if you ignore the rules people will, half the time, quietly rewrite them so that they don't apply to you.
— Equal Rites, Terry Pratchett
I've been re-reading Terry Pratchett's book Equal Rites, one of his very first novels set on the Discworld*, and one explicitly concerned with gender roles. The main character, Esk, is the Disc's first female wizard, having being accidentally gifted the magic of a dying wizard that thought she was a baby boy. This quote perfectly sums up her 9-year-old attitude toward the world, but it struck me how much it applies to transpeople too. Self-confidence and fearless determination make all the difference in the world.
* This probably won't be the last time Pratchett comes up on this blog; he's one of my very favorite authors, and has written quite a bit about gender, faith, and other thought-provoking subjects.
Self confidence begins with growing healthy love for yourself which springs from knowing you are a Child of God. Fearless determination eminates from knowing your cause is just and essential which can flow from the witness of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice in truth! Laurie.
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