Thank-you Patti, and of course, Brittney!
I’ve always loved seeing Brittney Smith’s pics over the years and sadly, they seem to have evaporated into the ether.
To have Brittney not only surface, but give the back story has made my day.
I was so sad that perhaps Brittney’s days en femme were over, or at least sharing the experiences, so my heart literally melted today when I read the two posts you made.
The description of Brittney’s experience is about as good and wonderful as it gets, and I can only imagine how many of us may have turned out differently if provided with such a nurturing environment.
Here's the quotes from Part 1 that particularly moved me and illustrated just what is possible with the right support:
“I found support from my mother and grandmother. They were understanding and open-minded, encouraging me to express myself in ways that made me happy. Over time, this support fostered a comfortable environment where I could be myself, blending traditional boyish activities with those typically associated with girls.”
“The primary sources of encouragement were my mother and grandmother. When they discovered my curiosity and experimentation with girls' clothes, they responded with openness, empathy, and acceptance… my mother and grandmother recognized the importance of allowing me to express myself authentically. …Their encouragement played a crucial role in creating a positive atmosphere that allowed me to feel comfortable expressing myself in ways that made me happy. This support helped shape my understanding of gender and allowed me to develop a healthy relationship with my own identity.”
Mother: “She not only allowed me to wear my sister's hand-me-downs but also took the initiative to shop for girls' clothes for me. This gesture communicated her unconditional acceptance and love. Her support went beyond just clothing, extending into creating an inclusive space within our home where I could be comfortable expressing my femininity.”
Grandmother: “Her understanding and open-mindedness helped shape a positive atmosphere that encouraged me to explore and celebrate my individuality.”
Sister: “Rather than feeling threatened or uncomfortable, she joined in the fun, turning dressing up into a bonding activity.”
“The women in my family …supported my exploration of femininity, promoting the idea that personal expression should not be confined by gender expectations.”
I'll just open another box of Kleenex now.