The mouths of babes

[I Am Paula]

On the sunday before Halloween I went into my regular coffee shop. Unbeknownst to me, the owner was having her five year olds birthday party. I paused at the door, and was quickly told they were still open, and to come on in and join the party. My coffee girls, the staff, and the owners have all seen me in both modes, and call me my appropriate name. I was crossdressed, presenting male that day, (dress pants, patent flats, big cozy sweater, purse etc.) One of the little princesses looked up at me, and asked, "are you a boy or a girl?". I was taken aback. I've used "by birth or by design?", "your guess is as good as mine", and "gender is a state of mind". None of these responses would answer a five year olds question. I thought of pointing over her shoulder, and saying 'look, an eagle', but went for the blank expression instead. My wife, bless her, without batting an eye, responded, "that's a boy, in his halloween costume". Her response, after just a second of thought, "You should put on some lipstick". How precious is that?

[HannahF6]

That is a lovely story. Hannah

[kimdl93]

So very cute...so did you put on the lipstick?

[AllisontheGoddess]

You wife is really quick on her feet XD

[Tracii G]

Well that is a smart kid go put on the lipstick!!!

[Kasandra]

children are so wonderful. What an awkward situation. Next time tell them that you thought it was a fancy dress party. lol

[Beverley Sims]

As Art Linkletter said, "Kids say the darndest things."

[LelaK]

How about: My body is a boy, but I'm a girl?

Or: I'm usually or sometimes a boy, but right now, I'm in girl mode?

Or: I'm Trying to be a girl (sometimes or always)?

[I Am Paula]

Children like a simple response that makes sense. Not about to teach a lesson in GID to someone else's child. But it reminds me. Someone once asked why I was wearing nail polish. I responded that I had put it on for halloween, and just not taken it off. He replied "It's April". -Celeste