Lilor81

So why am I so into transgender literature? Why does it fascinate me? I remember the exact day that it started. It was 1988. I was a thirteen-year-old eighth grader. Those were rough times. I was not an athlete, not strong, not cool, and desperate to fit in. In the eighties, bullying was kind of a joke, a punch line. Boys were expected to not only enjoy sports, but to excel at them. We were expected to be tough and be cool. We were expected to fight. I did not enjoy sports. I was bad at them, and would rather read a book. I was not socially adept. Today, the words ‘nerd’ and ‘geek’ are kind of badges or honor, but at the time, they burned. Gym class was hellish, and of course we had it every day. The other boys would realize how bad I was at sports, how awkward, and want to fight. It was a vicious cycle. I’d come home covered in blood and spit (they spat on me) and wish my life could be different. I would notice the girls on the other side of the PE class, girls who were not expected