Genuine Identity Discord
I'm an Elvin dancer.
Gay because of neutral tights,
a leotard that hugs my body
tighter than a grandmother
squeezing life energy
from a favorite grandchild.
I prize my appearance.
Still gay for liking
soft skin, manageable
hair, cut and polished nails
that don't resemble
violent cliffs and rocks.
I like to dress up.
Completely gay when
outlining my body
with make-up and skirts,
not feeling confined
to drab F.B.I. shades.
I have respect for women.
Wholly homosexual
as I make girlfriends
instead of taking them,
exchanging sensitivity
for random aggressive acts.
I'm an Elvin dancer.
Not gay, not homo-
sexual, just an average,
everyday sane male,
twirling in tutus if I
please, sparkling in glitter
forbidden by fairies.
I am me.
And no gender,
stereotype,
religious reference,
or tradition
can determine that for me.
Author Note: The title, "Genuine Identity Discord", is a parody of "GID" or "Gender Identity Disorder". GID, in today's medical terms, is still considered an illness, mainly due to Traditionalists believing that what makes men and women what they are is their genitals or out-dated stereo-types. GID is either seen as a serious mental problem or a precursor to homosexuality, not as a genuine statement of identity by a child. Parents have been institutionalizing their children over this issue, disturbed by a conflict of interest they helped create or a lack of understanding for the true identity their offspring desire to have. While the mental health community is pushing to get GID to be recognized more as a problem than a phase or actual self-establishment, there are activists vying to change this outlook, hoping to win their case and give future generations a chance to be who they want to be rather than be commanded to alter their identity for obsolete reasons.
What do you, as a reader, believe? Is there something terribly wrong with a boy who has feminine tendencies? Should girls only play house with Barbies and talk strictly with friends about marriage plans and stay-at-home careers? Is moving towards an androgynous society good, bad, or otherwise?
Tell me your thoughts, I encourage all kinds ('cause it takes "all kinds" to make this world, of course)!