a very pleasant story
This is well written, though it can get a little preachy in one spot, not that what is said isn’t correct, but only explores those issues superficially which leans into the preachy part. However, there isn’t any deep exploration really of the whys and hows of the protagonist either so the preaching isn’t completely out of character for the prose.
It is an idealized version of reality, particularly given the state Texas is in now. It’s outright dangerous to be a trans kid in that state, not that trans kids have any choice about being trans, which makes it that much more dangerous for them. I desperately hope this insanity doesn’t continue down the path it’s going, if it is, we’re in for some very very dark and dangerous times. It’s the ultimate irony that the two countries who (I could be wrong about this so forgive me) played the biggest roles in freeing Europe, are now acting like the axis of evil.
But I digress. The story itself is pleasant and I can only dream that my childhood had gone even remotely like this. It absolutely sucks being a trans kid to parents who not only refuse to love and support us, but abuse us for being trans to boot, the medical neglect is bad enough (knowing there’s a treatment out there that will stop the horror of wrong hormone poisoning and not being able to access it is torture with life long consequences) but the abuse just compounds the trauma. But at least a part of me can read stories like these and pretend that it really worked out this way. Which is why I appreciate this one so much.