She/her

By: Katelyn Tijerina

I stare at myself in the mirror. I brush my hair. I do my makeup. I put on a floral dress. I eat breakfast. I go to school. I walk down the hall. People pass screaming 

“Hey Cole”

“What up Cole”

“I like your dress, Cole” my name is Violet. I sit down at my desk. Roll call begins. A string of names roll by my ears. 

“Kai, Arnold, Evan…” the teacher stops, staring between her computer which has last years’ picture of me under my name. I sheepishly raise my hand. 

“Violet, Violet Dunne” the teacher seems to understand and continues.

“Dan, Caleb” she finishes and goes on a lecture normal first-day stuff. No food, be respectful, dress code as if we haven’t had the same lecture every school year prior. I continue the day. At lunch, I bring a book and sit down.

“Hey Cole” my old friend Ben chuckled 

“My name’s Violet” I mutter, whisper more than speak

“I’m sorry, what?” I look him in the eyes hoping they’re burning through him. 

“My name’s Violet,” I say more prominent. He just rolls his eyes and walks away. I sigh.

“Look at him” people snicker from a table nearby, I chose to ignore them

During class, I ask to use the restroom only one girl and one boy allowed to go at a time. The teacher says yes. I walk and hope nobody noticed I grabbed the boys’ pass. My chromosomes dictate the bathroom In which I defecate in. I get on with the rest of the day. I get home. My little sister is the first to jump in my arms. 

“Sissy I missed you so much” why is she better at this than a whole highschool. 

Citations: Picture from “Transgender Flag 3×5.” Northern Sun, www.northernsun.com/Transgender-Flag-3×5-%282278%29.html.