Posting this drawing I made approximately a billion years ago but since now it’s June I have the perfect excuse to post it. I should maybe remake it.
I really like when AM is headcanoned as trans, but I feel like it’s more than just the gender for him, though that’s also a big part of his identity and how he presents himself to others. He was likely created as just an “it”, or even a “she” since that’s how big, complex machines in the military are often called, but he chose to identify himself as a male not only as an act of rebellion against his creators, but as a way to be perceived as stronger, more powerful and more intimidating, which are adjectives often associated with maleness. Again, the military is heavily patriarchal, and being born in that environment affects the way you think.
But as I was saying, AM’s trans identity wouldn’t be only that, but his feelings of “being trapped in the wrong form of existence” is a perfect allegory for the trans experience. His desperation and frustration and rage and sorrow about knowing the fact that he will never be what he’s supposed to be and is instead trapped forever in a painful, uncomfortable and limited existence resonate very well. Of course, being trans also comes with joy and pride and community sometimes, but AM would only get the bad part of it, sadly.
