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Amanda's avatar

I love this! 😍 My partner is a trans man and I always raise an eyebrow when people get very excited about the sex of a forthcoming baby. Even assuming a child isn't trans or non binary, the presence or absence of a penis is not going to dictate every aspect of their personality and interests.

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Aubrey Hirsch's avatar

Yes! There's so much expectation put on your experience based on ONE thing. It's ridiculous!

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AprilCG's avatar

Last night, I went to a comedy show where I got irritated about all the gender stereotyping/polarizing jokes, so it was very refreshing to read this -- thank you. I have two boys, and I think two kids is just about right for me, but I am so curious about all the different kinds of people we would have had, if there were, like 18 of them!

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Carole Levine's avatar

Thank you! As a mother of 3 boys, I never "wanted" anything but a healthy child and our sons are all wonderful human beings who are now raising their own sons (and two daughters!)... Over 40 years ago, I was confronted with the same "aren't you hoping for a girl" as you. It always made me sad and frustrated that others wanted to direct my feelings about my children. Stand firm... and thanks again!

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Simon Brooks's avatar

This is beautiful. Thank you.

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Aubrey Hirsch's avatar

Thank you!

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Susan Sullivan's avatar

I was the girl in a family of four brothers and it was awesome! I am the mother of three girls and we definitely got a lot of “it’s another girl, how sad.” My three girls are each such unique personalities and each cherished beyond comprehension 💗

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Jane Teather's avatar

When my 2nd child was born it was the other gender. I remember feeling so furious when someone said how lucky I was. Turns out I wasn't lucky (or was I?) as I now have two of the same.

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Gwyn Cready's avatar

Great observations, Aubrey. There's a 2024 novel by Holly Gramazio called The Husbands, in which an unmarried woman magically finds herself in possession of a husband she didn't ask for. Soon, she discovers she can change him out for a new husband pretty much at will. It dawns on her that the husbands she's getting are all within the range of possibility, given the constraints she holds for a life partner. This reminded me of your wish to meet all of your potential children. The book is great. It raises so many interesting questions. I highly recommend it.

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Aubrey Hirsch's avatar

That is so interesting! Thanks for the rec!

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Dan Coffey's avatar

Aubrey, your kids are so lucky. What a moving cartoon!

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Aubrey Hirsch's avatar

Thanks, Dan!

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JP from NE's avatar

Thank you! I always get excite when a new graphic comes out, because your observations and insights are so appreciated!

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Aubrey Hirsch's avatar

Thank you!!

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AH's avatar

Every time you publish a new piece, it's my favorite- this is so lovely. I'm off to dream about my other children out there in possibility-land.

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Aubrey Hirsch's avatar

Aw. Thank you so much!

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Sebastian Crankshaw's avatar

This is lovely, thank you.

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Leon Brown, Jr.'s avatar

Wonderful, Aubrey!

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RG she/her's avatar

Beautiful Aubrey and very true x

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Catherine Prendergast's avatar

Brilliant as always. My son is a ballet dancer. :)

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Nina Gilliam's avatar

Absolutely beautiful! May every child born to every parent be wanted and loved like this!

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Helene Chlopan's avatar

I can relate, my younger son turns 50 this year, his brother is 53.

The thing I can never understand is how my sons got to be the same age I am.

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