19/08/2024
As a tomboy in the 80's and 90's, I contrasted sharply with my sibling. While our parents avoided gender stereotypes, society had other plans – especially when puberty arrived.
At 11, I became an "early bloomer," suddenly possessing a Kardashian-like figure. Overnight, I transformed from a carefree child into a symbol of womanhood, complete with my first period.
Before this, I was never one for frills. I spent my days with neighborhood dudes, skateboarding, collecting bugs, riding motorbikes, and climbing trees. It was a life of untold adventures and happiness.
Puberty changed everything. I wasn't "one of the guys" anymore, but "the girl with big b***s." My cherished activities and friendships faded, replaced by uncomfortable stares and whispers. My brother, meanwhile, felt pressured to engage in "dude things" he disliked.
Determined to reclaim my lifestyle, I joined sports teams. This backfired spectacularly, culminating in the humiliation of having my pants yanked down in gym class. Simultaneously, I faced an onslaught of s*xual attention and date requests.
Parents, take note: assume your 12-year-old is experiencing s*xual feelings, regardless of their development. Acknowledging this is crucial for open communication.
In hindsight, I wish my parents had been more comfortable discussing s*x and relationships. Without guidance, I navigated these waters alone, often turning to destructive outlets.
My experiences included:
- Being labeled a "slut" after my first kiss
- Suffering a beating from jealous girls
- Becoming a shoplifter
- A near-death experience with my first love
- Turning to alcohol for escape
- Enduring an abusive relationship
...and on and on
I don't blame my parents; they did their best with the resources they had.
Today, I'm a law-abiding citizen with healthy relationships. Sharing this isn't about shame, but about breaking the cycle of pain and misunderstanding.
While I don't want children myself, I recognize the importance of nurturing the next generation. We need comprehensive education on s*xuality, relationships, and emotional health.
My goal is to create accessible resources for those in need of guidance. I envision a platform offering affordable materials, with options for workshops and merchandise.
By sharing my story and creating resources, I hope to spark conversations, foster understanding, and provide the support I wished I had. Together, we can ensure no child faces these challenges alone.
This is a new venture. It might work, it might not but you'll miss 100% of the chance you don't take. If you want to be notified and receive weekly newsletters, sign up for my newsletter. I'll link it in the comments.
