blonde feminine women vapid, shallow, dumb blondes. He got me a pitbull instead of a small dog (loved that dog to bits and pieces though) bc he thought small dogs were worthless and size shamed them, didn’t let me use makeup or nail polish, the list goes on and on. Now I’m an adult with tattoos and an army veteran, both things men use to insult me as “too masculine” or trashy, as if it doesn’t go deeper than that, from a father who made me think the worst thing I could be was just a girl (2/5)

Too many parents think their children are an opportunity to relive their own lives. I’m glad you found your way to yourself. You have every reason to be proud. And while I may not be your dad, I’m A dad, and I’m proud of you.

I resonate so deeply with this (except for the shit dad part, I’m so sorry he acted like that🥲). I’m a weightlifter, car girl, gamer girl, outdoorsy, and I work in auto body repair/painting. I struggled for a long time with my identity because I always felt too masculine and like guys wouldn’t like me because of my interests being too “manly”. I used to think that I’d have been better off as a man. But now I know being a strong, hands-on woman is just as sexy and cool as being more femme.

I only wish my girls to be strong and capable of taking care of themselves. If that's in pink dresses or army boots I don't care. So happy you found your own way and are happy, sad that you had to take that part to get there.

Oh how I wish society would stop with gatekeeping gender norms. I grew up on a house with a titan of a mother - masters degree in econ and super successful business woman after being a SAHM to raise her 4 girls through grade school before starting her career. My dad had a masters in engineering. Education and diligent work ethic was paramount. We all were in ballet and theatre, but also all had to work around the house, change our own tires. I was the younges. My personality was always 1/2

Grew up with lesbian moms--one butch, one femme. They let me march to the beat of my own drum. And I loved it, I love being me--not a boy, not a girl, just me. My parents always let me bring them wildflowers, moss and mushrooms. They didn't love the animal bones, though. They never forced me into any club or activity. I always got to choose. I love my moms 🩵

My 15 yo niece started out as a Minnie mouse girl. Loved skirts and dresses and such. Then by maybe age 9 preferred jeans and printed t's. She hasn't changed styles since. 1/1

I'm sorry you gone through that. Very glad that you refound yourself! I have exact opposite experience lol. I like videogames, comics, hate makeup, dresses and skirts. But my parents always told me that I'm a girl so I must wear makeup and it's "not normal" that I like things for "boys". It was mostly only verbal tho. It's also ironic than my mom was never femmenin herself. She never teached me anything that girl really should know(how to do my hair, nails, skincare etc) But I MUST be ladylike.