Not in my house.

Here, no one will make my kids feel like they aren’t living up to some archaic versions of gender. Not here. In my home, my kids are safe. But I know danger lurks right outside our door.

So, mothers (and fathers), we must fight. We must fight this battle up and downhill. We must plant our feet firmly into the cement and brace ourselves for the insults, for the whispers, for the dismissals. I’ll be told I am “too sensitive” and that “boys will be boys.” But I will never falter. I will let my son play with whatever toys he wants. I’ll let him wear a dress or makeup if that’s what he chooses. I’ll encourage him to dance with abandon. And I’ll tell him it’s okay to cry.