I’ve been away from this space for too long and very much am looking forward to a return. Things have “heated up” in the domain of identity, at least in my mind, and so I’m definitely looking “out there” for support.
More on that in my next post.
I came here right now to reflect on the dynamics of summer. This is the second, if not third, year in a row when Q, in the summer, moves much further towards the feminine. Last summer was the beginning of the pony tail. This summer has been all about barrettes, nail polish, other hair accessories, tight shirts, etc. I definitely think that he feels a freedom during the summer without the subtle gaze of peers that occurs each day in school. He did some camp, and a swim team, but the day in day out experience of school was just not there.
And I think this has him let down his guard a bit. I find it intriguing to see what emerges during these times. And, looking ahead to the start of school in 10 days or so, I do think about the effect of being back in that peer group, now with even older kiddos……
For now, though, a snapshot from tonight. My hair was unruly due to pre-hurricane humidity, so I requested a barrette loan. Q donned one too and requested a photo.
Hence, barrette twins:
barrette twins
We were just thinking of you and Q yesterday as we were reading an article about Andrej Pejic (http://nymag.com/fashion/11/fall/andrej-pejic/). Very happy to see you blogging, and hoping for more in the future!
So happy to see you back, and looking forward to hearing more about the summer and gender identity. I hope the beginning of school goes well. Love the picture!
The freedom of summer
Here’s to ponytails, nail polish and hair accessories.
Welcome back.
I hope that he does not lose his identity once school starts, no matter what that identity is. It took me until much older to figure that out, unfortunately.