George the Tomboy

This is my 4th Grade picture. I must have been around eight or nine. I went to Catholic school and was generally a rule follower. I was also a tomboy. I loved that rugby shirt though. Technically the shirt broke school dress code rules because it didn't button all the way down. But none of the nuns or other teachers ever said anything about it so it boldly made its way into my school picture.

Even though I went through some years as a teen and in my early 20s when I presented more feminine, I was always a tomboy at my core. I embraced my desire to be more masculine than feminine even though it was rural Upstate New Year (way, way upstate) in the 1980s and being a tomboy meant that I didn't fit into societal stereotypes.

When I was around the age in this picture, my dad had several friends who were mechanics who all worked together at a specific auto garage. It was common for us to stop by to say hello and hang out for a little bit. Over time, they started calling me "George." This was both something that was a bit confusing to me and something that I loved. They understood and openly acknowledged that I wasn't a feminine girl. The tone in which they used to call me "George" was never mocking or mean. They were always empathetic, endearing, and careful with their words. They never called me "George" in a joking way that made me feel bad. It was just my name when I was at the garage. I appreciated it because I felt like they were acknowledging the real me and letting me know I could be myself. I don't know how they collectively picked the name and started calling me George, but it just seemed natural and seamless.

Eventually I got older and stopped accompanying my dad to the auto garage and nobody called me George anymore. I have kept my given name, Jody, and have grown to own and love it. I still identify as a woman but embrace my masculinity and know that if I feel differently tomorrow, that is my own business. I won't mind if you call me Jody. And I won't mind if you call me George.