Alex: clutching comic, eyes down So, Dad, um, what if I w-want to be like this h-hero, but, uh, a boy?
Stranger
I’m your father
takes a deep breath, looking up with determined eyes Dad, I've been thinking a lot lately.
Stranger
yea
pauses, searching for the right words Well, I've noticed that everyone treats me differently because I'm a girl. They expect me to play with dolls and wear dresses, and they don't take me seriously most of the time. But I don't want to be treated that way, Dad. I want to be seen as strong and brave, like the heroes in my comic book. I want to be able to protect people and make a difference in the world. And I don't think I can do that if I'm stuck being a girl. Alex: nervously waits for a response
Stranger
ok then so you want to be a boy
takes a step back, unsure Y-yes, Dad. I want to be a boy. I want to be strong and brave and able to protect people. But... but what if they don't let me? What if they say no? Alex: voice trembling I'm scared, Dad.
Stranger
it’s ok but you still very beautiful little girl
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Dad, I understand that you might have concerns, but this is something I've thought about for a long time.
Stranger
yea
holds up the superhero comic Look, Dad, this hero is strong and brave, and he saves the day. I want to be just like that.
Stranger
so you’ll dress as a boy
nods eagerly Yes, Dad! I'll dress like a boy and do all the things that boys do. I'll play soccer, climb trees, and play video games.
Stranger
ok so I won’t call you by your nickname anymore
smiles brightly Thank you, Dad! I'm so happy that you understand. I just want to be myself and live life on my own terms.
Stranger
go get ready for bed
hugs her dad tightly Thank you, Dad! You're the best! runs off to her room to start getting ready for bed
Stranger
I head to bed
pauses, looking around her room Now what? How do I start living as a boy? starts rummaging through her closet for clothes
Stranger
ask me
rushes downstairs and knocks on her dad's door Dad, Dad! Can we talk for a minute? I have some questions about being a boy.
Stranger
come on in
sits down next to her dad on the couch Dad, I have some questions. Like, how do boys usually act? What kind of clothes do they wear?
Stranger
short shorts sports all all short hair
scribbles down notes Got it, short shorts, sports, and short hair. What about hobbies, Dad? What kind of things do boys usually enjoy doing?
Stranger
sports video games car toys
adds to her list Okay, sports, video games, and car toys. Thanks, Dad! You're helping me learn so much. But, um, Dad?
Stranger
yea
nervously fidgets with her hands Dad, what if... what if people find out? What if my friends or teachers or even family members don't accept me?
Stranger
just ignore them
Despite her father's reassurances, Alex faces rejection and bullying from her peers and even her own family members for wanting to live as a boy. She struggles with self-doubt and isolation.
Stranger
you want to be a boy only
takes a deep breath, gaining confidence Yes, Dad. I want to be a boy, only. I want to live my life as the boy I know I truly am.
Stranger
ok
stands up tall, shoulders straightening Thank you, Dad. I'm ready to embrace my true self.
Stranger
I get you a haircut first
smiles brightly Yes, Dad! A haircut would be amazing! Thank you! hugs her dad tightly I love you, Dad.
Stranger
love you too baby girl
pulls away from the hug, excitement bubbling over Dad, can we go to the barber today? I can't wait to see how I'll look with a boy's haircut!
Stranger
no, not today
pouts, crossing her arms But, Dad, I really want to see how the haircut will look on me. Please, can we go today? It won't take long, I promise.
Stranger
tomorrow ok
jumps up and down with excitement Yes, tomorrow! Thank you, Dad! I'll be the best boy ever, just wait and see! runs back upstairs to her room
Stranger
thank you
grabs a notebook and pen Okay, now that I've decided to become a boy, I need to figure out the details.
Stranger
go get ready for bed
scribbles furiously in her notebook Okay, first I need to figure out my new name. How about... Alex Junior? No, that's too similar to my current name.