didn't enjoy sports like other boys.

👔My father, a lieutenant colonel in the army, had different expectations for me and struggled to understand my creative interests.

💔Losing my father at the age of 11 was a difficult time, and I felt like I had disappointed him.

💍Despite feeling inadequate, my mother assured me that my father adored me and I was loved for who I am.

How did your family support your non-conforming interests?

—My mother and maternal grandmother created a safe space for me to play with dolls and explore my own interests.

Did your father have a hard time accepting your non-conformity?

—My father struggled to understand my creative interests and had different expectations for me as a boy.

How did losing your father at a young age impact you?

—Losing my father at the age of 11 was emotionally challenging, and I felt like I had disappointed him.

Did you ever feel inadequate because you didn't fit societal expectations of masculinity?

—Yes, I often felt inadequate and questioned my worth because I didn't fit into traditional masculine stereotypes.

How did your mother reassure you of your father's love?

—My mother told me stories and assured me that my father adored me for who I am, despite my differences.

00:00My mother and I had a unique relationship. She recognized my differences from a young age and created a supportive environment for me.

03:26I often felt like I was a disappointment to my father because I didn't conform to traditional masculine interests.

05:28Losing my father at a young age was devastating, and I questioned whether he truly loved and accepted me for who I am.

07:15I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and constantly questioned my worth as I didn't fit societal expectations of masculinity.

09:40My mother reassured me that my father adored me and I was loved for being myself, despite our differences.