Mooretoons

Back in 2018 when I started this story, my youngest child still identified as a boy. In the last three years, however, she has slowly come to identify as a woman. Like for many trans and genderqueer folks, this was not a linear journey, nor has she experienced an “I’ve always known” realization. For example, she still goes by Owen. At some point she may change her name, but it’s a lower priority than other things in her life that it’s not my business to go into. The main thing for this comic is that I have always consulted her about her portrayal in it, and as her identity and that of her comics counterpart diverged, it became clear I would need to introduce some kind of reflection of the changes the real Owen was experiencing. So I ran this scene by her and she thought it was funny, that it reflected some of the disorientation she experienced when she realized her truer self, but also the comedy of it. She also felt it worked with the story. She has a very good sense of humor and finds through it a sense of liberation and understanding. In that way we are very much alike. As this element of the story evolves, I will continue to consult her so that while the facts of her growth and self actualization will remain hers to choose to publicize (or not), the essence of her progress will find expression in this silly comic. I’m grateful that she finds it amusing.