“This poem is, at it’s most basic level, about my life as a trans boy. I’ve always felt a strong affinity to mythology and fairy tails, but while most kids were drawn to either the hero or the damsel he saved, I found that the tricksters were much more interesting. Not always the bad guys, mind you. I never much liked The Evil Queen or Jafar or Captain Hook, but the characters like the Cheshire Cat or Rumpelstiltskin not only interesting but in some cases even relatable. (Don’t worry I’m not going to kidnap any firstborns)
I’ve found that a lot of trans people, especially trans men, have had similar experiences. They didn’t want to be the princess, but they couldn’t be the prince, so they turned to a third category of oddities like themselves.
This poem was written about what it feels like to come out through the lens of a fairy tail life. It uses a lot of references to different stories, both classic and adapted ones, particularly the story of Rumpelstiltskin. (There’s 7 fairy tales all together, can you guess them all?) Unlike the happily ever after most heroes get, or the horrible demise that meets the villain, Rumpelstiltskin just leaves, finding his way in the world and trying to make the best of life, even if that means playing a few tricks…”
By @punkrorschach
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