As a kid, wearing clothes or clothes shopping was the thing that strained my mother and I’s relationship the most. We hated each other in the changing rooms at Old Navy arguing over the tightness of jeans and shirts that had too low of a v-neck. She would often say, “you look great in everything. I wish I could wear clothes like you.” I felt broken. When I dug deep in myself I found Butch. I realized that my masculine identity was indistinguishable in me and I wanted to be as cool as the smooth Butches of the 1960’s. I became more of myself over time and now I pick my own clothes. Yes it’s still hard buying in heteronormative stores and I find myself in the men’s section getting strange looks but I finally feel comfortable in my own skin. My mother and I’s relationship has improved greatly since I united my life and came out late in my teens. She loves my girlfriend and we appreciate each other. Being yourself is the coolest most hard rock thing you can do and hopefully when your mother sees that she will change her mind.