Summary

Gek, an imaginary friend from Janie Emaus's past, reveals their journey of self-discovery and decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery after decades of visiting children who needed them, reflecting the impact of societal changes on personal identity.

Abstract

In a heartfelt letter addressed to Janie Emaus, Gek, the writer's former imaginary friend, recounts their shared childhood experiences and the confusion they felt regarding their gender identity. Gek expresses gratitude for Janie's acceptance and for not imposing a gender label, which allowed Gek to explore their identity without constraint. Throughout the years, Gek has been a comforting presence for many children, helping them navigate their own imaginations and personal challenges. Now, with a clearer understanding of themselves, Gek is proud to adopt they/them pronouns and is looking forward to gender reassignment surgery, which is planned for the following year. The narrative highlights the importance of being true to oneself and the positive influence of a more inclusive, WOKE society in facilitating personal growth and acceptance.

Opinions

Gek appreciated not being assigned a gender label by Janie, which provided them with the freedom to explore their identity.
Gek felt out of place in their own skin and struggled with their gender identity during their time with Janie.
Playing with Janie was less complicated when they were alone, as it allowed Gek to avoid the complexities of gender roles imposed by others.
Janie's mother is remembered fondly for making Gek feel welcome, whereas her father's presence was intimidating and uncomfortable for Gek.
Gek's interactions with other children over the decades have shown that many children grapple with similar confusions about identity and gender.
The changing world and the concept of WOKE have had a significant impact on Gek's journey towards self-acceptance and the decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery.
Gek acknowledges the pain their departure caused Janie but emphasizes the necessity of their journey to find their true self.
The author, Janie Emaus, invites readers to follow her work, suggesting an ongoing narrative of personal discovery and societal commentary.

The power of WOKE

My Imaginary Friend is Transgender

Now I know the reason they left me

Dear Janie,

I don’t think you ever expected to hear from me again, but I felt compelled to write to you and explain how much you meant to me. My years with you were a difficult time in my life. Thankfully now with WOKE and the changing world, I can be my true self.

You see, I was quite confused when you invited me into your life. As were you. You had a new baby sister and the attention of your parents was now divided between the two of you.

I have to say, from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate that you did not give me a gender label. To you, I was just Gek.

I loved playing house when you assigned me the father role. But I wasn’t too keen on playing dress-up in all those frilly princess outfits. Or when you dumped me into your Barbie Doll collection and told Barbie to show me around.

Barbie assumed I was a girl, seeing as how I had feminine parts. She was constantly complaining to me about Ken, which caused me much discomfort. And I didn’t feel any of the hormonal things she talked about.

I preferred when we played alone. It was less complicated.

As for your parents, well, your mom was the best. She talked to me in that funny voice grown-ups sometimes use with babies, but other than that, she made me feel at home.

Your dad, on the other hand, was a bit scary. I could handle when he fed me at the dinner table. Even though he often missed my mouth. And I was really happy he didn’t like washing me in the tub. Remember how red his face turned that time you asked him to scrub my back?

It obviously wasn’t my back he was touching!

I felt better when he wasn’t in the room with us.

No matter how much you loved me, I always wondered why I felt so wrong, not at home in my skin.

I knew you weren’t ready for me to leave. Not like the boy in Puff the Magic Dragon. I heard you crying for me in the night. And for that I’m truly sorry.

The thing is, I had to find myself.

For the past half century, I’ve been visiting chlldren who needed me. Quite a few were just as confused as I was.

They all had vivid imgainations, just like you. Putting no limitations on where we could go or what we could do. It took many years, but I’ve finally arrived at my true self.

I’m scheduled for my gender reassignment surgery sometime next year. Until then I’m proud to say I’m going by the pronouns they/them.

Yours forever, your imaginary friend,

Gek

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