18 Comments

This is why we need to facilitate trans youth expressing their identity. Anything else is just cruel.

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Semorine, you are so right about that.

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Love that ending "I think I’ll happily go as myself again this year. Because I have waited a lifetime to be who I am today and every day." Yes to that!

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Thanks, Jan! It’s a nice feeling to be myself after all this time.

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I couldn’t stand wearing the dresses or skirts, nylons or tights and dress type shoes I was forced to wear until the end of middle school. Wearing jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers was so freeing and much more comfortable.

Even as an adult, jeans and a t are my choices. No one should be forced to wear anything that doesn’t fit some preconceived notions of who they are and how they identify.

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I agree with you 100%. I don't care for dresses either and don't own one.

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Robin, you nailed it. I know myself and other trans folks who felt like Halloween was the one time you could be yourself. I still have a picture of me as Huck Finn for Halloween and I am beaming around a corncob pipe.

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Another touching story Robin. We should all be who we are.

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YES!! This exactly! Happy and safe Halloween Robin!🎃 Your true self is 👻😁 coolest guy! 👏

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Li, the happiest of Halloween hugs to you, too, my friend!

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"When you’ve spent more than half your life dressing up in a costume every single day, the last thing you want to do on Halloween is keep pretending. I have this gift now, this opportunity to show up every day as myself, and I can’t let that go."

Oh Robin. I'm late to this post, but I'm so grateful to be reading it now. I appreciate this invitation to see Halloween (and dressing up as self expression) through your eyes. My heart cheers you on as you show up every day now as yourself. A gift to yourself and a gift to others.

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That's just so excellent that you are able to be yourself. Beautifully told story, thank you for sharing!

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Robin you’ve written much more “literary” stuff than this… but this article helped me personally to imagine and understand that concept of not feeling comfortable with the gender one is being raised as more than any other article

Mainly just wanted to share the feedback! Many “Kid” experiences, like Halloween, are so universal (at least within a specific culture) it made it easy for me to imagine it all. As always thanks for sharing.

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You gave me goosebumps.

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"Because I have waited a lifetime to be who I am today and every day." So powerful.

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So beautifully, clearly written, Robin. Hope you’re planning to publish these little golden nuggets as a book. They are heartfelt gold. 🥇🥇🥇

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Love this so much! Congrats on being your true self all day everyday. You are amazing. 🙌

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I love that you're able to go as yourself - and that it makes you feel happy and free. I want that for all the kids (and adults!) in the world. I think the visibility you're giving them by sharing these deeply personal experiences is so important.

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