Im here, on the other side ladies.

I am a woman well into my 40s. I used to insist people call me by a man’s name as a small child and growing up for a bit. I was raised in a very churchy midwest town, only child. The Thought of transitioning, then, in that area, was well kept out by church and lack of internet for us younguns. I barely knew what gay was, mostly from all the folk who called me butch and tomboy, got me curious to find out. Learned about cross-dressing but didn’t realize there could be more than my jeans n tees already. Cried so hard the day I woke up with boobs as a teen, late bloomer and thought I’d be spared. And yeah, if I could have been a dude, I’d be a hella gay one. Was very confusing growing up with all nuclear family ideals and not fitting any of them, including their idea of the variety of the gender and sexuality spectrum that “wasn’t allowed”.

I also wonder if we had the internet media tech, medical knowledge and availability earlier, or was born later, who I might be.

Prompt: A joyful toddler, dressed in a festive holiday sweater and holding a throwing knife, stands in a warm and cozy living room, surrounded by the remnants of a chaotic Christmas celebration. Wrapping paper and ribbons are scattered about, with several presents bearing the marks of the toddler’s newfound hobby - knives stuck in them at odd angles. In the foreground, a toy packaging box lies open, its bright and colorful design featuring the words “Knife Throwing for Beginners” in bold, cheerful letters. The room itself is a testament to the toddler’s enthusiasm, with small knives protruding from the furniture, the walls, and even the floor. The atmosphere is tense and dramatic, with strong shadows and highlights cast by the warm glow of twinkling Christmas lights. The scene is reminiscent of a Thomas Kinkade painting, with its warm and inviting color palette, but with a darkly humorous twist, as if the wholesome world of Kinkade had been turned on its head. The style is that of a fantastical and slightly unsettling Norman Rockwell, with intricate details and textures that invite the viewer to explore the scene further.