Are you a boy or a girl?

In response to the Daily Post: Unpopular

Tell us about a time when you had to choose between two options, and you picked the unpopular choice.

Are you a girl or a boy? That was the question I got asked at least every single day growing up. In fact, it didn’t stop when I stopped growing. A middle aged greek man at work asked me this question my 2nd day. I told him I was a little of both. Shock registered on his face and I knew I’d done well. If you feel like asking inappropriate nosy questions, then I’ll make you feel rightfully uncomfortable.

Even in the 1990’s, which were a somewhat gender neutral time period, it was expected that I adhere to some rigid dichotomy of dress style based on what was between my legs. What a bore. People took it upon themselves, many whom I didn’t even know, to tell me that I was making the wrong decisions on just about everything. My hairstyle, my choice of clothing, my interests, my friends, my manner of speech, etc etc. Not only this, but I’d get called a tomboy if I displayed any sense of adventure, assertiveness, athleticism or interest in nature. Viewed through their sexist lens, a real girl couldn’t possibly display any of these characteristics, so therefore a new name that politely excused me from girlhood must be used to describe me.

Making unpopular decisions on just about everything gave me a unique perspective, made me very empathetic, open-minded, and outspoken. These are traits that even the gender police can’t take away.