When my mother and I joined the church which was indirectly associated with school my mother was very open with both and let them know that I was not a normal boy emotionally as well as other things. I don’t think gender identity was even a term then but I’m sure that’s how I would have been classified now. I personally don’t think I had difficulty identifying with my gender I just enjoyed frills and girlish clothing and that role.
I was assigned a Guidance Counsellor when I arrived, and I was blessed to have been assigned a lovely younger lady rather than one of the traditional old school types. The counsellors were there for emotional support and help guide us through our teenage years. Looking back there was a heavy emphasis in making sure we towed the religious line according to the church doctrine. In simple terms no drinking, drugs, sex, no rebellious behavior, and volunteer for church, school, and community-based activities.
Miss Brown was so kind, and she understood I was struggling socially, and she really encouraged me to join some of the many small clubs that the school and church organized. Other than golf I was not interested in anything that remotely was focused on boys, so she asked me what I enjoyed doing at home and on weekends. I was embarrassed to admit I loved cooking, baking, sewing things with my mom, etc. All clearly very traditional female activities.
I ended up going the Baking Club, Cooking Club and Sewing
Club in 11th grade and I struggled to fit in the first month or so,
naturally I was the only boy in these clubs. There were lots of giggles and
snickers from some of the girls, but Miss Brown gently prodded me to keep attending
as well as sit with any of the girls who were shy or appeared to not be fitting
in as well. I suspect Miss Brown spoke
with the teachers who were leading the clubs because the next time I attended
each of them suggested I sit with a specific girl.
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