My little boy, Leo, has an undeniable passion for everything that zooms and rumbles. He’s energetic, loud, and adventurous, and it seems like everywhere we go, people are quick to comment, “He’s such a boy!”—usually with a wink or an approving nod.
But Leo also has a softer side; he adores dolls, loves wearing princess dresses, and gravitates toward sparkly accessories. When given the choice, he always opts for vibrant pink and purple crayons. Yet, these preferences rarely earn him the same enthusiastic remarks. More often, they’re dismissed with laughter, as if he’s merely imitating his older sister.
At just 2 ½ years old, Leo seems blissfully unaware of the societal pressures that may soon tell him that his love for certain toys is “for girls.” I can’t help but worry that, as he grows, he might abandon his favorite pink shoes and butterfly leggings in favor of more traditional “boy” attire. While he embraces both cars and princesses, I fear he’ll feel the need to choose one identity over the other.
Despite Leo’s “boyish” traits—his love for trucks and speed—I hope he can continue to enjoy a rich tapestry of interests. It pains me to see well-meaning strangers and even friends reinforce traditional gender norms without acknowledging his affection for pink. Yes, he lights up at the sight of a train, but he also chose a princess sticker at the doctor’s office over a car sticker.
People might think I dress him in colorful clothes out of stubbornness or a misguided attempt at gender neutrality. The truth is, Leo is simply a child exploring his world. He pairs his favorite truck shirt with butterfly leggings because he likes them, not because I’m pushing an agenda. While I cherish this open stage of his life where he can freely express himself, I wish more individuals could celebrate all aspects of him.
You might be asking, “Does this really matter?” If Leo enjoys running, climbing, and playing, then surely he’ll be fine, right? Perhaps my concern runs deeper than just him. Each “such a boy” remark resonates with me because it reflects the larger issue of how society views gender. Many children, especially those who don’t conform to traditional gender norms, face pressure and isolation. The very culture that applauds Leo for loving trucks while ignoring his affinity for princesses is the same one that marginalizes transgender and gender-non-conforming kids.
When the story of a father who wore skirts and nail polish to support his gender-non-conforming son went viral, my social media feed was filled with praise for him. Yet, many of the same voices who celebrated him often express a longing for daughters to dress up or dismiss Leo’s interests in a flippant manner.
While most people say they would support their child if they identified as transgender, mere verbal support is insufficient. We must embrace freedom of expression for all children and reject the notion that their identities should fit into restrictive categories. The messages we share about gender around our children are impactful. When kids hear adults say that boys love trucks and girls wear dresses, they internalize those ideas, creating a divide that leads to bullying and exclusion.
So yes, please tell Leo you love his truck shirt, but don’t forget to compliment his butterfly leggings too—it matters more than you think. For further insights on this topic, you may want to check out this blog post on home insemination.
In summary, it’s essential to recognize that children like Leo should feel free to embrace all their interests without societal pressure to conform. By promoting an inclusive environment, we can help foster open-mindedness in the next generation.