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Wonderful & thoughtful!
Generally speaking I prefer stories where the main characters are older, but you have a talent with writing them, Miss Lamonte! Each of your characters felt real and nuanced (except for the nosy neighbor, of course!). I liked the Mum’s very believable doubts, Robert and Collin’s gender ambivalence, Amy’s friendship, Jessica’s interest in both Collin and Holly . . . . All of it.
You started by saying you wanted to write a supportive Dad, which I thought was great, but Collin was an equally pleasant surprise. It’s common in TG stories (including mine) for T-Girls to have a female guide. Often enough, an older sister. Putting the brother in that slot was a delightful change of pace.
Your Seven Dresses series was outstanding and this is maybe even better. Thank you!!!
— Emma
Thank you
I'm a little worried that Gwen's voice came over as a bit young for her 12 years, but overall I thought this one worked out as a nice piece of fluff with Mrs Greer providing that one little speck of obligatory unpleasantness.
Fluff?
I wouldn’t say it’s fluff. It doesn’t wallow in anti-trans bigotry, but the subject is acknowledged and discussed in a mature way throughout the story. The parents both want to do right by their kids, but they are clearly worried that life will be harder for the kids if they are trans, or even gender fluid.
Furthermore, I thought Robert’s discussion of his gender fluidity was one of the best explications of the concept that I’ve seen. So, if it’s fluff, it’s educational fluff!
On the age issue . . . some of Gwen’s reactions seemed young for her age, sure (like cuddling Mr. Flump). Others seemed old for her age, like her speech at Amy’s house when they went to get the bike. The one thing I recall firmly about twelve year olds is that they are caught between childhood and teenage years, with a tendency to go first one way, then another, with dizzying speed. I’d say you nailed it.
— Emma
I’ll still have my family.
fantastic!
Don't forget...
...Mr Flump
Don't forget Mr Flump
A lovely tale, probably a bit quicker than it would happen but it has a time limit to stop it being too long.
Angharad
We all need a Mr Flump
"He hits lonely if you don't give him loads of hugs" Don't we all?
This is a wonderful wonderful story, one of your very best, which I mean as high praise.
A lovely exploration of the difference between being gender fluid and trans, with a wonderful interaction between Gwen and Colin/Holly who was a wonderful older sibling.
I shall read this one again and again.
Thank you. Lucy xx
"Lately it occurs to me..
what a long strange trip its been."
Thank you Maeryn
With the number of estimated crossdressing men (5% or 15mil in US), there have to be a lot of these situations that come up in 'normal' families. I think the most common solution is to ignore it. You have to give Mummy J a lot of credit in this story. She tolerated Rachel but thought she was getting her traditional family back when Rachel was put away. I'd have to give credit to the dresses of mums that were given to the boys rather than any gene being passed down for the boys tendencies. But when faced with a clean house, laundry done, and a delicious cake, Mummy J must have thought there are certain benefits of having daughters (especially ones that aren't going to get preggers.)
I liked the way that Collin and Glen had their own paths that they followed. It must have been quite the thrill for Gwen to go to the park and then meet a friend. When she found out she could act normally with a girl friend and not get all mumbly, it was a real awakening for her. It may be that Holly's testosterone was kicking in when Jessica wanted Collin to come out and he was more than willing. Since Gwen had not experienced any part of puberty, that part of Glen never made an appearance and perhaps paved the way for the blockers and Gwens path in life.
I also have to give Jessica and Amy's parents a lot of credit for their reaction. I think they could tell the boys were sincere and wanted to be honest, but that was a real restrained response and I think sent the right message to their own daughters as well.
Now Mrs. Greer is a classic and perfect for this tale. Don't we all have our own 'Mrs. Greer' in our lives, crossdressing notwithstanding? Just a self-righteous, bitter person who has nothing better to do in life. My favorite are the ones that pluck Old Testament quotes out of context to make them feel better. Deut 22-5 is the favorite, and my response is to read the whole chapter and see if we should follow it (esp not wearing blended fabrics and best of all - stoning brides who can't prove they are virgins!) But like I say, there is one on every bus, and best just to ignore them.
I love your stories, Maeryn! Thank you for one that didn't have an a-hole for a father, but this was a beautiful story in all aspects. :DD
DeeDee
Deut 22v5
There's another, more involved argument for anyone who'll take the time to listen. Full details:
https://hoperemainsonline.com/index.php/transgender/
Not For Non Jews
The son of a Rabbi told me that Deut 22:5 is only for Jews and means that men and women should not sleep in each others tents.
Isaiah 56:4-5 is more suited for so called Transgender folk and carries the prohibition against same sex marriage. Those who follow that scripture are loved of God.
Down a rabbit trail
When trying to ascertain the true meaning of Duet. 22:5, is indeed an exercise in following a rabbit trail. Much more educated individuals than I, as a group, can't form a consensus as to it's relevance to any group or time.
In my research It became apparent that among Christian commentators that the views were colored by the commentator's own experience (often homophobic in nature). So I tried to see what the Jewish take on it was. I mean, after all, it is a Jewish scripture. The takeaway that I got from that effort was found in
https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-prohibition-of-cross-dr...
This site can be a bit hard to read, because some significant words are rendered in Hebrew script without English translations. However the takeaway is found deep within the document:
This points out that the prohibition refers to specific garments and not to all clothing in general.
Hugs
Patricia
Happiness is being all dressed up and HAVING some place to go.
Semper in femineo gerunt
Ich bin ein femininer Mann
I don't have a secret.
I like this story. Such open and constructive language sans venom and bile is always welcome. The tale is quite informative and complete. I'm going to have to read your work here on BCTS. Good job.
Ron
I like to think…….
That my sons were brought up to be more tolerant because of who I am. My parents were not, although later in life they seemed to be more understanding. How much of that was generational, versus due to their upbringing in a conservative Southern family is up to debate - but my mother especially seems to be accepting of her new daughter.
Jean reminds me of my own spouse in some ways. My spouse needed time to understand who I am, and why - but like Jean, she still loves who she loves. We also have found that honesty is what makes it work for us. That’s the fact that our relationship was always based on loving the other person for more than just physical things. I am still the same person, just a better version as my wife says.
It took time for my sons to understand and accept me as I am, but as I said, I like to think the fact that we raised them to be thinking, caring individuals made the difference. I am extremely lucky in that my transition did not cost me the love of my spouse or my three sons.
Understanding and loving each other is what makes a family. It’s too bad that not everyone understands that.
D. Eden
“Hier stehe ich; ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir.”
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus